scholarly journals Diet of the rasptail skate, Rostroraja velezi (Rajiformes: Rajidae), off Piura, Peru

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Molina-Salgado ◽  
Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto ◽  
Adriana González-Pestana
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Peruvian Coast ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Specific Index ◽  
Northern Peru ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance

Batoids are among the least studied group of vertebrates and one of the most vulnerable to fishing. The rasptail skate, Rostroraja velezi, is a bycatch species in northern Peru for which there are no studies on its diet. This research aims to document the diet of R. velezi on the northern Peruvian coast and to determine if there are sex-based differences in the diet. A total of 74 R. velezi stomachs were collected, 59 of which had stomach contents. The cumulative prey curve showed reliability in the number of samples collected. According to the prey-specific index of relative importance, diet was dominated by Acanthephyra sp. (31%), other unidentified Caridea (15%), and unidentified teleosts (17%). A low significant difference in diet between sexes was found (R = 0.21, P < 0.01). The trophic position of R. velezi was 3.9 ± 0.7. This species displays bentopelagic feeding behavior and it is a secondary predator in northern Peru.

Feeding ecology of the piked spurdog Squalus megalops (Chondrichthyes: Squalidae) in the Gulf of Gabès (central Mediterranean Sea)

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Sondes Marouani ◽  
Hasna Kadri ◽  
Sami Karaa ◽  
Mohamed Nejmeddine Bradai
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Ecology ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Gulf Of Gabes ◽  
Gulf Of Gabès ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Three Factor

The present study investigated the feeding ecology of the piked spurdog (Squalus megalops) in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) with regard to sex, size class and season. A study of stomach contents from the 630 individuals examined showed that the species consumed teleosts (percentage index of relative importance (%IRI)=80.32), cephalopods (%IRI=11.96) and crustaceans (%IRI=7.68). A three-factor multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) demonstrated significant differences in diet related to size, season and sex. Trophic position analysis revealed that S. megalops is a secondary consumer throughout its life. Quantitative analysis indicated that the species is a generalist feeder with an ontogenetic change in preferred prey from crustaceans to teleosts. The niche breadths of S. megalops in both sexes were broad.

scholarly journals Bio-Ecological Traits of Western Tubenose Goby Proterorhinus semilunaris (Heckel, 1837): A Key to Understand Its Invasion Success

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülşah Saç
Keyword(s):  
Standard Length ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Invasion Success ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Ecological Traits ◽  
Tubenose Goby ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Proterorhinus Semilunaris

This study aims to contribute to the limited knowledge on the bio-ecological traits of the native Western tubenose goby, Proterorhinus semilunaris, which is considered to invade many inland waters in Europe and North America. During monthly sampling surveys from March 2012 to June 2013, the species was collected from the four stations in the Istranca River (Turkey) by electrofishing. The standard length and body weight of 310 samples varied between 1.4–6.1 cm and 0.08–7.09 g, respectively. The sex ratio of female to male was found to be 1.7:1.0, with a significant difference. The values of the exponent b in the length–weight relationship were approximately 3 for females, males, and all individuals, indicating an isometric growth. The size at first sexual maturity was 2.44 cm standard length (SL) for females and 2.29 cm SL for males. Absolute fecundity ranged from 56 to 344 eggs with a mean of 164 eggs. The food composition of the species comprised of 8 major groups: Insecta (Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, Trichoptera, Coleoptera), Arachnida, Annelida, Gastropoda, Crustacea, Pisces, plant, and detritus. According to the results of modified index of relative importance (MI) and index of relative importance (IRI), insect and Diptera were the most prevalent prey for this fish. The present study has provided baseline information on the basic biological traits of the fish in its natural habitat for further understanding of this species success of invasion.

Hard prey specialists or opportunistic generalists? An examination of the diet of the cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Collins ◽  
M. R. Heupel ◽  
R. E. Hueter ◽  
P. J. Motta
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Charlotte Harbor ◽  
Severe Damage ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Cownose Ray ◽  
Rhinoptera Bonasus ◽  
Group Feeding ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance

