Feeding habits of the prawns Processa edulis and Palaemon adspersus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea) in the Alfacs Bay, Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean)

Abstract

The stomach contents of 147 Palaemon adspersus Rathke, and 102 Processa edulis (Risso) were analyzed. The frequency of occurrence method and the points method were used. The role of these species in the food web of Cymodocea nodosa meadows is defined. Results indicate that both species are predators of benthic invertebrates rather than scavengers or detritus feeders. The main food items varied according to species. The diet of Palaemon adspersus consisted almost entirely of crustaceans, molluscs, and plant material, with amphipods playing a major role. Processa edulis ate an almost equal amount of crustaceans and polychaetes. In P. adspersus, most dietary items differed according to size classes of prawn.