Food and feeding habits of the ponyfish Leiognathus splendens (Pisces, Leiognathidae) from Porto Novo coast

Abstract

Smaller L. splendens prefer copepods, diatoms and veligers, while larger individuals feed mainly on copepods, other crustaceans (Lucifer, cirripede nauplii, megalopa of crab, adult crab, Acetes, prawn mysis and crustacean remains), foraminiferans, adult polychaetes, amphipods and detritus. Active feeding is evident only during May and June. Active, moderate and poor feeding at various stages of maturity of the fish indicates that feeding intensity has no relation with maturity cycle.