A multivariate analysis of food and feeding trends among Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) sampled in Davis Strait, during 1986

Abstract

Pelagic invertebrates [northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), Cephalopoda, Mysidacea, Amphipoda and Euphausiacea] and fish [redfish (Sebastes mentella), R. hippoglossoides and Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida)] were the most important food items found in 4295 Greenland halibut (R. hippoglossoides) stomachs collected from Davis Strait [Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subareas 0 and 1], during 1986. Ordination methods indicated that predator size and capture depth accounted for 85.2% of the variation in diet, while classification methods were used to illustrate these relationships. Additionally, the study extended into locations not previously sampled, therefore, knowledge was expanded upon pertaining to the distribution ranges of important prey.