Feeding habits of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus)‎ in Egyptian Mediterranean Waters

Abstract EN

Diet of Scomber [aponicus was investigated from stomach contents of fish caught by purse-seine nets using light during th e fishing season which lasted from March to November 1994 in 'the Egyptian Mediterranean , off Alexandria .

Stomachs of 114 fish (150-350 rnrn in total length) were examined.

Food items were evaluated as percentages by occurrence.

weight and relative importance.

The major food items were pisces.

crustaceans and annelids .

Minor food items included molluscs .

echinoderms.

insects and ascidians .

Feeding variation in relation to size and season were studied.

Small fish consumed mostly fish fry while the larger individuals fed mostly on fish and shrimps.

S.

[aponicus fed mainly on fishes in summer whereas it consumed a variety of cru staceans and annelids in spring .

Stomach fullness was higher in autumn than in other seasons.

The observed prey items taken by chub mackerel allow this predator to be considered as omnivorous.