Diel feeding activity and intensity in the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) during an annual cycle in a Cantabrian stream

• Published in: Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems
• Main Authors: Costa-Dias S., Lobón-Cerviá J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2009
• Subjects: anguilla; feeding intensity; diel activity; riverine stock; Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling; SH1-691; Anguilla anguilla
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1051/kmae/2008010; https://doaj.org/article/c3bd14dacf184132a779d6555b616189

Diel and seasonal shifts in the feeding activity and intensity of a riverine stock of European eels, Anguilla anguilla (L.), were assessed in the Río LLorín, a right-side tributary of the Río Esva drainage (northwestern Spain). No consistent diel cycles were detected in either season (eels feed with similar intensity in the day and at night), but increased feeding activity was evidenced during the warmer months relative to weaker but still significant activity in winter. Heterogeneity in both feeding activity and intensity may stem from the high rates of secondary production in the form of benthic food available for eels, and mild temperatures all year round.