Distribution and feeding habits of juvenile and young John's snapper Lutjanus johnii in the Matang mangrove estuary, west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

ABSTRACT:   The aim of the present paper was to provide some information on the distribution pattern and feeding habits of juvenile and young Lutjanus johnii in the Matang mangrove estuary on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Sampling was carried out at five sites using otter trawl nets from October 1998 to January 2000. Ninety-three individuals of juvenile and young L. johnii were collected during the research period. The range in total length varied from 3.4 to 21.1 cm, and the gonads of all fish were at the immature stage. Fish were caught at the river mouth and neighboring sites in Matang at a water depth of 1.6–7.5 m, salinity of 12.4–28.3, and temperature of 27.3–31.6°C. Individuals fed mainly on Natantia and Mysidacea, although the type of food varied with size. Large-sized individuals fed mainly on Natantia, and small-sized individuals on Mysidacea.