Methods of stomach content analysis of fishes- Winter School on Towards Ecosystem Based Management of Marine Fisheries – Building Mass Balance Trophic and Simulation Models

Abstract

The study of the feeding habits of fish and other animals based upon analysis of
\nstomach content has become a standard practice (Hyslop 1980). Stomach content analysis
\nprovides important insight into fish feeding patterns and quantitative assessment of food
\nhabits is an important aspect of fisheries management. Lagler (1949) pointed out that the
\ngut contents only indicate what the fish would feed on. Accurate description of fish diets
\nand feeding habits also provides the basis for understanding trophic interactions in aquatic
\nfood webs. Diets of fishes represent an integration of many important ecological
\ncomponents that included behavior, condition, habitat use, energy intake and inter/intra
\nspecific interactions. A food habit study might be conducted to determine the most
\nfrequently consumed prey or to determine the relative importance of different food types to
\nfish nutrition and to quantify the consumption rate of individual prey types. Each of these
\nquestions requires information on fish diets and necessitates different approaches in how
\none collects and analyzes data. Here, we outline qualitative and quantitative techniques
\nused to describe food habits and feeding patterns of fishes.