Abstract

This study was carried out to describe the feeding habits of pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). Fish samples were collected monthly from Antalya Bay between 2008 and 2011. Stomach contents of 657 individuals ranging in size from 12.5 to 68 cm (28.1±12.7 cm; 422 ± 560.7 g) (±SE of means) total length were analyzed and 64.2 % (432 ind.) were empty. The index of percentage of relative importance (IRI%) indicated opportunistic feeding on macrobenthic fauna. The fish fed mainly upon Penaeidae (shrimps) (IRI%=54) and Portunidae (crabs) (IRI%=17), but also upon fish, Cephalopods and others. There were differences in diet composition during the years.