The diets ofLoligo vulgarisandL. forbesi(Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) in northwestern Spanish Atlantic waters

Abstract

Abstract The stomach contents of 723 Loligo vulgaris and 440 Loligo forbesi caught in the northwestern Spanish Atlantic waters have been examined. The diets of both species are described and compared. Loligo vulgaris shows 28 different types of prey belonging to four groups (Teleostei, Crustacea, Cephalopoda and Polychaeta) and Loligo forbesi 27 different types of prey belonging to three groups (Teleostei, Crustacea and Cephalopoda). Both species catch similar prey species but in different proportions. Cannibalism was observed in both species. Estimated prey sizes were smaller than squid sizes. No differences in feeding habits of males and females of both species were observed, but females seem to increase food intake during maturation. No significant changes were found in the diet of Loligo vulgaris within the size (DML) range studied (65–465 mm). Importance of cephalopods increased and importance of fish decreased in the diet of Loligo forbesi with growth (65–685 mm). Diet and food intake varied with se...