Author/Authors :
Sarpanah Sarkohi ، A نويسنده - Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, P.O.Box: 14155-6116 Tehran, Iran , , Ghasemzadeh، G.R نويسنده Iranian Fisheries Organization, Gilan Fisheries Department, P.O.Box:15156 Rasht, Iran , , Nezami، S.A نويسنده - Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, P.O.Box: 14155-6116 Tehran, Iran , , Shabani، A نويسنده Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Science, Gorgan University, P.O.Box: 49165-386, Gorgan, Iran , , Christianus، A نويسنده Faculty of Agriculture, University of Putra , No. 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia , , Shabanpour، B نويسنده Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Science, Gorgan University, P.O.Box: 49165-386, Gorgan, Iran , , Chi Roos Bin ، Saad نويسنده - Faculty of Agriculture, University of Putra , No. 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia ,
Abstract :
< i > Neogobius caspius < /i > is an endemic species of the Caspian Sea which plays an important role in food chain as a predatory fish. The main aim of this study was to investigate selected feeding characteristics of < i > Neogobius caspius < /i > in the south west coasts of the Caspian Sea. Monthly sampling was carried out using a bottom trawler at three stations (Astara, Anzali and Chabuksar) in three depths (0-5, 5-10 and 10-15m) on a monthly basis from October 2004 to September 2005. Relative gut length (RLG) was less than one suggesting that this species is carnivorous. RLG was significantly lower in older fish but gut length was longer (P < 0.05). Intensity of fullness was below the favorite degree (IF < 400) from October to March, however, it was higher (400 < IF < 900) from April to October at all stations, indicating that feeding conditions for this species is suitable in the study area.Study showed that < i > N. caspius < /i > mainly fed on molluscs (Food preference, FP=100%), worms (FP=89%) and crustaceans (FP=74%), hence, this species is considered as euryphagus species.
