Food and Inferred Feeding Behavior of Northern Sand Lance (Ammodytes dubius)

1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Calanus Finmarchicus ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Selective Feeding ◽  
Filter Feeding ◽  
Sand Lance ◽  
Food Items

Gut contents of northern sand lance (Ammodytes dubius) were identified, measured by volume, and compared to volumetric analyses of plankton hauls. A. dubius is a plankton feeder, copepods (mainly Calanus finmarchicus) constituting about 65% of its food by volume. It combines filter feeding with selective feeding on larger food items such as euphausiids and fish larvae.

scholarly journals Interannual variability of diet composition and prey preference of larval redfish (Sebastes spp.) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-594
Author(s):  
Corinne M Burns ◽  
Félix Lauzon ◽  
Stéphane Plourde ◽  
Pascal Sirois ◽  
Dominique Robert
Keyword(s):  
Interannual Variability ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Calanoid Copepod ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Calanus Finmarchicus ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Reproductive Phenology ◽  
Prey Identification ◽  
Sebastes Mentella

Abstract Spatiotemporal overlap between fish larvae and their planktonic prey is an important source of recruitment variability. Over the past decade, one species of redfish, Sebastes mentella, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) produced multiple strong cohorts following decades of low recruitment, which has generated strong interest in identifying potential drivers of larval survival. The present study provides the first detailed, multi-year assessment of larval redfish (Sebastes spp.) trophodynamics. Interannual variability in larval redfish diet composition and prey selectivity was assessed using high-resolution prey identification of larval gut contents and in situ prey fields. Eggs from the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus represented the most frequently consumed prey in 3 of the 4 collection years, and contributed the largest proportion of carbon ingested by redfish larvae in all years. The high consumption of C. finmarchicus eggs by larvae, combined with evidence of positive selection for this taxon in some years, supports the hypothesis of a strong trophic link between larval redfish and a key calanoid copepod in the GSL ecosystem. Our results indicate that future efforts investigating GSL redfish recruitment processes should consider environment-driven variability in the reproductive phenology and abundance of C. finmarchicus.

scholarly journals Preliminary findings on the food and feeding dynamics of the anchovy Stolephorus commersonnii (Lacepède, 1803) and the Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1817) from Tanga Region, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
Baraka C. Sekadende ◽  
Joseph S. Sululu ◽  
Albogast T. Kamukuru ◽  
Mathias M. Igulu ◽  
Shigalla B. Mahongo
Keyword(s):  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Juvenile Fish ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food And Feeding ◽  
Rastrelliger Kanagurta ◽  
Penaeid Shrimps ◽  
Ring Net

Small pelagic fishes play an important role in the ecosystem by linking planktonic production and higher trophic level predators, and provide a livelihood to both the small-scale and commercial fisher communities. This study analyzed the food and feeding habits of Stolephorus commersonnii (Lacepède, 1803) and Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1817) from the ring-net fishery in Tanga, Tanzania. A total of 1 434 and 320 stomachs of S. commersonnii and R. kanagurta respectively were examined for gut contents using the relative volumetric method. S. commersonnii was found to be a planktivorous carnivore, feeding principally on planktonic penaeid shrimps (48.6%), fish larvae (33.2%) and zooplankton (12.3%). R. kanagurta was found to be carnivorous, feeding predominantly on fish (60.6%), mainly S. commersonnii, while penaeid shrimps, juvenile fish, and juvenile stages of squids formed 26.5% of the total number of food items in R. kanagurta guts. Both S. commersonnii and R. kanagurta exhibited ontogenic diet shifts, where they fed exclusively on small prey as juveniles and consumed larger food items as they grew. The index of vacuity was higher in S. commersonnii (46.1%) than in R. kanagurta (16.6%). This study revealed the importance of penaeid shrimps as food for S. commersonnii, that in turn formed the main food for R. kanagurta. This implied that the two species were able to coexist in the same niche by avoiding interspecific competition for food.

scholarly journals Effects of light-dark cycle on the spatial distribution and feeding activity of fish larvae of two co-occurring species (Pisces: Hypophthalmidae and Sciaenidae) in a Neotropical floodplain lake

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 763-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. S. Picapedra ◽  
P. V. Sanches ◽  
F. A. Lansac-Tôha
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Floodplain Lake ◽  
Calanoid Copepods ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Food Items

Abstract Most studies on mechanisms regulating fish larvae processes have focused on assessing the isolated effects of food distribution and feeding behavior. However, in natural ecosystems, fish larvae may strongly interact with zooplankton organisms in an array of complex, direct and indirect interdependencies. This study analyzed the spatial distribution, diet and feeding behavior of early stages of Hypophthalmus edentatus and Plagioscion squamosissimus, two fish species co-occurring in an isolated floodplain lake, during the light-dark cycle. Larvae fed more actively during dark periods (dusk and night) when they migrated toward the surface of the lake, and remained on the bottom and fed less during light periods (day and dawn). Cladocerans represented the most frequent prey in the diet of H. edentatus larvae. In turn, P. squamosissimus larvae initially preferred cladocerans and, as they developed, included calanoid copepods in the diet. Significant differences were detected in the frequencies of food items consumed during larval development, which could be related to a better ability of the most developed stages to explore the environment in search of other prey.

