Feeding ecology and trophic interactions of the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel ( Scomberomorus commerson ) in the Central Taiwan Strait
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Understanding the foraging ecology of marine predators is essential for ecosystem-based fisheries management. This study examined the diet of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel ( Scomberomorus commerson ) in the Central Taiwan Strait using stomach content and stable isotope analyses integrated with an isotopic mixing model. A total of 1,733 specimens were collected between January 2017 and March 2022. Stomach content analysis revealed that 79.8% had empty stomachs, while the remainder mainly contained semi-digested fish remains. Among identifiable prey, composition varied by size and season. Sardinella lemuru , Decapterus spp., and Trichiurus spp. dominated the diet of smaller individuals, while larger fish primarily consumed Decapterus spp. and Mene maculata . Sardinella lemuru and Trichiurus spp. were more abundant in summer and autumn–winter, respectively. In the meanwhile, Decapterus spp. remained important year-round. Isotopic analysis further revealed that Sardinella lemuru , Etrumeus micropus , Decapterus macarellus and Penaeidae ( Metapenaeopsis barbata ) were dominant prey in smaller size classes, while Encrasicholina punctifer , D. macarellus , Evynnis cardinalis , Trichiurus spp. and Uroteuthis spp. were prevalent in intermediate and larger individuals. The estimated trophic position (3.8–4.3; mean = 4.0) confirms that S. commerson functions as a top predator with opportunistic feeding behavior. These findings improve understanding of regional trophic dynamics and support sustainable fisheries management in the Central Taiwan Strait.
Source: PeerJ
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.20350
Authors: Li Chi Cheng, Jia Shin He, Chi Chang Lai, Yen Hung Lee, Jinn Shing Weng, Hsing Han Huang, Yi Shu Wu
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,395
OpenAlex ID: W4416231933