Food Habits of Juvenile Pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, in Louisiana

Abstract

Abstract Food habits of juvenile pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) in Louisiana were determined during the summer of 1968. Stomachs of 899 juveniles were examined from stations at Grand Isle and Holly Beach, Louisiana. The fish ranged from 10 to 125 mm in total length. Percent frequency of occurrence, percentage of total volume, and seasonal variation in diet were determined. Juvenile pompano in Louisiana ate polychaets, small clams, gastropod larvae, copepods, mysids, isopods, amphipods, postlarval shrimp, anomurans (sand crabs), brachyurans (juveniles, megalops, and eggs), insects, and small fishes. Small juveniles ate a wide variety of organisms and appeared to be opportunistic, apparently feeding on those organisms most abundant at the time. Larger juveniles ate a more limited diet, consisting primarily of coquina clams.