An invasive and a native macrophyte species provide similar feeding habitat for fish

Invasive macrophytes usually increase the homogenisation of habitats and can affect local communities with negative effects on the food chain. We evaluated experimentally the composition, density, richness and diversity of the invertebrates in the invasive macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata and assessed the potential effects of this macrophyte on the diet and foraging efficiency of small native fishes. The native macrophyte Egeria najas was used as control, since it has very similar physical structure and physical complexity to H. verticillata. Macrophytes of both species were maintained separately in aquaria with the fishes, and the invertebrates richness and abundance associated with plants and within fish stomach were evaluated. No significant difference was found in the richness and diversity of invertebrates attached to macrophytes; however, the two macrophytes differed in regard to invertebrate composition, and the density was significantly higher in H. verticillata. The fish foraging efficiency was high in both macrophytes, and the difference between them was not significant. The fish diet did not differ significantly between the native and the invasive macrophyte in respect to invertebrate composition, abundance and richness, and trophic niche breadth. We found no evidence that H. verticillata negatively affects the density of associated invertebrates, and as a consequence, fish diet and foraging efficiency. Our results indicate that the replacement of E. najas by a similar biomass of H. verticillata does not affect the feeding behaviour of associated fish species.     

Fish feeding in changing habitats: effects of invasive macrophyte control and habitat complexity

Abstract –  Many freshwater lakes have been invaded by non-native aquatic plants. Although managing the invasions is necessary to restore native macrophytes, little is known about the effects of invasive macrophyte eradication on fish foraging. This study was designed to determine whether fish feeding was affected by large-scale changes in plant composition after selective control of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum , and whether feeding was correlated with habitat complexity or abundance of invasive plants on a smaller scale. Popnets were used to collect plants, invertebrates and fishes in the littoral zone of four Minnesota lakes twice a year for 4 years. The degree of stomach fullness in fishes was not correlated with the proportion of invasive plants or habitat complexity. Bluegills, the most abundant fish species, exhibited high selectivity for Diptera and their preferences varied little in different plant habitats. Changes in niche width of bluegills were not consistent with invasive plant control. Overall, invasive macrophyte control with timely restoration of the native plant community did not affect the characteristics of fish feeding we investigated. This study also contributes to our understanding of fish–macroinvertebrate interactions as a function of habitat complexity.     

Coexisting invasive gobies reveal no evidence for temporal and trophic niche differentiation in the sublittoral habitat of Lake Erhai,China

Niche differentiation facilitates the coexistence of species within a community through avoidance of competition via mechanisms involving spatial, temporal and/or trophic dimensions. Where invasive species coexist in their non‐native range, niche differentiation could allow their persistence at higher levels of abundance. Here, we tested whether there was temporal and/or trophic niche differentiation between two congeneric invasive goby species (Rhinogobius cliffordpopei and Rhinogobius giurinus) in the sublittoral habitat of Lake Erhai (south‐west China) through quantifying their diel and seasonal rhythm of locomotion activities, feeding activities and diet composition. Both species displayed two similar diel peaks in activity and two main feeding periods (6:00–10:00 and 18:00–22:00), with rhythms of locomotion and feeding activity not differing significantly between the species in each season. Their diets had a high degree of overlap, being primarily composed of macrozooplankton, aquatic insects and shrimp larvae, with no diel changes across the seasons. Thus, in this habitat, there was no clear temporal or trophic niche differentiation between the invasive congeners, indicating their coexistence with high temporal and trophic overlap. In conjunction with data from the littoral and profundal habitats, the gobies revealed different strategies across the habitats (e.g. spatial segregation, trophic niche differentiation) that minimised their competitive interactions and promoted their coexistence. This suggests that the interactions of invasive fishes during the integration into native communities can be context dependent, varying according to factors including habitat and the availability of food resources.     

