Feeding by larval fish: how taxonomy, body length, mouth size, and behaviour contribute to differences among individuals and species from a coastal ecosystem

Data on individual stomach contents were used to describe length-dependent differences in feeding success of larvae of 11 species of fish found in coastal Newfoundland, Canada. Copepods dominated the diet with a gradual shift from nauplii to copepodites in all species. Differences in feeding success in both prey number and gut fullness among individual larvae was linked to increasing individual diet diversity in all taxa, although there was a weak decline in mean prey size. Maxilla and body length, within and among taxa, have a dominant positive influence on the potential feeding success of larval fish. In addition to differences in average stomach weight, the variability in number of prey per stomach among individuals indicates that each species perceives their prey environment in different ways. Taxonomic proximity had limited effect on differences in feeding success among taxa. The results suggest that behavioural differences among individuals and taxa, that likely reflect swimming capacity and/or prey perception/capture ability, are likely to be important elements contributing to feeding success. Body and mouth size may represent key characteristics that should be considered in evaluating differences in feeding success among species as well as among individuals within and among cohorts.

Automated summary

Data on individual stomach contents were analyzed to investigate length-dependent differences in feeding success of larvae of 11 fish species in coastal Newfoundland, Canada. The results showed a shift in diet from nauplii to copepodites in all species, with copepods dominating the diet. Feeding success in terms of prey number and gut fullness was linked to increasing individual diet diversity, although there was a slight decline in mean prey size. Maxilla and body length had a positive influence on the potential feeding success of larval fish, regardless of taxonomic proximity.