Food of the roughhead grenadier, Macrourus berglax, Lacepede in North Norwegian waters

Abstract

Over 30 different prey species were found in the stomachs of roughhead grenadiers, Macrourus berglax, caught at depths of approximately 700 m off the coast of northern Norway. Crustaceans and fish were the principal prey categories and large, mature grenadiers are classified as being generalist feeders taking predominantly benthopelagic organisms. There is evidence for an ontogenetic shift in dietary composition, with a change from benthic prey to an increased reliance on benthopelagic prey as the fish increase in size and this results in reduced intraspecific competition for food.