Food and Feeding Habits of Lethrinus chrysostomus Richardson (Pisces : Perciformes) and Other Lethrinids on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Gut contents were examined in 299 sweetlip emperor L. chrysostomus from the Great Barrier Reef, near Townsville, Qld. Occurrence and points (bulk) methods of analysis were used. Both methods showed that the major dietary items were crustaceans, echinoderms and molluscs, crabs and sea urchins being the most important. Examination of other lethrinids quantitatively and qualitatively suggested that lethrinid species are carnivorous bottom feeders quite selective and individualistic in their diet.