Feeding habits of Diplectrum radiale (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Teleostei, Perciformes, Serranidae) in Baía da Ribeira, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Abstract

From January to December 1999, the feeding habits of Diplectrum radiale was analyzed in Baía da Ribeira, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fishes were sampled at five stations every month, with an otter trawl net, 10.5m long, diameter of 4.5m, wing of 3.5m, superior mesh of 20mm and sack mesh of 15mm. The net was towed during 30 minutes at velocity of two knots. A total of 218 specimens was collected. Analysis of the gut content showed that the main food item for D. radiale was Mysidacea with a relative  abundance 31%, followed by Teleostei 19%, Penaeidea/Caridea (Crustacea) 18%, and Brachyura (Crusta- cea) 6%. The vacuity index of D. radiale was higher in June and October and lower in May. Diplectrum radiale  showed a diurnal feeding habit.