Observations on the feeding habits of the shark Heterodontus francisci Girard 1854 (Chondrichthyes: Heterodontidae), in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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Abstract

A total of 108 stomach contents of horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) from San Ignacio Lagoon were analyzed. This species occurred all year round, with low abundance in summer and fall. The index of relative importance (IRI) was used to determine the prey importance. The horn shark feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, such as gastropods (Lucapinella milleri and Calyptraea spp.), crustaceans (Callinectes bellicosus, Penaeus spp. and isopods), pelecypods (unidentified), sipunculoids (Sipunculus nudus), cephalopods (Octopus spp.), as well as on small fishes (Syngnathus auliscus). This shark is a third-order consumer, because it is a predominantly carnivorous benthic species; it is a selective predator with nocturnal or crepuscular habits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-128
Number of pages18
JournalCiencias Marinas
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

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