scholarly journals Feeding habits estimated from weight-related isotope variations of mesopelagic fish larvae in the Kuroshio waters of the northeastern East China Sea

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 639-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiping Mei ◽  
Yu Umezawa ◽  
Xin Wan ◽  
Jinghan Yuan ◽  
Chiyuki Sassa
Keyword(s):  
East China Sea ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
East China ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Mesopelagic Fish ◽  
Selective Feeding ◽  
China Sea ◽  
Larval Fishes ◽  
The Kuroshio

Abstract Bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotope (SI) ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were analysed to investigate the feeding habits of six taxa of mesopelagic fish larvae inhabiting the Kuroshio waters of the northeastern East China Sea. Large variation in tissue SI during early larval periods suggested maternal effects from parent fishes, and non-selective feeding on a variety of plankton species due to poor swimming ability. The similarity between SI ratios measured in larval tissues and those estimated for eggs of an “income breeder” in the spawning area support an “income breeder” strategy in Diaphus slender type and Vinciguerria nimbaria, while Lipolagus ochotensis seemed to show “capital breeder”-like characteristics. SI ratios of the fish larvae studied became relatively constant at species-specific body dry-weights (0.5–1.0 mg), probably due to the commencement of selective feeding, meaning SI ratios during late larval periods could be used for trophic position analysis. There was great overlap (44.6–76.5%) in trophic niche among the larval fishes within the same taxonomic family of Myctophidae. Even if principal diet components cannot be identified with gut contents analyses, diet information from other fish species occupying a similar isotopic niche can thus improve our understanding of the diets of larval fishes.

Feeding behavior of 5 species filter-feeding bivalves on Paralichthys olivaceus feed,fecal and sediment particulates in cage farming area

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihong ZHANG ◽  
Tao WU ◽  
Yaping GAO ◽  
Wang TANG
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Paralichthys Olivaceus ◽  
Filter Feeding ◽  
Farming Area

Opportunistic feeding by desert bats (Myotis spp.)

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 526-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Fenton ◽  
G. K. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Selective Feeding ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Black Light ◽  
Opportunistic Feeding

By using a 'black light' and playback of sounds made by foraging insectivorous bats, we examined opportunistic feeding behavior of bats near Camp Verde, Arizona, between 1 and 10 June 1975. Bats were significantly most active during 15-min periods when the light was on and insects were aggregated over it. Bats feeding over the light selectively pursued and captured larger insects, apparently ignoring the smaller ones. Bats did not respond to sounds simulating feeding buzzes of bats, but showed a slight response to the foraging sounds of other bats. Opportunistic feeding by insectivorous bats allows effective exploitation of patchily distributed food resources and can lead to selective feeding when 'hatches' of insects are involved. Opportunistic feeding is not incompatible with selective feeding, and may eventually be established as a strategy common to most insectivorous bats.

Larval sand lance (Ammodytes sp.) in the diet of small juvenile wolffish (Anarhichas spp.): predatory interactions in frontal water masses off western Greenland

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 1759-1767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Munk
Keyword(s):  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Prey Type ◽  
Ontogenetic Changes ◽  
Sand Lance ◽  
Larval Size ◽  
Predatory Behaviour ◽  
Dietary Shift ◽  
Abundance Estimates ◽  
Anarhichas Lupus

The predatory behaviour of two species of juvenile wolffish (Anarhichas lupus and Anarhichas minor) was studied during a field campaign across a frontal area off western Greenland. The study focused on ontogenetic changes in prey-type and -size preference of the wolffish and their predatory impact on a cohabiting population of larval sand lance (Ammodytes sp.). Sampling took place along a cross-shelf transect at latitude 66°20' N, and the analysis is based on stomach contents of assembled wolffish (2–5 cm in length) and abundance estimates of plankton and fish. An ontogenetic change in wolffish prey preference was evident as a dietary shift from copepods and smaller amphipods to larger amphipods and fish larvae. The inclusion of fish larvae in the wolffish diet led to a marked increase in prey biomass, and fish larvae constituted up to 77% of diet biomass in the largest juveniles caught. Wolffish selectively targeted the smaller-sized part of the larval sand lance population; hence, larval vulnerability increased with decreasing size. Comparison between estimated predation rates and abundances of predator and prey indicated larval predation mortalities of up to 5% per day, with mortality peaking in the vicinity of a hydrographic front. Hence, findings suggest substantial predation pressure on larvae, primarily related to larval size and distribution.

