Naslov
Diet composition of greater weever, Trachinus draco (Linnaeus, 1758) captured in the eastern- central Adriatic Sea in relation to fish size, season and sampling area

Autori
Šantić, Mate ; Pallaoro, Armin ; Rađa, Biljana ; Jardas, Ivan

Izvornik
Journal of Applied Ichthyology (0175-8659) 32 (2016), 4; 675-681

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
greater weever ; Trachinus draco ; diet composition ; Adriatic Sea

Sažetak
The diet compositions of greater weever, Trachinus draco, from the eastern-central Adriatic Sea, were investigated with respect to seasons, fish size and sampling locations. Analyzed were the stomach contents of 592 specimens, total length (TL) of 9.9–31.2 cm, collected by commercial bottom trawls from January to December 2008. The frequency of empty stomachs varied significantly with the season (43.3% maximum during winter ; 6.8% minimum during summer). Prey items identified in the stomachs belonged to seven major taxonomic groups: Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Decapoda, Mysidacea, Isopoda, Amphipoda and Teleostei. Decapods were the most important prey (%IRI = 72.8) followed by teleosts (%IRI = 16.4) and mysids (%IRI = 15.0) ; other prey groups were only occasionally ingested. Diet composition showed little seasonal variation ; decapods were the most important prey in all seasons. Fish size was the most important factor influencing the composition of the diet. Small individuals (<15 cm TL) fed primarily on small crustaceans (mysids), whereas larger fish consumed bigger prey, such as decapods, teleosts and cephalopods. There was high dietary similarity between sampling locations. Based on the diet, greater weever can be a considered a generalistic predator.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

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