Choosing where to feed: the influence of competition on feeding behaviour of cod, Gadus morhua L.

• Published in: Journal of Fish Biology
• Main Authors: van Duren, L. A., Glass, C. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1992
• Subjects: Gadus morhua
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02674.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1095-8649.1992.tb02674.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02674.x

Groups of cod, Gadus morhua L, presented with two feeding patches with a food abundance ratio of 2:1, distributed themselves between the patches in a ratio of 2.5:1. This is slightly higher than the 2:1 ratio predicted by the ideal free distribution theory. Large differences were observed in competitive ability between individual fish. A strong correlation was found between feeding success of individuals and time spent in a feeding patch. The more successful competitors caught about 2.5 times as many food items in the rich patch as in the poor patch. The less successful competitors caught an equal amount of food in both patches. All competitors, however, spent significantly more time in the rich patch. These results suggest that hunting success is the most important factor in assessing patch quality. However, it is not the only parameter which cod use in deciding where to feed.