Juveniles, food and the surf zone habitat: implications for teleost nursery areas

Abstract

The length composition, abundance patterns and feeding habits of juvenile Diplodus sargus capensis, Lithognathus mormyrus, Pomadasys olivaceum, Rhabdosargus globiceps, Sarpa salpa and Trachurus trachurus are given. Zooplankton, in the form of copepods, chaetognaths, crustacean larvae and mysids, constituted a major component of the diet of these fish. The swimming prawn, Macropetasma africanus, was also a major prey item consumed by D. sargus, P. olivaceum and R. globiceps. The use of King's Beach as a nursery area is discussed in relation to food availability and shelter from predators.