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

Abstract Feeding behaviour of adult European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) was studied in the Gulf of Lions (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) in relation to major abiotic and biotic factors. Observations were made during the main spawning period (summer) for two years, data were collected through hydrological profiling, zooplankton hauls and fish trawling performed in areas of high anchovy density. Temperature, salinity and zooplankton biomass were stratified 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 crustacean larvae dominating in stomach contents. Anchovy exhibited high trophic activity during the day when they were below the thermocline, with food ingestion 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. © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS anchovy / feeding / zooplankton / spawning / Mediterranean Sea