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Feeding Habits of the Invasive Ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Gulf of Trieste (Adriatic Sea)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The diet of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Gulf of Trieste was examined during its peak occurrence in the summer and early-autumn months (July to October) from 2017 to 2019, through the analysis of stomach contents. Altogether 506 specimens were individually caught for the analysis. A total of 3215 prey items were isolated and identified. Copepods emerged as the primary prey (relative abundance 66.7%), followed by cladocerans (7.7%), and bivalve larvae (6%). Notably, specimens of M. leidyi constituted a significant portion of the diet (5.4.%), providing further evidence of cannibalism within this species. Copepods were also the most commonly occurring prey items in the diet of M. leidyi. Most of them were represented by calanoid and cyclopoid nauplii (48.2%), followed by a harpacticoid M. norvegica (28.3%), and calanoids (26.8%). Other frequently occurring taxa were bivalve larvae (19.3%), M. leidyi (18.7%), and cladoceran Penilia avirostris (16.1%). The rate of cannibalism peaked in July, coinciding with a period of limited food availability. Additionally, the study revealed that fish eggs and larvae were infrequently found in the stomachs of M. leidyi. However, the presence of massive aggregations of M. leidyi may impact microzooplankton populations in late summer or autumn, potentially leading to competition with small pelagic fish.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17040470

Authors: Borut Mavrič, Danijel Ivajnšič, Davor Lučić, Alenka Malej, Lovrenc Lipej

Institutions: National Institute of Biology, University of Maribor, University of Dubrovnik

Language: English

Topic: Marine Ecology and Invasive Species

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137