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Feeding Ecology of Giant Guitarfish, Glaucostegus cf. granulatus (Glaucostegidae: Rhinopristiformes) from Eastern Arabian Sea

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Abstract

Feeding ecology of Glaucostegus cf. granulatus was investigated based on the samples collected from the inshore coastal waters of eastern Arabian Sea. Teleost contributed significantly to the diet (46.9%) followed by crustaceans (44.6%). The trophic level was estimated to be 3.9 indicating the species as a secondary consumer. The species is a generalist feeder and have a broader niche as indicated by the values of Levin’s Index (BN = 0.4) and Shannon–Wiener Index (H′ = 3.2). This is the first comprehensive study on the feeding ecology of this vulnerable species from this region, and suggest they consume a wide variety of prey items.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa and Director, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, for providing necessary facilities. The support from fishermen and local communities along Goa coast is also appreciated.

Funding

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, Goa, India

    G. B. Sreekanth

  2. ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    A. K. Jaiswar

  3. ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mumbai Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    K. V. Akhliesh

Authors
  1. G. B. Sreekanth
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  2. A. K. Jaiswar
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  3. K. V. Akhliesh
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Correspondence to G. B. Sreekanth.

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Sreekanth, G.B., Jaiswar, A.K. & Akhliesh, K.V. Feeding Ecology of Giant Guitarfish, Glaucostegus cf. granulatus (Glaucostegidae: Rhinopristiformes) from Eastern Arabian Sea. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. 45, 19–24 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-021-01078-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-021-01078-3

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