Predation by Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) on Short-finned Squid (Illex illecebrosus) off eastern Newfoundland and in the northeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence

• Main Authors: Lilly, G. R., Osborne, D. R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: NAFO 1984
• Subjects: atlantic cod; Gadus morhua; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/33873/; https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/33873/1/578.pdf

In years of high abundance, the short-finned squid (Illex illecebrosus) was a common prey of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in summer and autumn in both inshore and offshore waters of eastern Newfoundland and in the eastern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.The frequency of occurrence of squid in cod stomachs and the number of squid per stomach increased with cod length. The intensity of predation by cod on squid was low compared with peak predation on capelin (Mallotus villosus) and sand lance (Ammodytes sp.). Nevertheless, the annual immigration of squid in years of high abundance provided an increase in total food availability, especially for large cod.