Prey selectivity of the fringed filefish Monacanthus ciliatus (Pisces: Monacanthidae): role of prey accessibility
1984; Inter-Research; Volume: 16; Linguagem: Inglês
10.3354/meps016291
ISSN1616-1599
Autores Tópico(s)Marine and fisheries research
ResumoLaboratory experiments were conducted to measure prey selectivity of the fringed filefish Monacanthus ciliatus.Prey included 3 species of gammarid amphipods: Elasmopus levis, Melita appendiculata (Melitidae), and Lembos unicornis (Aoridae).The relative vulnerability of these species to predation was determined to be a function of their frequency of encounter.L. unicornis, a strikingly pigmented species, was disproportlonately consumed by filefish when placed in experimental aquaria with equal numbers of either E. levis or M appendiculata.We suggest that this species was encountered more frequently and therefore was more accessible to predation owing to its unique pattern of pigmentation.Results of these experiments were consistent with field data on selectivity of M. c-iliatus.
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