This study examines the diet composition of 15 fish species belonging to 11 families in the Visayan Sea. A total of 50 prey items were identified from 323 stomachs examined. Cluster analysis was used to assess similarities in the composition of prey items in individuals of similar sizes but of different species, and in individuals of the same species but of different size categories.
The results showed high similarity among individuals of the same species and low similarity between different species of similar size categories. Two major clusters were formed, showing generalist feeding (high niche widths) and trophic segregation (low food niche overlap).
These suggest that food resources in the Visayan Sea are not limited and that a wide range of habitats is available to the fish community.
Title of paper: Feeding Relationships of Dominant Fish Species in the Visayan Sea
Authors: Annie Trixie L. Mequila* and Wilfredo L. Campos
Oceanbio Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines in the Visayas
5023 Miag-ao, Iloilo
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