Diet of the oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus (Perciformes: Gempylidae) in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul archipelago, Brazil

Authors

  • Danielle de Lima Viana Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca
  • Mariana Travassos Tolotti Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca
  • Mariana Porto Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca
  • Rodolfo Jorge Vale de Araújo Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca
  • Teodoro Vaske Júnior Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca
  • Fabio Hissa Vieira Hazin Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Departamento de Pesca

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87592012000200008

Keywords:

Perciformes, Benthopelagic species, Stomach content, hand line, Island

Abstract

Feeding aspects of the oilfish, Ruvettus pretiosus, were studied based on 360 stomachs of both male and female specimens caught off the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago. The total length of the specimens ranged from 52.4 cm to 189.0 cm. Of the 360 stomachs examined, 135 presented some food and 225 were empty. Thirty-four taxa were identified, represented by 16 fish, 17 cephalopods and 1 crustacean. The stabilization of the food items richness was attained at 35 food items and 104 stomachs, approximately. A remarkable predation upon the flying fish Cheilopogon cyanopterus was observed around SPSPA, directly related to the main reproductive period of this species in the area. The oilfish's food spectrum shows that the species feeds on a wide vertical range in the water column, catching prey items at the surface or in shallow waters, as well as epi-mesopelagic fish, in addition to mesopelagic cephalopods.

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Published

2012-06-01

Issue

Section

naodefinida

How to Cite

Diet of the oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus (Perciformes: Gempylidae) in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul archipelago, Brazil. (2012). Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 60(2), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87592012000200008