Feeding habits of the spotted flounder Citharus linguatula off the eastern coast of Spain

Abstract

The composition of the diet of Citharus linguatula (L.) off the coast of the Gulf of Valencia, Spain, was determined between October 1989 and October 1990. The percentage of empty stomachs remained constant throughout the year, except for the period August to September, when a maximum was recorded coinciding with the reproductive period. Crustaceans (Mysidacea and Decapoda) and teleosts constituted the main prey. The composition of the prey ingested varied with predator size; small specimens contained a greater number of mysids in their stomachs, while decapods and fishes were more abundant in the stomachs of larger specimens. Diets varied seasonally: mysids were more important during autumn, whereas decapods were more important during winter and spring. Fishes were numerically most important in the diet in summer, but the frequency of occurrence was constant throughout the year.