Feeding Biology of Fishes in the Endemic Antarctic Harpagiferidae

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Abstract
The feeding biology of 9 spp. of Antarctic fish in the Harpagiferidae [Artedidraco loennbergi, A. mirus, A. orianae, A. skottsbergi, Dolloidraco longedorsalis, Harpagifer bispinis, Pogonophryne dolichobranchiata, P. marmoratus and P. permitini] was investigated. Gut contents from 174 specimens, collected at various locations in the Antarctic Region, were analyzed. The species examined all have a similar feeding mode, preying on actively moving organisms which occur either in the water column close to the bottom or actually on the bottom sediments. The fish generally fed on the same prey groups (gammaridean amphipods, errant polychaetes, isopods and mysids) but in varying proportions. Changes in diet with increasing fish length were evident for the 3 spp. of Pogonophryne. The specimens of all 3 spp. < 100 mm SL consumed primarily gammaridean amphipods; specimens > 100 mm SL fed almost exclusively on larger prey items (mysids, large isopods, large gammaridean amphipods); specimens > 100 mm SL fed almost exclusively on larger prey items (mysids, large isopods, large gammaridean amphipods, shrimp and fish). The morphology, food habits and feeding behavior of harpagiferids are strikingly similar to those of sculpins (Cottidae) in north temperate waters. The similarities between the Harpagiferidae and the Cottidae are an interesting example of covergent evolution.

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