Work

Feeding Habits of Mene maculata (Teleostei: Menidae) in the Southwestern Waters of Taiwan, Western Pacific Ocean

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the feeding habits of moonfish (Mene maculata) in the waters of southwestern Taiwan in the Western Pacific Ocean using commercial trawling nets and Taiwanese purse seines. For this, we analyzed the body size and stomach content of moonfish specimens collected from the study area between January and December 2023. The length–weight relationship revealed hypoallometric growth patterns in both male and female specimens, with allometric coefficients of 2.6574 and 2.7219, respectively. Stomach content analysis indicated that the specimens primarily fed on Calanoida (zooplankton; %PSIRI = 36.79) and Benthosema pterotum (fish; %PSIRI = 19.23). Dietary composition varied with body size and sampling time. Larger individuals consumed higher proportions of fish. The percentage of empty stomachs was high, likely attributable to the fishing gear used and sampling time. Based on the results of this study, it is speculated that moonfish feed mainly before early morning or at other times during the day.

Source: Fishes

DOI: 10.3390/fishes10040182

Authors: Yi-Chen Wang, Ming-An Lee, Jia-Sin He

Institution: National Taiwan Ocean University

Language: English

Topic: Fish Biology and Ecology Studies

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137