Assemblage structure and habitat use of fishes in a Central European submontane stream: a patch-based approach

Abstract –  We examined macrohabitat patch level assemblage composition and habitat use patterns of fishes over four seasons in a second-order submontane stream (Danube drainage, Hungary). Rainfall data indicated that our study included both high- and low-water periods, and hence our results may be applicable to broader time scales. Principal component analysis of physical habitat data from 13 macrohabitat patches indicated that these patches represented a riffle-pool continuum. Correspondence analysis of fish assemblage structure data from these patches identified a continuum in assemblage composition that was positively correlated with the habitat continuum. The riffle fauna was dominated by stone loach ( Barbatula barbatula ), whereas chub ( Leuciscus cephalus ) were most abundant in pool patches. We detected little evidence of seasonality in either fish assemblage structure or habitat use. Fish density did not differ significantly among macrohabitat patches in two (summer and autumn 1999) of three seasonal samples, although riffle patches displayed significantly higher fish abundance in late spring 2000. This difference primarily was due to higher abundance of juvenile stone loach in riffles. Two species, stone loach and minnow ( Phoxinus phoxinus ), displayed generalized habitat use patterns, whereas chub and rare species (i.e., gudgeon, Gobio gobio ; dace, Leuciscus leuciscus ; Barbus petenyi ; and burbot, Lota lota ) were significantly over-represented in pool habitats. We hypothesized that pool specialists (i.e., chub and rare species) were responding primarily to the increased depth of these habitats. Nevertheless, our data did not demonstrate the presence of separate pool and riffle habitat guilds. In conclusion, we believe that our understanding of stream fish ecology will be greatly facilitated by use of a 'patch-based approach'.     

Growth and efficiency of feed usage by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed diets with different dietary protein: Energy ratios at two feeding levels

The effect of dietary digestible protein/digestible energy (DP/DE) ratios and feeding level on growth, feed efficiency, nutrient and energy usage by Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ; initial body weight, 7.0 g/fish) at 15°C was investigated in a 16-week feeding trial. Three diets, differing in their DP and DE contents, namely 37/18 (regular diet, RD), 37/21 (high fat diet, HF) and 44/ 22 (high nutrient-dense diet, HND) g/MJ of dry feed were formulated. DP/DE ratios were 20, 18 and 20 g/MJ for the RD, HF and HND diets, respectively. Salmon were hand-fed three times a day at either 100% or 85% of the feed requirement estimated by a bioenergetics model. At each feeding level, DE intake (kJ/fish) was similar for all three diets. Diet composition did not affect growth rate. However, increasing the digestible energy density from 18 to 22 MJ/kg of dry feed resulted in a significant increase ( P  < 0.05) in feed efficiency. Restricting feed intake significantly decreased live body weight gains for all diets. However, feed efficiency was not affected by feeding level. Diet composition and feeding level did not affect carcass composition and nutrient and energy usage, with the exception of a higher ( P  < 0.05) carcass lipid of fish fed the HF100 diet compared with the fish fed the RD and HND diets and a higher ( P  < 0.05) lipid gain (g/fish) of fish fed the HF100 diet compared with fish fed all the diets at the restricted feeding level. Restricting feeding resulted in significantly lower ( P  < 0.05) energy gain (kJ/fish) compared with fish fed at 100%. Increasing the DE and nutrient density of the diet had no effect on growth but improved feed efficiency and lowered solid wastes (g of solid wastes per kg of fish produced) while dissolved wastes were not affected by dietary ormulation.     

Directed movements and diel burrow fidelity patterns of red tilefish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Branchiostegus japonicus</Emphasis> determined using ultrasonic telemetry

ABSTRACT:   Wild red tilefish Branchiostegus japonicus were tracked and/or monitored for up to nearly 3 months in Western Wakasa Bay and Maizuru Bay, Japan, using ultrasonic telemetry to examine their movements and burrow fidelity patterns. In Western Wakasa Bay, it is guessed that fish released in relatively shallow waters, about 30 m deep, actively moved into more suitable deeper habitats after their release. In Maizuru Bay, the fish did not undertake large-scale movements and showed burrow fidelity about 1 month after their release. That is, the fish primarily remained in the burrow, which was constructed in the sea-bottom, during the night and moved outside the burrow during the day. The marked circadian rhythm from Fourier analysis indicated a clear diel movement pattern of the red tilefish.     

Diel and seasonal abundance of fishes in the Platte River, Nebraska, USA

ABSTRACT:   The objective of the present study was to determine diel and seasonal patterns of fluvial fish composition and abundance. Electrofishing grids were used to collect fish in the Platte River at North Bend, Nebraska, USA. Sampling was started at 12.00 h and continued every 3 h for a 24-h period. More species were taken during the day than at night in the spring. In contrast, more species were taken at night than during the day in summer. In the fall, equal numbers of species were caught during the day and night. Comparisons of fish densities showed significant differences among the three seasons. Major taxa were significantly more abundant in spring, but river shiner Notropis blennius and western silvery minnow Hybognathus argyritis were more abundant in the fall. The greater nocturnal abundance of fish in summer and fall than in the spring may be due to changes in the physical and chemical characteristics during the study periods. The significance of seasonal difference in abundance of fish assemblages may indicate a response to changes in available habitats.     

