Feeding habits and interspecific feeding associations of Caranx latus (Carangidae) in a subtropical reef

I studied the feeding behavior and diet of the carangid jack Caranx latus i n a subtropical reef at Buzios Island on the southeastern Brazilian coast. Caranx latus foraged alone or in small groups of up to three individuals du ring daytime employing two main feeding styles: searching for prey while sw imming in mid-water and following individuals of other fish species which d isturbed the substrate while foraging among the rocks. The labrid wrasse Bo dianus rufus was the main fish species followed by the jack. The jack feeds on crustaceans and fishes some of which are benthic rocky bottom dwellers and are caught during following. The behavioral flexibility of C. latus ena bles this fish to consume both crustaceans from the water column and benthi c rocky dweller fishes. There is little dietary overlap between C. latus an d the followed B. rufus. The interspecific feeding associations could be re garded as advantageous for C. latus allowing access to a broader range of p rey categories and increasing the food intake through the consumption of la rge benthic fish prey.