Sardenne Fany auteur aut IRD Raynon T. auteur aut IRD Munaron Jean-Marie auteur aut IRD van der Lingen C. D. auteur aut IRD Sadio O. auteur aut IRD Diop K. auteur aut IRD Brosset P. auteur aut IRD Lebigre C. auteur aut IRD Soudant P. auteur aut IRD Vagner M. auteur aut IRD Pecquerie Laure auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access The interpretation of delta C-13 values in trophic ecology requires standardization of the lipid content of organisms estimated through their C:N ratio. To avoid time-consuming lipid extractions, the use of mathematical corrections has been developed for many years, and the conclusions generally point in the direction of species-specific adjustment of the models. This study aimed at defining the maximum taxonomic level required to obtain the best corrected delta C-13 values in small pelagic fish of the order Clupeiformes. delta C-13 values of six species were analyzed bulk and lipid-free, and were used to fit and validate linear and mass-balance models at different taxonomic levels. Despite a species effect combined with the C:N ratio effect, the corrected delta C-13 values produced by a global model for the Clupeiformes were as good as or better when compared to lipid-free samples than those produced by species-specific models, paving the way for possible generalization to other species in this order. At the order level, the linear model outperformed the mass-balance model. specialized Carbon isotope Clupeiformes C:N ratio Lipid removal Trophic ecology ATLANTIQUE 034 021 020 192 106213 [6 ] 2023 0141-1136 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010088733 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106213 0141-1136 [F B010088733] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010088733 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2024-01/010088733.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2024-01-12 2026-06-12 fdi:010088733 fre