Variations in the feeding intensity and diet composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) during 24-h period in the summertime in Hisarönü Bay

Abstract

Diel feeding pattern of red mullet in the Hisarönü Bay was studied from samples collected by bottom trawl during a 24-h period in the summer of 1997. Feeding activity of red mullet commenced at dawn and reached its maximum value at noon. During the period between noon to early evening, feeding intensity slowed down and then showed a small increase towards sunset. After sunset, the feeding activity nearly stopped and fish with empty stomachs increased. At night almost all stomachs were empty. Polychaetes, decapods, bivalves and amphipods were the major prey groups in the diet of red mullet and no significant diel variations were observed in the relative importance of these groups.