Stomach contents analysis—a review of methods and their application

TLDR

Fish stomach content analysis methods are reviewed, emphasizing the need to link dietary importance measurements to stomach capacity and to account for differential digestion. The study proposes that dietary importance should be measured by recording both the amount and bulk of each food category. The authors list and critically assess fish stomach content analysis techniques, discuss application difficulties, suggest alternative and practical modifications, and recommend recording both amount and bulk of food categories as the optimal dietary importance metric.

Abstract

Methods for analysing fish stomach contents are listed and critically assessed with a view to their suitability for determining dietary importance—this term is defined. Difficulties in the application of these methods are discussed and, where appropriate, alternative approaches proposed. Modifications which have practical value are also considered. The necessity of linking measurements of dietary importance to stomach capacity is emphasized and the effects of differential digestion upon interpretation of stomach contents outlined. The best measure of dietary importance is proposed as one where both the amount and bulk of a food category are recorded.