Feeding habits of Macropipus tuberculatus (Brachyura, Portunidae) off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)

Abstract

Macropipus tuberculatus predates opportunistically upon epifaunal crustaceans and smali fish. Infaunal organisms such as echinoderms, polychaetes and bivalves constitute a smaller part of the diet. Pelagic shrimps are preyed upon during day-time hours while they are on the bottom. No significant differences in diet composition were found between the sexes. Recent post-moult individuals sbowed the highest proportion of empty foreguts. Advanced post-moult individuals showed the highest proportion of full foreguts. Seasonal differences in diet composition are attributed to parallel vanation in prey availability, especially with respect to juvenile fish.