Diet, feeding behaviour and trophic activity of the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) in the Gulf of Lions (Mediterranean Sea)

Feeding behaviour of adult European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was st udied in the Gulf of Lions (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) in relation to major abiotic and biotic factors. Observations were made during the main sp awning period (summer) for two years, data were collected through hydrologi cal pro-tiling, zooplankton hauls and fish trawling performed in areas of h igh anchovy density. Temperature, salinity and zooplankton biomass were str atified in the study areas, with cladocerans numerous above the thermocline whereas copepods were dominant below. Engraulis encrasicolus was strictly zooplanctivorous during the main spawning season with copepod and crustacea n larvae dominating in stomach contents. Anchovy exhibited high trophic act ivity during the day when they were below the thermocline, with food ingest ion equivalent to about 4 % wet body weight per day. Anchovy in the Gulf of Lions employ two feeding modes: selective on large prey and filter-feeding mechanism on small prey. (C) 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.