Ontogenetic and seasons changes in the diet of Etropus crossotus Jordan and Gilbert, 1882 (Paralichthydae) at Ubatuba-Enseada Bay, Santa Catarina State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i2.5119

Abstract

Ontogenetic and seasonal changes in the diet of Etropus crossotus sampled at Ubatuba-Enseada Bay in Santa Catarina State, Brazil were investigated. A trawl net was used for the surveys, and 60 fish were collected monthly during October (2003) and September (2004). The highest similarity of the Alimentary Importance Index (AII) was observed between spring and autumn. Crustacea Decapoda represented 50% of the feeding items during spring and fall, and Crustacea Amphipoda were the most representative item in winter. The highest AII similarity was observed among length classes 1, 2 and 4, which was related to Decapoda representation, and among length classes 5, 6 and 7, because of Decapoda and Amphipoda importance. Results were similar to other studies in the southern coast of Brazil.