THE ROLE OF CEPHALOPODS IN THE DIET OF SWORDFISH (XIPHIAS GLADIUS LINNAEUS, 1758) IN THE AEGEAN SEA (EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN)

摘要

In this study, stomach contents of 108 swordfish specimens, Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758 were examined from the southern Aegean Sea. The taxonomic distribution of major prey categories in stomachs was 81.5% teleosts, 17.8% cephalopods, and 0.7% crustaceans. Teleosts (97%) were the most important prey regarding the frequency of occurrence values, followed by cephalopods (59.2%), and crustaceans (5.8%). In total, 1230 individuals (1001 teleosts, 220 cephalopods, nine crustaceans) belonging to 34 species (15 teleosts, 18 cephalopods, one crustacean) were identified.