Original scientific paper

Food of the European eel Anguilla anguilla in the Mauguio lagoon (Mediterranean, France)

Jean-Luc Bouchereau ; Systématique, Adaptation, Évolution, UMR CNRS 7138 (UPMC), Campus Fouillole,
Catarina Marques ; Écosystèmes Lagunaires, UMR CNRS 5119, cc 93, Université Montpellier II,
Patricia PEREIRA ; Écosystèmes Lagunaires, UMR CNRS 5119, cc 93, Université Montpellier II,
Olivier Guélorget ; Écosystèmes Lagunaires, UMR CNRS 5119, cc 93, Université Montpellier II,
Yvan VERGNE ; Écosystèmes Lagunaires, UMR CNRS 5119, cc 93, Université Montpellier II,

Abstract

This study deals with temporal variations in eel Anguilla anguilla diet, sampled seasonally inthe Languedocian Mauguio lagoon (Gulf of Lion), from Autumn 1998 to Summer 1999. Eel mainlyfeeds on benthic organisms, primarily small Amphipoda, Crustacea (mainly Gammarus gr. locusta),Polychaeta, insect larvae (Chironomidae) and small fish. Based on variations in the eels feedingregime, seasonal influence is illustrated by decreased feeding activity in summer, which progressivelyincreases during the following seasons. The trophic quality available to eels in the Mauguiolagoon depends more on allochtonous inputs from the catchment area than on its own hydrodynamicson which water of marine origin has little influence due to its long distance from the sea.Variations observed during the four seasons illustrate the opportunist type feeding behaviour ofeels. They consume the most available benthic preys at a given moment without using a particularfeeding strategy like specialisation or generalisation. Eel adapts its diet according to the availableresources offered by the ecosystem. Because of this eel, as an amphihaline migrant species, can becharacterised as an obvious indirect bioindicator of the trophic capacity and very marked level ofconfinement in the brackish lagoon ecosystem of Mauguio.

Keywords

Gulf of Lion; eel; lagoon; diet; opportunism; bioindicator

Hrčak ID:

45926

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/45926

Publication date:

1.12.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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