Diet of the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax in the Gulf of Annaba, Algeria

The diet of the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax has been studied in the Gulf of Annaba (8 degrees 15'E, 36(degrees) 68'N et 7 degrees 16'E, 36 degrees 38'N). 568 individuals of length between 15.5 and 61.6 cm were examined. The average vacuity coefficient is 36.9%, but monthly values show a clear seasonal feed rhythm. Fish and crustaceans constitute the preferential prey. The number of species ingested is 20, and is higher in juveniles and less in summer than in autumn. The diet of the sea bass thus changes with growth. In relative terms, juveniles (15 to 30 cm) prefer small crustaceans, fingerlings and sardines. These last dominate in the stomachs of individuals of the next class (30 to 40 cm), while large specimens (40 to 60 cm) specialise on fishes. Feeding shows the particularity of the spring diet, characterized by the appearance of new prey (Portunus sp., Squilla mantis, Trachurus sp.).