Atlantic cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) are benthic, suction feeders whose foraging activities have been implicated in severe damage to commercial shellfish industries. With jaws highly modified for durophagy, it has been assumed that R. bonasus are crushing specialists that feed primarily upon hard molluscan prey. Stomach contents from R. bonasus caught within Florida’s Charlotte Harbor estuary between July 2003 and July 2004 were analysed using the index of relative importance (IRI) to determine most important prey types. Prey items were identified from 38 families and fell into nine distinctive groups. The three most dominant prey groups were crustaceans (%IRI = 55.31), polychaetes (%IRI = 25.20) and bivalves (%IRI = 12.58). Shoalmates had more similar diets than non-shoalmates, suggesting group feeding. Most small or softer-bodied prey consumed were relatively intact, indicating lack of prey processing and capture through suction feeding. All larger, harder-bodied prey showed evidence of crushing (fractured and broken shells). Although R. bonasus has been characterised as a hard prey specialist, these results suggest it may behave as an opportunistic generalist, modifying feeding behaviour to consume readily available prey.

scholarly journals Feeding habits of Aspitrigla cuculus (L., 1758) (red gurnard), Lepidotrigla cavillone (Lac., 1802) (large scale gurnard) and Trigloporus lastoviza (Brunn., 1768) (rock gurnard) around Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands (E. Mediterranean)

2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. TERRATS ◽  
G. PETRAKIS ◽  
C. PAPACONSTANTINOU
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Bottom Trawling ◽  
Percentage Frequency ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance

The feeding habits of the three most abundant gurnard species, red gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus), large scale gurnard (Lepidotrigla cavillone) and rock gurnard (Trigloporus lastoviza) in the eastern Mediterranean (Dodecanese and Cyclades, Greece) are examined. The stomach contents of the gurnard specimens collected in April and September 1996 by bottom trawling were analyzed. The % frequency of occurrence, % number and % weight of prey types in the stomach contents were evaluated. By weight, Mysidacea and Decapoda dominated in the diet of the three species in both seasons, however the Index of Relative Importance, as well as the percentage frequency of occurrence varied. Rock gurnard presented the most diverse diet whereas the diet of large scale and red gurnard were more specialized. High overlap in terms of number was found between rock and large scale gurnard in May. Rock gurnard had the most divers diet in both seasons.

Swordfish Xiphias gladius diet in the Florida Straits

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 695-706
Author(s):  
Amy M Heemsoth ◽  
Amy C Hirons ◽  
Caroline M Collatos ◽  
David W Kerstetter
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Crustacean Species ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Xiphias Gladius ◽  
Florida Straits ◽  
Prey Length ◽  
Positive Significant Correlation

Swordfish Xiphias gladius inhabit the Florida Straits year-round and provide a significant role in the food web as top-level predators. However, little is known about the diet composition and thus ecological role of swordfish in Florida. This study investigated swordfish diet by analyzing stomach contents of 131 swordfish in the Florida Straits from April 2007 to December 2008. Identifiable species included 13 teleost species, 3 cephalopod species, and 1 crustacean species. Cephalopods dominated the swordfish diet by weight (72.4%) and number (69.9%), and ranked highest in importance in the diet by the index of relative importance (IRI; 81.5%). Teleosts occurred the most (99.1%) but represented the second highest importance in diet by weight (25.2%), number (26.3%), and IRI (17.6%). Illex sp. was the prey with the greatest dietary importance, followed by unidentifiable ommastrephid squids. Stomach fullness index values ranged from 0 (empty) to 8.98 (mean = 0.37). A positive significant correlation between swordfish length and prey length was found (r2 = 0.104, P = 0.037), and no significant correlations were found between swordfish weight and prey weight (r2 = –0.075, P = 0.065). This is the first study to report a comprehensive diet of swordfish inhabiting waters in the Florida Straits region and suggests swordfish may be opportunistic feeders, altering their diet when abundance or presence of prey changes.

scholarly journals Diet of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) on Marajó Island (Pará, Brazil)

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
MP. Almeida ◽  
PMO. Lins ◽  
P. Charvet-Almeida ◽  
RB. Barthem
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Freshwater Stingray ◽  
Marajó Island ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance

The stomach contents of 137 examples of Potamotrygon motoro caught in 3 locations (Muaná, Afuá and Lake Arari) on Marajó Island were analysed. The values of the Index of Relative Importance (IRI) and its respective percentage (%IRI) were calculated. The level of repletion 1 (¼ full) was the most representative for both sexes, as well as for immature and mature specimens. Most of the food items found were well-digested. The food items identification indicated the presence of 15 orders, including insects, mollusks, crustaceans, annelids and fish. Differences in diet were observed among the locations studied when comparing %IRI, crustaceans being the most preferred in Afuá, fish in Lake Arari and mollusks in Muaná.

scholarly journals Diet and feeding habits of Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795) from northern Kerala, South-west coast of India

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. P. Manojkumar ◽  
P. P. Pavithran
Keyword(s):  
West Coast ◽  
Prey Size ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
West Coast Of India ◽  
South West ◽  
South West Coast ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Maximum Similarity

