Gayana (Jan 2010)
Seasonal limnetic feeding regime of the “robalo” Eleginops maclovinus (Valenciennes 1830), in the Valdivia river, Chile Regimen estacional de alimentación limnética en el “robalo” Eleginops maclovinus (Valenciennes 1830), en el río Valdivia, Chile
Abstract
The “robalo” Eleginops maclovinus (Valenciennes 1830) is a common fsh in the littoral, estuaries and rivers (under tidal effects zone) of southern South América, including the Falkland islands. The feeding habits of this species is known mainly in the two frst mentioned habitats, where it consumes mostly animals from marine and estuarine origin. However, little is known about its seasonal feeding habits in limnetic environments. It is only assumed that it has to eat preys from freshwater origin. In the present study, 127 specimens of E. maclovinus were analysed, 119 of which had stomach contents. The zoophagic tendency of the species is corroborated, but also animáis from low salinities and limnetic salinities were found to be consumed inthe freshwater environment. Consequently, E. maclovinus appears as an extraordinarily versatile species, in relation to its feeding capacities, with physiologic characteristics allowing a wide osmoregulatory spectrum at the digestive level, probably one of the most variable within the suborder Notothenioidei, which has strong Antarctic links.
