A preliminary study of food composition of pagellus erythrinus (L.)‎ off the Libyan coast

Abstract EN

The food composition of stomach content of Pagellus erythrinus (L.; from Libyan shores have been studied.

The main food items were decapod crustaceans and molluscs (bivalves and gastropods).

Small lishes and cephalopods (Sepia) which are frequently used as bait, were also eaten when present.

Annelids and echinoderms were eaten relatively but often, but isopods, algae, sponges and formainiferans were apparently of minor importance.

No significant differences were encountered in the food taken by small and large animals.

The results indicate that P.

erythrinus feeds extensively on bottom fauna.