On the morphology of the alimentary tract of flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes)

Abstract

The changes during the life cycle in the relative length of certain parts of the alimentary tract, buccal‐pharyngeal cavity, oesophagus‐stomach, intestine, rectum—are investigated in the five North Sea flatfish species, viz. turbot, brill, plaice, dab, sole. According to the average ratio between the length of the alimentary tract and the food preference three main groups are distinguished.