La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Feeding habits of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis during its life cycle in the Sado estuary (Portugal)
Auteurs :	Ana Neves, Auteur ; Vera Sequeira, Auteur ; Ana Rita Vieira, Auteur ; Rafaela Paiva, Auteur ; Leonel Serrano Gordo, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Hydrobiologia (636(1) DEC 2009)
Article en page(s) :	479-488
Résumé :	The importance of cephalopods in marine ecosystems is well recognized as they serve as important predators and prey in many food chains. During a 1-year period, cuttlefish were monthly sampled in five areas throughout the Sado estuary, and the stomachs of 445 individuals were examined. Significant changes in the diet according to their life stage were revealed, but similar food habits were presented by males and females. Juvenile individuals (the smaller ones with no visible distinct gonads) preyed mainly upon small crustaceans, while the immature ones (maturity stages I and II) had the most diverse diet with brachyurans as the major prey group. The mature individuals (maturity stages III and IV) showed a clear preference for larger crabs and fishes. Although the cuttlefish are known for their opportunistic feeding behaviour, a preference for some prey according to length and behaviour could be perceived during this study. Seasonal differences in the diet were mostly due to the variation of individuals according to their maturity stage during the year.

Lundi , mardi et jeudi de 9h à 12h et de 13h à 17h00 : ouverture au public ...