Characteristics of feeding of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) in the Barents Sea
2008
Ponomarenko, V.P.
Annual feeding cycle of Arctic cod was first studied with the use of quantitative-weight method in the northern and eastern areas of the Barents Sea. Copepods occupied the first place by weight (42%) and occurrence (49%) in the annual diet of the Arctic cod. Its most intensive feeding on numerous species of Copepods (Calamis, Metridia and Pareuchaetd) took place in summer and spring. Fishes (27% by weight, mainly fry and yearlings of Arctic cod) were the second by weight in the stomachs during the whole year, especially during the autumn and winter months. Amphipods were the third (12 and 16% by weight and frequency, respectively). Arctic cod of up to 10-15 cm in length fed on zooplankton. As their size increased, they consumed more fish. Annual index of fullness of stomach averaged 170‰0. During pre-spawning and spawning time (November-February) the feeding intensity was minimal. Spawned-out fish was shown to feed more actively and the highest fullness of stomachs was observed from June to October
Показать больше [+] Меньше [-]