Habitat utilization and diel behavior of juvenile bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) at the onset of winter

Abstract— Underwater observations were used to describe habitat use and diel behavior of juvenile bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) at the onset of winter (0.8°C) in a second-order central Idaho stream. All fish observed during daytime counts were concealed beneath "home stones" (mean dimensions 32.3 by 21.9 cm) in primarily pool and run habitats. Focal point depths and velocities averaged 57.2 cm and 4.7 cm/s (home stone removed). Fish maintained stations over substrate with low percentages of fine (< 2 mm, mean= 5.2%) sediment. Concealed bull trout were not evenly distributed across the stream channel. Significantly more home stones were distributed near the midline of the channel, compared to the channel margins. Fish size was positively correlated with home stone size. At night, bull trout exhibited a diel behavioral shift, some fish moved out of daytime concealment cover into the water column. At night, bull trout were observed feeding and resting, primarily in pool and run habitats. During both day and night, bull trout used riffles significantly less frequently than those habitats were available.     

Distribution and feeding of juvenile fish on invertebrates in littoral reed (Phragmites) stands

Abstract – Complex interactions between fish predators and their prey have been found in structurally complex habitats built by submerged macrophytes. In contrast, the role of comparably structured littoral reed stands in shaping biotic interactions has not been investigated. We hypothesised that reed stands may be a valuable feeding habitat for juvenile fish, and that perch and roach may segregate along the spatial and dietary niche dimensions between reed and open water habitats. In contrast, the protection effect of reed against predators was assumed to be rather low because of the lower plant volume infested in reed when compared with submerged macrophytes. We analysed biomass and growth of juvenile (age 0 and age 1) perch and roach in littoral reed habitats and in open water habitats in front of the reed in the shallow Lake Müggelsee over 4 months in 2000. Sampling was conducted by point-abundance electrofishing over the full diel cycle (day, dusk, night, dawn). Zooplankton and benthos biomasses were determined in both habitats as well, and habitat-specific diet of fish was assessed during day and night. Roach were more frequent than perch in both habitats. Food of roach included a higher proportion of zooplankton, whereas perch fed more on macroinvertebrates. Overall, diet overlap between the fish groups was high. Diel distribution of fish did not follow the expectations of habitat segregation between perch and roach. Instead, the function of reed as refuge habitat against littoral piscivores (mainly birds) may have caused the strong daytime preference for reed in almost all fish groups, which was partly upset by roach at night. The higher behavioural plasticity of roach may explain their good performance even under the conditions of high structural complexity.     

Foraging behaviour and invasiveness: do invasive Gambusia exhibit higher feeding rates and broader diets than their noninvasive relatives?

Abstract –  Serious impacts by nonindigenous species often occur via predation. The magnitude of impact is expected to be closely tied to the invading species niche breadth. For predatory impacts, diet breadth should be particularly important. We examined the relationship between a species foraging behaviour and its invasiveness and impact by comparing the feeding behaviour of four Gambusia species, two invasive and of high impact and two noninvasive. Individual feeding rates, feeding preferences, and diet breadths were tested across three prey items in a sequence of four laboratory feeding trials. Invasive Gambusia consistently fed at higher rates, but no species differences were found in feeding preferences or diet breadth. All Gambusia preferred Daphnia , avoided Lirceus , and consumed Drosophila in proportion to their availability. Female size affected most feeding variables. Larger fish consumed more prey per unit time and were able to incorporate larger prey items into their diets, thus increasing diet breadth.     

Preliminary telemetry data on the movement patterns and habitat use of European catfish (Silurus glanis) in a reservoir of the River Ebro, Spain

Abstract –  Knowledge of the movements and diel behaviour of the European catfish ( Silurus glanis ), the largest European freshwater fish, is limited to anecdotal information. In a preliminary telemetry study of European catfish, the spring diel movement patterns of five adult catfish were examined. After intraperitoneal insertion of the acoustic tags, the positions of the fish were recorded automatically in the Flix Reservoir (River Ebro, NE Spain). A marked nocturnal mobility pattern was observed throughout the study. During daytime, the catfish were consistently located in the littoral zone and spent extended periods of the day hidden in concealed habitats. Catfish movements were in a radial pattern, with upstream and downstream excursions followed by returns to a previously occupied location. Significant individual variations in movement pattern were observed among the tagged fish and within the 24 h cycle for each fish. Mean instantaneous swimming speed was 0.17 body lengths per second (BL·s⁻¹) at night but 0.09 BL·s⁻¹ during the daytime.     

