Stomach content analysis of the sea barbel, Galeichthyes feliceps (Valenciennes in C & V), from the Swartvlei system, southern Cape

Abstract

The diet of the sea barbel, Galeichthyes feliceps, in the Swartvlei estuarine system was investigated during the period April 1979 to March 1980. The stomachs of 393 specimens (TL 13,5 to 46,0 cm) were examined. The sea barbel appears to be a bottom feeder with the crown crab, Hymenosoma orbiculare, forming its main prey throughout the system. Unidentified pieces of fish and the tube- dwelling amphipod, Grandidierella lignorum, were respectively the second and third most important food items. The feeding habits of most adult male sea barbel were markedly affected by the breeding season, since during this time they were carrying developing eggs in their mouths and apparently did not feed.