Diet of hoki larvae (Macruronus novaezelandiae) off Westland, New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract The diet of hoki larvae, Macruronus novaezelandiae, was determined by examining the gut contents of larvae from plankton samples collected in July and August 1987 off Westland, New Zealand. The maximum size of prey consumed was similar for all sizes of hoki larvae examined, and the diet consisted primarily of the adults and copepodites of Clauso‐calanus, Oithona, and calocaianids. The size range of prey and composition of the diet appeared to change with larval development. First‐feeding larval stages fed on a diverse range of small prey, particularly phytoplankton, tintinnids, and copepod nauplii, whereas larger larvae consumed only copepod adults and copepodites. The small prey consumed by early larval stages was found to represent less than 3% of the total prey volume, however, and it is suggested that these prey were of little nutritional significance. The diet of hoki larvae is similar to that of larvae of other hake species.