Composition of the diet of greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795), caught from northern Kerala, south-west coast of India was studied and described. The stomachs of 1981 specimens were collected between January, 2012 and June, 2014. Analysis of stomach contents based on index of relative importance (IRI) revealed that this species is exclusively piscivorous. Contrary to other benthic predators of the study area, it mainly feeds on pelagic and demersal fishes(IRI = 63.2), molluscs (IRI = 17.86), crustaceans (IRI = 18.33) and other miscellaneous items (IRI = 2.54). The diet of S. tumbil were found to be related to the seasonal availability of resources, occurrence of juveniles of certain species and on the migration of fishes from nearby places to the study area. Significant changes in prey items were observed between predator length groups, but a positive, significant relationship was recorded between prey size and predator size (p<0.05). Statistical analysis indicated a uniform representation of different diets in the stomach. Maximum similarity in diet between different food items was found in April and November.

scholarly journals Analysis of diet composition and morphological characters of the Peruvian lizard Microlophus stolzmanni (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Beuttner ◽  
Claudia Koch
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Northern Peru

Analysis of diet composition and morphological characters of the Peruvian lizard Microlophus stolzmanni (Squamata: Tropiduridae). Microlophus stolzmanni is a diurnal lizard that is endemic to the dry forest of northern Peru. Little is known about the ecology of the species and the composition of its diet never has been studied. The stomach contents and morphological features related to feeding behavior are analyzed herein. Microlophus stolzmanni is a semi-herbivorous food generalist that also consumes animal items. All age groups prefer sedentary prey for which M. stolzmanni forages actively. As the lizard matures, plant material becomes a more important part of the diet.

Diets of commercially exploited fish from Bass Strait and adjacent Victorian Waters, south-eastern Australia

1984 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Coleman ◽  
M Mobley
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Food Items ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Major Food ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Commercial Species ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Stomach contents were analysed to investigate the diets of 52 commercial species of fish. Fish were collected from Bass Strait and adjacent Victorian waters, south-eastern Australia; samples effectively covered the whole of the Victorian coast. Particular emphasis was placed on estimating the importance of arrow squid, Nototodarus gouldri in the diets of the species investigated. For most of the species investigated, the major food items (expressed as the proportion of stomach contents by number, weight and volume or through the calculation of the Index of Relative Importance) were fish or crustaceans. Cephalopods were found in the diets of 21 species but provided a major proportion of the stomach contents in only six species. Arrow squid did not appear to be a major item in the diets of any of the species investigated. For those species that eat large amounts of cephalopods, it appears to be octopus, rather than squid, that is of most significance in the diet.

scholarly journals Diet Composition and Trophic Level of Greater Forkbeard Phycis blennoides (Gadiform: Phycidae) from the Algerian Coast

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-144
Author(s):  
Zakia Alioua ◽  
Soumia Amira ◽  
Farid Derbal ◽  
Mounira Rachedi ◽  
Lamia Bahbah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Level ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Algerian Coast ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance

Abstract The diet of the greater forkbeard Phycis blennoides (Brünnich, 1768) of the Algerian coast was studied between December 2013 and June 2015, providing information on its ecology for a better understanding of the feeding strategy. A total of 956 individuals, whose total length (TL) varied between 9.7 and 54.5 cm and weight (W) between 2.80 and 1334.11 g, were examined. The index of relative importance (%IRI), combining the three main descriptors of the presence of different ingested prey (%F, %N, %W), was used to characterize the relative importance of different food taxa. Qualitative and quantitative variations in diet were studied according to sex, size and seasons. The average annual digestive vacuity index (%V) was 5.51. It did not vary between seasons (x2cal = 5.43, x2th = 7.82, α = 5%) and size (x2cal = 2.08, x2th = 5.99, α = 5%), but was different between male (%V = 4.94) and female (%V= 12.78). Qualitative analysis of stomach contents reveals a fairly diverse range of predation with 1342 preys counted for a total weight of 462.84 g, which corresponds to an average number (AN) and weight (AW) of 3.03 and 1.04 g, respectively. This species feeds on benthic preys, composed mainly of natantia crustaceans (%IRI = 44.84) and teleost fish (%IRI = 2.61) with intraspecific preys (%IRI = 6.15). This cannibalism was frequent in specimens with a TL that exceeds 20 cm; it was even more frequent in females as well as in winter. Significant differences in feeding habits of P. blennoides occurred according to sex, fish size and between seasons. The trophic level (TROPH) was high (3.66 < TROPH < 3.97), corresponding to carnivorous character.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document