FOOD SPECTRUM OF THE DEEP-WATER SQUID MOROTEUTHIS INGENS (CEPHALOPODA, ONYCHOTEUTHIDAE) IN NEW-ZEALAND WATERS

Prey species of the deepwater squid Moroteuthis ingens were examined f or 37 large specimens captured in New Zealand waters. Caecum contents were predominantly less than 80% full and covered a range of digestion stages. The diet consisted of fish (at least seven species, of which four were myctophids) and squid. The most abundant prey was the myctop hid Lampanyctodes hectoris, which was represented by 1323 otoliths fro m 22 caeca. The second most abundant prey was viperfish (Chauliodus sl oani) and/or dragonfish (Stomias boa), represented by 537 otoliths fro m 17 caeca. Individual squid appeared to ingest surprisingly large num bers of fish (up to 100) during a single feeding period and could achi eve feeding rates greater than 10% of their body weight per day. While some males appeared to ingest larger numbers of L. hectoris, females targeted significantly larger individuals of L. hectoris thereby inges ting a greater biomass of fish.