Size-based prey selectivity in South Pacific hake (Merluccius gayi gayi), central-southern Chile (1992-1997) Selectividad por tamaño de las presas en merluza común (Merluccius gayi gayi), zona centro-sur de Chile (1992-1997)

Cubillos, L.A.; Alarcón, C.; Arancibia, H.

Keywords: engraulis, engraulidae, solandri, merluccius, myctophidae, productus, clupeiformes, galatheidae, ringens, Strangomera, bentincki, gayi, Pleuroncodes, monodon, Rexea, Cervimunida, johni

Abstract

Size-based prey selectivity in Chilean hake (Merluccius gayi gayi) is analyzed using a data base of stomach contents collected from 1992 to 1997. The Ursin prey selectivity index and the size-based selectivity coefficients were calculated by age for the Chilean hake (cannibalism); the galatheids squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) and yellow squat lobster (Cervimunida johni); the clupeiforms common sardine (Strangomera bentincki) and anchovy (Engraulis ringens); and other combined prey. Hake are confirmed to consume larger prey as they grow and individuals over two years of age show a preference for the young fraction of the hake population (0-4 years; cannibalism), anchovy (0-1 year), and lobster (0-1 year). Hake over four years of age also prefer squat lobster and yellow squat lobster (< 2 years). High selection coefficients are found for the remaining prey, mostly zooplankton (euphausids) and myctophids, with predators from 0 to 4 years. The selection coefficients calculated herein constitute a quantitative basis for improving multispecific evaluation models that allow the quantification of the trophic impact of Chilean hake on commercially important species of the benthic-demersal and pelagic system off central-southern Chile. © 2007 Escuela de Ciencias del Mar Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.

Más información

Título de la Revista: INVESTIGACIONES MARINAS
Volumen: 35
Número: 1
Editorial: Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Fecha de publicación: 2007
Página de inicio: 55
Página final: 69
URL: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34848874124&partnerID=q2rCbXpz