Diet composition, feeding dynamics and proximate composition of obtuse barracuda Sphyraena obtusata (Cuvier, 1829) in the southeastern Arabian Sea

Abstract

The feeding dynamics and nutritional value of obtuse barracuda, Sphyraena obtusata collected from the coastal waters of Karnataka, southeastern Arabian Sea, India, were investigated between August 2019 to March 2020. Three hundred and fifty five specimens of obtuse barracuda having 16.5–30.1 cm total length and 23.63–175.27 g total weight were analyzed. Of the analyzed stomachs, 119 stomachs (vacuity index = 33.52%) were empty. The high feeding intensity was observed during March with 32.43% fishes having full stomachs. Stomach fullness index values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher during November (2.46 ± 0.44) and March (2.46 ± 0.41). The most dominant prey item in terms of frequency (87.80%), number (57.63%), volume (91.82%), and % IRI (93.76%) was teleosts. Crustaceans and cephalopods were encountered less frequently and were represented by Acetes sp. and Uroteuthis duvauceli respectively. The high protein (21.39 ± 0.52%) and fat (1.21 ± 0.33%) content recorded during March resulted in high-energy value (102.11 ± 5.20). The information on dietary composition and nutritional value of obtuse barracuda provided in this study can be useful for sustainable management of the fish stock in the Karnataka coast. The high protein and energy content indicated that this fish may be considered as highly nutritive food for a healthy diet.