Diel Feeding Cycle and Some Effects of Light on Feeding Intensity of the Mississippi Silverside, Menidia audens, in Clear Lake, California

Abstract

A study of the diel feeding cycle of 940 Mississippi silversides, Menidia audens Hay, in two 24‐hour sampling periods in Clear Lake, California, showed a predominance of crustacean zooplankton in the diet. Ceriodaphnia sp., Daphnia pulex, and emerging dipterans were the most important food items. A pronounced morning feeding peak indicated visual feeding. Evidence of visual feeding is further given by statistically significant ingestion of larger food items at night and decreased feeding during the one moonless night. Occurrence of emerging midges in the diet during the second period indicates possible selective predation.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141129/1/tafs0084.pd