Preliminary results on feeding habits of the invasive fish Fistularia commersonii (Ruppell, 1862) in the coast of Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

The feeding habits of the exotic fish Fistularia commersonii off the coast of Benghazi, Libya were investigated. A total of 189 specimens were collected throughout the year of 2012-2013. The mean total length (TL) and mean weight was 99.08±6.45cm and 545.33±116 g, respectively. The condition factor (K) ranged between 0.7 and 0.8. Fish were found in large quantities (87%) in the stomach of the blue-spotted cornet fish. While crustaceans (2%) and mollusks (1%). The results showed also that F. commersonii feeds on prey from diverse habitats as well as depths.