Diet of the yellowfin snook, Centropomus robalito (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Centropomidae), in the southwestern Gulf of California

• Published in: Acta ichthyologica et piscatoria Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 21 - 29
• Main Author: Moreno-Sánchez, X.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Szczecin West Pomeranian University of Technology 01.01.2015; Pensoft Publishers
• Subjects: Actinopterygii; bycatch; Centropomus robalito; Decapoda; ontogenetic chan; Penaeus; Perciformes; Porichthys; predator; Squilla; Trachypenaeus pacificus; trophic level; Xiphopenaeus riveti; ISE, Mexico, California Gulf
• ISSN: 0137-1592; 1734-1515
• DOI: 10.3750/AIP2015.45.1.03

In this study, the researchers describe the diet of the yellowfin snook in the southwestern Gulf of California and quantify the effects of sex and size on the species' diet. Stomachs of C. robalito were obtained from the shrimp fishery that operates off the southwestern Gulf of California. Percentages by number, weight, and frequency of each food category were determined, and the index of relative importance (%IRI) was calculated to define the main food categories. Diet breadth and diet similarity between sexes and among sizes were also calculated. A total of 401 stomachs were inspected, of which practically all contained food. According to %IRI, the main prey consumed comprised the shrimp Trachypenaeus pacificus, Xiphopenaeus riveti, and Penaeus spp. Secondary items included: the stomatopod Squilla mantoidea, unidentified organic matter, and the fish Porichthys sp. Centropomus robalito is a specialist predator with a low diet Breadth value.