The Food Habit of Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) in Khuzestan coastal waters (Persian Gulf)

Abstract

During January 2000 to March 2001, a large number of Epinephelus coioides species was captured in main fishing areas of Khuzestan province namely, Busafe-Liphe and Bahrakan, North of Persian Gulf. The stomach contents of 394 individuals were analysed, in which 226 individuals had contained (trace-full) stomachs while 168 individuals had empty stomachs. The percentages of CV in males were more than in females. Seventy three percent of stomachs contained fish 11% crab; 8.8% shrimp; 3.9% squid; 1.7% gastropod and 0.4% bivalves. The intensity of feeding in monthly sampling periods and length groups did not show a clear trend. The results of Fp index showed 73% for fish; crab 11%; shrimp 8.8%; squid 3.9%; gastropod 1.7 and 0.4% for bivalvia. Similar pattern of feeding was observed using CN index. The main food items for E. coioides were fish followed by crabs and accidental food items were shrimp, squid, gastropods and bivalvia. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.