FISH PREDATION ON NERITIC CTENOPHORES FROM THE ARGENTINE CONTINENTAL-SHELF - A NEGLECTED FOOD RESOURCE

Information concerning fish species that prey on ctenophores and other gelatinous plankters is presented for the first time from Argentine c oastal waters (34-47 degrees S). Stomachs from 25029 individuals of 69 fish species were analyzed. At least 5% of the filled guts from 20 di fferent fish species (29%), some of commercial value, contained ctenop hores and gelatinous items. During most of the year, the percentage of fish species feeding on ctenophores is fairly constant (15-23%) and t heir frequency in gut contents is low (7-17%). During spring, these va lues increase to 35% and 28%, respectively, which may be correlated wi th an increase in the abundance of ctenophores (Mnemiopsis maccradyi, M. leidyi, Pleurobrachia pileus and Beroe ovata) during this season. S tromateus brasiliensis (Stromateidae) and Seriolella porosa (Centrolop hidae) feed almost exclusively on ctenophores during most of the year. Helicolenus dactylopterus lahillei (Scorpaenidae) feed on this prey i tem mainly when it is abundant. This implies that gelatinous plankton, and particularly ctenophores, are abundant enough to support the biom ass of the above-mentioned fish species. Further studies should be car ried out in different areas of the Argentine continental shelf to quan tify the contribution of gelatinous plankton in the diets of different fish species.