Diet and feeding behavior of Kyphosus spp. (Kyphosidae) in a Brazilian subtropical reef

Abstract

The present study analyzed and compared diet and feeding behavior (substrate use, position in water column, interactions with other fishes) of Kyphosus spp. (sea chubs) in a Brazilian subtropical reef. Juveniles (≤ 160 mm) of Kyphosus incisor consumed both algae and invertebrates, which were mainly calanoid copepods. Juvenile and small adults of also observed foraging in the water column. We thus provide the first record of omnivory for Kyphosids in the southwest Atlantic Ocean.