Synopsis
Stomach contents of three Latimeria chalumnae dissected in Japan support the hypothesis that the coelacanth is a predominantly nocturnal bottom or near-bottom drift feeder. Prey items identified in this study (Ilyophis brunneus, Cephaloscyllium sufflans and Beryx decadactylus) and those reported previously are mostly benthic or epibenthic dwellers. The drifting of the coelacanth in a headstanding posture would account for the easy capture of prey that moves within or just above the bottom strata at night.
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Uyeno, T., Tsutsumi, T. Stomach contents of Latimeria chalumnae and further notes on its feeding habits. Environ Biol Fish 32, 275–279 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007460
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007460