Trophic spectrum of the california kingcroaker menticirrhus undulatus from ojo de liebre lagoon, baja california sur, mexico

Abstract

A total of 112 stomach contents of the California kingcroaker Menticirrhus undulatus from Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, Baja California Sur (Mexico), were analyzed. The samples were taken from January to November 1995. This species occurred all year round, with highest abundance in July. The index of relative importance indicated that M. undulatus consumed a total of 14 species, and the dominant prey were polychaetes of the genus Marphysa spp. (51.75%), the fish Ilypnus gilberti (31.84%) and mollusk remains (13.91%). According to Levin's index, M. undulatus is considered a specialist predator, with preference for benthic fauna.