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Research Paper | Zoology | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 36 - 40 | India
Spatio-Temporal Variations in Gut Content and Feeding Intensity of Pelagic Fishes Across Some Areas along the West Coast of Maharashtra
Abstract: This study investigates the food and feeding habits of three pelagic fish species, Harpadon nehereus, Coilia dussumieri, and Lepturacanthus savala, along the west coast of Maharashtra, India. The objective was to examine spatial and seasonal variations in feeding intensity using gut content analysis. Specimens were collected over a 12 month period, and gut contents were quantified using displacement volume and gravimetric methods across four locations. Results indicated significant spatial and temporal variability in feeding intensity, with distinct seasonal peaks associated with monsoon driven environmental changes. Harpadon nehereus exhibited maximum feeding intensity in February, Coilia dussumieri showed an extreme peak in May at Uran, and Lepturacanthus savala demonstrated high variability with a peak in October at Deogad. Ratnagiri showed relatively stable feeding patterns, whereas Mumbai and Uran exhibited greater fluctuations, including periods of negligible gut content. These findings highlight the adaptive feeding strategies of pelagic fishes and their response to environmental variability, contributing to a better understanding of trophic dynamics and coastal ecosystem functioning.
Keywords: gut content analysis, feeding intensity, pelagic fishes, seasonal variation, Maharashtra coast, trophic ecology, and Acetes spp
How to Cite?: Sonal Salvi, Bhavita Chavan, "Spatio-Temporal Variations in Gut Content and Feeding Intensity of Pelagic Fishes Across Some Areas along the West Coast of Maharashtra", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 36-40, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26331190747, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26331190747