Diel vertical migration of myctophid fishes (Family Myctophidae) in the transitional waters of the western North Pacific

The diel vertical migration patterns of adult myctophid fishes were determined in the transitional waters of the western North Pacific off Japan, using day–night sampling from 20 to 700 m depths with a commercial otter trawl in the summer of 1995. A total of 12 species belonging to 9 genera were collected. Four patterns were recognized in the diel vertical migration of 11 of the 12 species. (1) Migrants showing clear day–night habitat separation with peak abundance above 200 m at night: Symbolophorus californiensis, Tarletonbeania taylori, Notoscopelus japonicus, Diaphus theta, Ceratoscopelus warmingi, and Diaphus gigas. (2) Semi-migrants, in which part of the population often remains in the daytime habitat at night. The distribution depths of migratory and nonmigratory individuals do not overlap: Stenobrachius leucopsarus . (3) Passive-migrants, in which there is no separation of day–night habitats, but the upper limit of daytime distribution depth shifts to a shallower layer at night, probably as the fish follow migratory prey: Lampanyctus jordani . (4) Nonmigrants: Stenobrachius nannochir, Lampanyctus regalis (> 140 mm SL), and Protomyctophum thompsoni . The day–night habitat temperature ranges are also given for the 11 species. No remarkable east–west differences were seen in the vertical migration patterns compared with previous knowledge of eight of these species in the eastern Pacific. The diel migration patterns are newly described for three other species endemic to the western Pacific. The standing stock of myctophids in the study area was conservatively estimated at 18.5 ± 4.7 g m⁻² (avg. ± SD).     

Effects of feeding frequency and dietary energy level on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel)

A two (dietary energy levels; low energy, LE and high energy, HE) × 4 (feeding frequency; one feeding in 2 days, one feeding daily, two times daily and three times daily) factorial experiment was performed to determine the effects of dietary energy level and/or feeding frequency on the growth and body composition of juvenile flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The survival rate was not significantly different among treatments. Weight gain of fish fed the LE and HE diets significantly increased as feeding frequency increased. The weight gain of fish fed the LE diet was higher at each level of increasing feeding frequency. The weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days and once daily, but weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was lower than the LE diet three times daily. Daily feed intake was significantly influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary energy level. Feed efficiency of fish fed the HE diet once daily was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days, but no significant difference in feed efficiency was observed among other groups of fish. The protein efficiency ratio of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days was the lowest. Feeding frequency and dietary energy level had a significant effect on the body lipid content. A feeding frequency of two times or three times daily would be effective, depending on dietary energy level for maximum growth of juvenile flounder grown from 3.5 to 15 g.     

滇池粘皮鯔虾虎鱼食物组成及摄食策略分析

对粘皮鯔鰕虎鱼Mugilogobius myxodermus在滇池水体的食物组成、摄食策略进行分析,初步探讨其对滇池饵料资源环境的适应性,为进一步研究其生态入侵策略积累基础资料。在东大河湿地公园湖滨带设5个采集点,2014年5月9-10日及10月10日进行了2次样品采集,分别采集到粘皮鯔鰕虎鱼17尾、130尾。滇池粘皮鯔鰕虎鱼5月份种群内以成熟个体为主,10月份转变为以幼鱼为主。粘皮鯔鰕虎鱼消化道共检出23种食物类型,主要有多种枝角类、桡足类、介形虫及摇蚊幼虫等。以出现频率评价,5月份主要摄食枝角类、桡足类、摇蚊幼虫及蛹和介形虫,10月份主要摄食枝角类、桡足类、介形虫和摇蚊幼虫;以数量百分比评价,5月份较多的饵料种类为桡足类、尖额溞、摇蚊类幼虫和网纹溞,10月份较多的饵料种类为介形虫、桡足类和摇蚊幼虫、轮虫等。初步揭示粘皮鯔鰕虎鱼入侵早期种群具有喜好底栖食物的广食性特征,但仍需进一步探索其在滇池流域广阔生境中如何在不同时空尺度上针对不同的饵料基础所采取的摄食策略的差异,深入研究其在与先期入侵的近缘种的摄食竞争中如何取得生存机会。     

