Diet of Lipophrys pholis (L.) (Teleostei, Blenniidae) in Cantabrian coastal waters (Spain)

Between February and December 1988, a total of 261 specimens of Lipophrys p holis were caught in eleven intertidal pools on the western coast of Asturi as. This blenniid species mainly feeds on different groups of invertebrates , although algal remains also appear. Mollusca is the most highly represent ed taxon with the largest number of prey being Gastropoda, followed by Biva lvia and, to a lesser degree, Polyplacophora. Crustacea is well represented by Cirripedia. Isopoda also stands out and Amphipoda, Tanaidacea and Decap oda appear sporadically. Temporal diet analysis throughout the year shows n o great differences. Likewise, a great similarity was observed among the fe eding of L. pholis specimens collected in pools at a different tidal level, of variable size and with different algal cover. Changes in diet are appre ciable as size increases, especially from a length of 6 cm on. (C) 1999 Edi tions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.