scholarly journals Diet Composition and Seasonal Fluctuations in the Feeding Habit of Snow Barbel (Schizothorax plagiostomus) in River Indus, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Muhammad Qayash Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Anjum ◽  
Shamim Akhter ◽  
Irfan Khattak ◽  
Abid Ali
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Feeding Habit ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Unit Effort ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
River Indus

Background:Schizothorax plagiostomus is widely distributed in river Indus and is most important food fish in Pakistan. The feeding habit of fish is directly related to the size of fish, its metabolic rate and environmental temperature. The accurate description of fish diet and feeding habit is a very important aspect in fisheries management for the purpose of species conservation, breeding and culture. The present work was aimed to investigate the specie abundance, the diet composition and seasonal variations in the feeding habit of Snow barbell Schizothorax plagiostomus.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 1799 fish specimens were caught at the confluence of six tributaries along river Indus at Indus Kohistan, northeastern Pakistan. The fish were collected by 5-panels of gill net during first week of each month. The site specific Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) and season specific CPUE of fish fauna were assessed. For the gut content analysis 240 samples (99 male and 141 females) of S. plagiostomus were selected on monthly basis. Frequency of occurrence method and volumetric method were applied to record the different food items in the gut of S. plagiostomus. The physico-chemical parameters, NO3 concentration and dissolved Co2 of water from different localities of river Indus were recorded month wise by Hach sensION 156 meter, Horiba LAQUA Nitrate Meter and EA80 meter respectively. Significant difference was observed in water temperature during the four seasons. Except alkalinity no other water parameter showed significant variation across different localities. The results showed that highest Mean CPUE was observed for Darel Stream (0.55) and lowest for Jalkot stream (0.26). Peak abundance of fish was recorded in the month of November with a mean catch of 44.50, mean CPUE of 0.74 and mean Kruskal-Wallis rank value of 63.25. Spirogyra and Ulothrix occurred as maximum food items in the gut of S. plagiostomus during summer while their minimum amount occurred during autumn. According to the ranking index spirogyra and ulothrix ranked higher with significant difference in comparison to other food items. The results showed that S. plagiostomus is phytophagous in its feeding habit, which consumed mainly algae attached to stones and pebbles during the whole year. However, the presence of some secondary items such as animal matter, detritus, sand and mud might be due to the distinct availabilities of food along the seasons. The highest feeding activity of S. plagiostomus was recorded during summer while the lowest one occurred during autumn, spring and winter. Discussion: Catch per unit effort (CPUE) is an indirect measure of the abundance of a target species. It is used as an index of stock abundance in fisheries and conservation biology. During the study low fish fauna was found in River Indus as reported previously. Majority of the fish occurred in snow fed river tributaries in the study area as these tributaries are comparatively less turbulent. Previous studies have also recorded that Schizothoracine generally prefer clean waters. The present findings of gut contents analysis showed clearly that S. plagiostomus is a phytophagous fish which scrap and consumed spirogyra and ulothrix attached to stones and pebbles. Earlier it was reported that mouth of S. plagiostomusis is inferior, wide, with deep lower jaw having keratinized cutting edge and the lower lip is folded and expanded with numerous papillae making it best suited for scrapping algae attached to stones and pebbles. The highest feeding activity was observed during warmer months as compared to cold months. S. plagiostomus spawn twice in a year in autumn and in spring. The highest feeding activity of S. plagiostomus seems to be link with a reflex of recovery strategy due to physiological process of gonadal development.

Acute toxicity of naturally and chemically dispersed oil on the filter-feeding copepod Calanus finmarchicus

2012 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjørn Henrik Hansen ◽  
Dag Altin ◽  
Anders J. Olsen ◽  
Trond Nordtug
Keyword(s):  
Acute Toxicity ◽  
Calanus Finmarchicus ◽  
Filter Feeding ◽  
Dispersed Oil ◽  
Chemically Dispersed Oil

Food of the Black Duck and Grey Teal in Coastal Northern New South Wales.

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
GN Goodrick
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Flood Plain ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Terrestrial Invertebrates ◽  
Food Items ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Water Beetle ◽  
Black Duck ◽  
Maize Grain

The study area of 500 km2 was humid and subtropical, on flood plain near Coraki, New South Wales. Gut contents were examined and the percentage by volume of different food items is tabulated for black duck (Anas superciliosa) and grey teal (A. gibberifrons). Black duck fed on flooded meadow-grass flats in autumn, moving when the flats dried to seasonal swamps, and when those also dried, to lagoons. Diet varied with place. Seeds of grasses, swamp plants and lagoon plants were eaten, with water snails and water beetle adults and larvae, water spiders and ostracods, and terrestrial invertebrates being eaten when the dry flats became flooded. They ate also waste maize grain from harvested fields before ploughing. Grey teal fed in the seasonal swamps in winter and then left the area almost completely; they ate almost the same items as black duck but fed by the muddy edges of seasonal swamps more than the black duck did. It was known that black duck strip seed from the growing plant and grey teal pick up the fallen seed.

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