Prey selection and growth in 0+ Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. in littoral zones of seven temperate lakes

We studied the relationships between the planktonic food base and feeding patterns of juvenile mid-summer/early autumn Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L., a common predatory freshwater fish in large parts of Europe and Asia. The feeding of 0+ perch was studied during summer and autumn in littoral habitats of seven lakes with different environmental conditions – four Latvian (Auciema, Riebinu, Vārzgūnes, Laukezers) and three Estonian (Kaiavere, Prossa and Akste) lakes. Simultaneously, the abundance, biomass and structure of zooplankton communities were examined. We focused on the littoral areas because many studies in lakes suggest that littoral habitats are particularly important for 0+ fish growth and survival. We were interested in the question: can the diet and growth of 0+ perch be explained by zooplankton community structure? We also presumed that if the amount of zooplankton is low, more benthic invertebrates will be consumed by 0+ perch. Opposite to expectations, we found that zooplankton always counted for over 90% of diet biomass in perch. There were also clear correlations between the zooplankton biomass in a given lake, the zooplankton biomass in 0+ perch stomachs, and the fish growth rate. The study also suggested that nutrient enrichment can positively impact the 0+ perch feeding conditions in lakes.     

Prey selectivity and diel feeding chronology of juvenile chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon in the Columbia River plume

We studied salmon feeding selectivity and diel feeding chronology in the Columbia River plume. Juvenile chinook and coho salmon were caught by trawling at 2–3 h intervals throughout a diel period on three consecutive days (21–23 June 2000) at stations located 14.8 and 37 km offshore from the mouth of the Columbia River. A total of 170 chinook salmon were caught at the inshore and 79 chinook and 98 coho salmon were caught at the offshore station. After each trawl, potential prey were sampled at different depths with 2–3 different types of nets (1‐m diameter ring net, bongo net, neuston net). Despite the variability in zooplankton abundance, feeding selectivity was surprisingly constant. Both salmon species fed selectively on larger and pigmented prey such as hyperiid amphipods, larval and juvenile fish, various crab megalopae, and euphausiids. Hyperiid amphipods were abundant in the salmon diets and we hypothesize that aggregations of gelatinous zooplankton may facilitate the capture of commensal hyperiid amphipods. Small copepods and calyptopis and furcilia stages of euphausiids dominated the prey field by numbers, but were virtually absent from salmon diet. Juvenile chinook salmon, with increasing body size, consumed a larger proportion of fish. Stomach fullness peaked during morning hours and reached a minimum at night, suggesting a predominantly diurnal feeding pattern. In general, both chinook and coho salmon appear to be selective, diurnal predators, preying mostly on large and heavily pigmented prey items, in a manner consistent with visually oriented, size‐selective predation.     

Nocturnal and diurnal feeding by Galaxias auratus, a lentic galaxiid fish

Abstract –  We examined the diel feeding pattern, gastric evacuation and daily ration of a lentic, endemic Tasmanian galaxiid fish, Galaxias auratus . Analysis of stomach contents and consumption estimates based on collections of fish every 3 h over three 24-h periods in summer 2002/2003 revealed that feeding always occurred during both day and night, with no obvious peaks. We also estimated the gastric evacuation rate of G. auratus in a laboratory experiment using the two prey species found to be dominant in stomachs of field-sampled fish. The relationship was best described by an exponential model, with rate parameters ( R ) of 0.104 and 0.081 for the evacuation of the amphipod, Austrochiltonia australis , and the cladoceran, Daphnia carinata , at water temperatures of 11.5 and 16.5 °C, respectively. Daily ration of G. auratus in summer was estimated to be approximately 3% (dry body weight) using the models of Elliot & Persson and Eggers. Galaxias auratus appears to be unusual in that its feeding pattern cannot be classified as nocturnal, diurnal or crepuscular, but its gastric evacuation and daily ration estimates are still similar to other comparable Northern Hemisphere freshwater fishes.     

