An Analysis of Stomach Contents of California Tide Pool Fishes

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Abstract
22 spp. of fishes were collected from a tide pool at Portuguese Bend, Los Angeles County, Cal., by means of rotenone poisoning. Analysis of stomach contents of 13 common spp. was made in which identifications of invertebrate prey, and either estimates of relative bulk or actual counts of individuals were recorded. Two of the spp. were herbivorous, while invertebrates supplied food for other 10 spp. Insofar as this sample can be taken as representative of ordinary diet, it would appear that principal food source differs with different spp., in part because of size differences, and in part because of differences of feeding habits. Principal food of different size classes may also differ. Apparently only a relatively small proportion of spp. of invertebrates common in pool were preyed upon. Evidence suggests that although numerous spp. of fishes may be present in same pool, they are not necessarily directly competitive for food, but that a competitive balance, primarily dependent on differing feeding habits, exists.

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