Feeding habits of sea breams (Genus Pagellus)‎ in the Egyptian Mediterranean Waters

Abstract EN

Analysis of stomach content of Pagellus erythrinus showed that crustaceans, polychaetes and teleosts together with small amounts of cephalopods and brittle stars constitute the main food items.

The empty coefficient of Pagellus erythrinus in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters is higher than in other regions which can be attributed to the less available food encountered by predators.

Juveniles and adults of P.

erythrinus differ to large extent in the mode of feeding.

For immature individuals (less than 14.0 cm length) polychaetes are the most favourable food items, while for individuals having size more than 14.0 cm shrimp and crabs comprise the main food items.

Results obtained revealed that polychaetes predominate in winter and spring, while crustaceans form the main group in summer and echinoderms are the essential food in autumn.

Food items of P.

acarne mainly consists of crustaceans, teleosts and echinoderms in addition to small quantities of cephalopods and polychaetes.

Fishes with size less than 14.0 cm mainly feed on echinoderms and crustaceans, while shrimps, Squilla mantis and bony fishes comprise the most essential food items for individuals having length range 15.0-18.0 cm.

For fishes with lengths more than 18.0 cm, bony fishes, shrimps and cephalopods constitute the main food.

Crustaceans are found in all seasons but consumed in large quantities in summer, while during autumn and winter, bony fishes predominate.

Such differences in the food items are attributed to the change in seasonal abundance of the above mentioned food items in the environment.