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Trophic variations of the Chilean croaker Cilus gilberti during the summer period 1997–98 (Perciformes, Sciaenidae)
Author(s) -
Fernández C.,
Oyarzún C.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0426.2001.00273.x
Subject(s) - biology , population , zoology , perciformes , sardine , trophic level , sciaenidae , fishery , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , demography , sociology
The natural diet of the Chilean croaker, Cilus gilberti Abbott 1899, was studied in Queule and Tumbes, two areas in central‐southern Chile, with emphasis on the possible influences of geographic distribution, sex and ontogenetic development on the croaker feeding habits. Results indicate that C. gilberti behaves in both locations as an euriphagic carnivore predator. The Queule population predate mainly on the sardine Strangomera bentincki Norman 1936, while at Tumbes the principal prey items were mysids. Further quantitative analyses showed that within the Queule population, females between 54 and 75 cm total length (TL), as well as those individuals exceeding 75 cm, acted as an Ontogenetic Trophic Unit (OTU). A Transitional OTU, which includes individuals between 47 and 54 cm, was also identified. Queule males between 47 and 68 cm defined one OTU; another OTU was defined with individuals between 68 and 82 cm. On the other hand, the female population at Tumbes behaved as an OTU between 68 and 89 cm TL; males were grouped in an OTU ranging from 61 to 89 cm TL.