Feeding habits of Serranus scriba (Osteichthyes: Serranidae) in the Marine Reserve of Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

Abstract

Feeding habits of painted comber, Serranus scriba, were investigated from stomach contents of fish caught in the Canary Islands. An analysis of the data with respect to the mature or immature sexual condition, season and size was carried out. Crustacea Decapoda (Brachyura, Anomura and Caridea) were the prefered prey, while Osteichthyes were the secondary prey. The most common families in the gut contents were Galatheidae, Majidae, Xanthidae and Alpheidae. No significant changes were found in the diet of mature or immature individuals. However, decapods show a tendency to a slight decrease in frequency and abundance, while the importance of fish in the diet increases with predator size. No important seasonal variations in type of food were found, however, with respect to the other decapods, carideans were more frequent and abundant from April to June, while brachyurans reached maximum values from October to December.