Bathymetric food habit changes in the antarctic fish, Notothenia gibberifrons Lönnberg. (Pisces: Nototheniidae).

Abstract

The dietary composition of the antarctic fish Notothenia gibberifrons Lönnberg in a depth gradient was studied, from sea level until 200 meters in South Bay, Doumer Island, West Antarctic. The diet of this species varied across the depth gradient. Stomachs from specimens captured between the surface and 100 m. depth usually contained mobile benthic organisms, principally Amphipods. Those from below 150 m. had eaten almost sesile benthic organisms, principally Bivalvia species. Specimens sampled in the layer between the above-mentioned levels contained a mixture of items, some corresponding to the upper and others to the lower sections. Based on the presented evidence the feeding pattern of this species is discussed. © 1977 Dr. W. Junk b.v. Publishers.