Composição da dieta de jovens de boca mole Larimus breviceps (Cuvier, 1830) (Actinopterygii: Sciaenidae) no litoral de Pernambuco

Abstract

The surf zones are important places for several species of fish, as they serve as shelter, protection and food. Knowledge the natural diet of fish allows us to infer about the availability of food, as well as reveal aspects of biology and their trophic relationships. Larimus breviceps belongs to the Sciaenidae family, being one of the most important species in artisanal fisheries. Thus, the present study aimed to know the diet of L. breviceps in the surf zone of Jaguaribe beach, north coast of Pernambuco. The collections were carried out during low tide, through beach trawls using a 20 m long, 1.5 m high and 5 mm mesh size net of the hose type between August 2020 and July 2021. The specimens collected were measured and eviscerated in the laboratory, then the stomachs were analyzed for the degree of repletion and the items identified to the smallest taxon possible. The diet was characterized based on the frequency of occurrence (FO %) between the rainy and dry months and periods. A total of 117 individuals ranged from 20,03mm-132.20mm in standard length. Of the total, 17 stomachs were empty 14.83% and 100 contained food. thirteen food items divided into 5 categories were identified (Crustacea, Teleostei, plant material, detritus and microplastic). The Crustacea category had the highest abundance with FO% 0.92 followed by Teleostei with 0.86. The same pattern was observed for the rainy season in relation to the dry season with 0.889 and 0.796 respectively. The Larimus breviceps species has a carnivorous diet composed of shrimp and fish, with a tendency to carcinophagy, where Crustacea was the most consumed category. In view of the results, it is important to study the feeding of the species L. breviceps, thus contributing to a greater knowledge, there is little information in the literature regarding the feeding of young of the species.