Feeding ecology of the apron ray Discopyge tschudii (Elasmobranchii, Narcinidae) in San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

The study of the feeding habits of elasmobranch populations should help to elucidate the ecological role of these fishes in the marine ecosystem. Feeding habits of the apron ray, Discopyge tschudii from San Jorge Gulf were investigated. An evaluation of whether the diet of D. tschudii changes with body size, seasons, maturity stage and sex was performed using a multiple-hypothesis modelling approach. Discopyge tschudii preyed mainly on polychaetes. The consumption of polychaetes was higher in males. Also, amphipods and siphons of clams were preyed more heavily in the cold season and Munida gregaria in the warm season. Stomatopods were consumed more with increasing body size. All prey categories were independent of maturity stage. We concluded that D. tschudii is a benthic feeder.