Effects of habitat and internal prey subsidies on juvenile coho salmon growth: implications for stream productive capacity

Abstract –  To evaluate the effects of habitat, foraging strategy (drift vs. limnetic feeding) and internal prey subsidies (downstream transport of invertebrate drift between habitats) on fish production, we measured the growth of juvenile coho salmon confined to enclosures in flowing (pond inlets and outlets) or standing water (centre of pond) habitats in a constructed river side-channel. The effects of habitat and foraging strategy on fish growth were mediated primarily through habitat effects on prey abundance. Invertebrate drift biomass was nearly an order of magnitude higher at pond inlets relative to outlets. Drift-feeding coho in inlet enclosures grew 50% faster than drift-feeding coho at pond outlets or limnetic feeding coho in the centre of ponds, suggesting that elevated drift at inlets was sufficient to account for higher inlet growth rates. Forty per cent of prey biomass in stomachs was terrestrial in origin. These results indicate that, in addition to dependence on external terrestrial subsidies, streams with alternating slow and fast water (i.e., pool-riffle) sequences are also characterised by internal prey subsidies based on transport of drifting invertebrates from refuge habitats (high velocity riffles) to habitats more suitable for drift-feeding predators (e.g., pools), which may result in higher maximum fish growth in systems where internal subsidises are large. Restoration of small streams to maximise productive capacity for pool-rearing salmonids will require a better understanding of the length and interspersion of habitats that maximises both internal prey subsidies and available rearing habitat for juvenile salmon.     

海州湾秋季小眼绿鳍鱼的摄食策略及食物选择性

基于2011年及2013—2015年秋季在海州湾海域进行底拖网调查数据,通过分析733尾小眼绿鳍鱼(Chelidonichthys spinosus)的胃含物样品,对其食物组成、摄食强度、摄食策略以及食物选择性等摄食生态特征进行初步研究。结果表明,小眼绿鳍鱼摄食饵料生物共有80余种,其中优势饵料种类为细螯虾(Leptochela gracilis)、戴氏赤虾(Metapenaeopsis dalei)、疣背宽额虾(Latreutes planirostris)、双斑蟳(Charybdis bimaculata)、细条天竺鲷(Apogon lineatus)等。聚类分析结果显示,小眼绿鳍鱼的食物组成无明显体长变化。不同体长组小眼绿鳍鱼的空胃率差异不显著(P0.05),平均胃饱满指数差异显著(P0.05)。广义加性模型(GAM)分析表明,底层盐度、底层水温和纬度对小眼绿鳍鱼的摄食强度有显著影响(P0.05),而体长、经度和水深的影响则不显著(P0.05)。摄食策略分析表明,小眼绿鳍鱼是以虾类和鱼类为主要饵料类群的广食性鱼类。通过计算食物选择性指数发现,小眼绿鳍鱼喜食饵料与实际摄食的主要饵料种类存在一定差异,表明其摄食既具有较强的主动选择性,同时又受到海州湾饵料丰度和可获得性等因素的影响。     

长江口斑尾刺虾虎鱼的摄食习性

2014年6月至2015年5月,在长江口东旺沙、东风西沙和青草沙潮间带水域隔月进行插网作业,共采集到459尾斑尾刺虾虎鱼(Acanthogobius ommaturus)样品,分析其胃含物。结果表明,斑尾刺虾虎鱼共摄食12类37种生物,主要摄食虾类,其次是鱼类、蟹类等。其饵料生物组成随季节和体长的不同而有所变化,除四季均大量摄食虾类以外,春季还摄食糠虾类和蟹类,夏季还摄食鱼类,冬季还摄食糠虾类;体长70 mm的斑尾刺虾虎鱼主要以幼鱼为食,同时还摄食大量的糠虾类和磷虾类,体长70~189 mm的个体主要摄食虾类和鱼类,体长189 mm的个体主要以鱼类为食。聚类分析结果表明,斑尾刺虾虎鱼秋季的饵料生物组成与春、夏、冬季相比,存在较大差异;体长70 mm的斑尾刺虾虎鱼食物组成与体长≥70 mm相比,存在较大差异。斑尾刺虾虎鱼的摄食强度也有显著的季节和体长变化,Kruskal-Wallis非参数秩检验结果表明,不同季节组和体长组平均胃饱满系数均差异显著(P0.01);列联表检验结果表明,不同季节斑尾刺虾虎鱼的空胃率不存在显著差异(P0.05),不同体长组空胃率差异显著(P0.01)。通过计算Spearman等级相关系数得到饵料生物体长与斑尾刺虾虎鱼体长之间呈显著的正相关(rs=0.263,P0.01)。此外,摄食饵料平均重量和个数随着斑尾刺虾虎鱼体长的增大而增大,符合"最佳摄食理论"。因此,斑尾刺虾虎鱼的摄食习性不仅与环境中饵料生物丰度有关,也与其自身生长发育有关。