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Feeding ecology of the shortnose greeneye Chlorophthalmus agassizi Bonaparte, 1840 (Pisces: Chlorophthalmidae) in the eastern Ionian Sea (eastern Mediterranean)
Author(s) -
Anastasopoulou A.,
Kapiris K.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2007.01028.x
Subject(s) - biology , mesopelagic zone , predation , benthic zone , ecology , habitat , crustacean , mediterranean climate , mediterranean sea , food habits , ecological niche , range (aeronautics) , fishery , pelagic zone , medicine , environmental health , materials science , composite material
Summary The feeding ecology of Chlorophthalmus agassizi from the North Ionian Sea was examined in specimens caught during daylight hours on a seasonal basis from December 1996 to November 1997, at depths between 250 and 800 m (92 stations, total). Chlorophthalmus agassizi showed a mixed feeding strategy, exploiting a wide range of prey including mesopelagic, benthic and endobenthic organisms. Crustaceans and fishes were dominant food items in the diet year round. Diet composition showed slight seasonal fluctuations; these variations were correlated with food availability and reproductive activity. However, ontogenetic changes in the diet were relatively clear, despite the high overlap observed between small, medium and large individuals. Larger individuals are more efficient hunters that exhibit selection of prey with good swimming capabilities; smaller individuals consume prey with low mobility. Chlorophthalmus agassizi seem to be adapted to a food‐scarce environment, as typified in the deep‐water habitats of the Ionian Sea, and exploit all available niches.