Inshore small-mesh trawling survey of the Cape south coast. Part 3. The Occurrence and feeding of Argyrosomus hololepidotus, Pomatomus saltatrix and Merluccius capensis

Abstract

Marine nurseries of Argyrosomus ho/olepidotus (kob), Pomatomus saltatrix (elf) and Merluccius capensis (Shallow-water hake) between Algoa Bay and Mossel Bay are described. Juvenile A. ho/olepidotus and P. saltatrix are most abundant in the shallows «20 m) while M. capensis juveniles were more common in deeper stations (>30 m). Seasonal variations were found in the depth distribution pattems of these nurseries. A. ho/olepidotus was most abundant in Algoa Bay while the other species showed less regional variation. Prey choice of A. hololepidotus and P. saltatrlx varied with depth and locality although overlap was noted between these species and M. capensis. Mysidacea, especially Mesopedopsis slabberi, were major prey of small juveniles, and post-larval fishes were particularly dominant in P. saltatrix. Ontogenetic changes in prey species and prey size selection were recorded in each predator.