A study on diet composition and feeding habitats of sawtooth barracuda (Sphyraena putnamae) in Bandar-Abbas (North of Persian Gulf)

Abstract

The present study investigated feeding habits and diet composition of Sawtooth barracuda (Sphyraena putnamae) by regular monthly collection throughout 13 months from November 2006 to November 2007 in the Northern Persian Gulf. Sawtooth barracuda is considered as one of the valuable fishes in the Persian Gulf. The 486 specimens of Sphyraena putnamae were examined. The highest and the lowest observed Fork length and body weight was 10.6 and 93.0 cm and 8.03 and 40.0 g, respectively. The fork length-weight relationships was W = 0.0071 FL2.9295 (R2 = 0.99). Studies have showed that this fish, having the Relative Length of Gut RLG = 0.34±0.002, is strongly carnivorous (meat-eater, often fish-eater), proven by the fact that more than 98% of its stomach contents are fish. The CV = 0.47% indicates the middle alimentary of this fish. Index of condition factor (Kf), increasing in March and decreasing in June. Gastro-Somatic Index (GaSI), indicating the highest level in the month of January and July and lowest level in June and October. The Fullness Index (FI) increases in March before spawning and decreases in June and September during spawning. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.