The contribution of isopods in the feeding of Sympterygia spp (Pisces: Rajidae) with a description of Ancinus gaucho sp. n. (Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae)

Abstract

The present papel' deals with the isopods present in the stomach content of Symp~~ygia aeu.ta. and S. banapaJLtú, two species of Rajidae f1'equently found along Rio Grande do Sul coast. Eight species of isopods we1'e found in the stomachs analysed, and AnunU6 gaueha sp.n. showed to be an . impo1'tant food 1'esource for the fishes, especiaUy for S. banapaJLtú. The diffe1'ence found in the die't composition of both species of skates seems to 1'ejtect a non selective feeding of the fishes on distinct benthic communities. The description of Anei~U6 gaueha is also fUrnished he1'ein as weU as a key to the known species of the genus. Descriptors: