Feeding habits of Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) and Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879) in Araçá Bay, São Sebastião, São Paulo

Abstract

The Araçá Bay is located at the Sao Sebastiao Channel's continental shore, and has been undergoing different antrhopic pressures which may cause changes on its biological community. The área harbours a great species diversity, and is also an economical resource to the local fishermen. This project is part of the program Biota-Araçá "Biodiversidade e Funcionamento de um Ecossistema Costeiro Subtropical: Subsídios para Gestão Integrada" (FAPESP/2011/50317-5), which aims to develop an holistic understanding of this ecossystem. Considering that, feeding resources are important to fish production, and that their diet composicion may display temporal and geographic variability, this study will investigate the feeding habits of two abundant species with ecological and commercial importance in the area, Harengula clupeola and Sardinella brasiliensis. The samplings were realized in July 2013 and January 2014, being sampled 121 stomachs of S. brasiliensis and 96 of H. clupeola. The feeding items present in the stomachal contents will be identified and quantified, and their importance will be evaluated by means of numerical and ocurrency frequency, and feeding importance index. Intraspecific diet comparisons, bettween seasons and among diffent size classes, as well as interspecific comparison will be realized.