Diet and prey selectivity of the mesopelagic lanternfish Myctophum asperum from the Perth Canyon, Western Australia

Abstract

The diet and prey selectivity of Myctophum asperum were examined from the Perth Canyon (Western Australia). Calanoid copepods were consumed by 83% of the M. asperum examined and constituted 39% of the total number of prey items. Larger adult euphausiids were consumed by 48% of M. asperum and constituted 15% of the total number of prey items. Prey selectivity was assessed using Chesson’s Index and calanoids were not positively selected with M. asperum showing a preference for euphausiids and neutrally selecting most other zooplankton. This study contributes to understanding of the pelagic food web of the Perth Canyon Marine Park.