Feeding Habits of the Cloudy Catshark Scyliorhinus torazame (Tanaka, 1908) (Family: Sycliorhinidae) in the South Sea of Korea

초록

To investigate the feeding ecology of the cloudy catshark Scyliorhinus torazame in the South Sea of Korea, 457 individuals were collected in October 2020 and quarterly from 2021 to 2023 using fisheries science survey vessels operated by National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS). Specimens ranged from 18.8 to 47.6 cm in total length. Stomach contents from 320 individuals with non-empty stomachs were analyzed. Fishes constituted the most important prey group of S. torazame, accounting for 73.9% of the index of relative importance (%IRI), followed by shrimps with a (17.4%). The trophic level of S. torazame ranged from 4.03±0.69 to 4.35±0.77, indicating a piscivorous feeding habit. Ontogenetic dietary shifts were observed, with the proportion of shrimps decreasing fish consumption increasing as body size increased. Seasonal variation was also observed: fishes dominated the diet in all seasons, but their contribution was lowest in summer (41.1%) and highest in winter (97.2%). Statistical analysis of feeding relationships among year, season, and size groups revealed significant differences by both size group and season. Overall, the results suggest that S. torazame functions primarily as a specialized feeder throughout most of its life, exhibiting a strong preference for fish prey. © 2027, Central Fisheries Research Institute. All rights reserved.

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