An Investigation on the feeding ecology of brown comber (Serranus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in Izmir Bay

In this study the feeding ecology, the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Serranus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758) were investigated in Izmir Bay. A total of 2827 brown comber samples were collected in Izmir Bay between February 2007 and November 2008 by bottom trawl.The total length of the sampled brown comber ranged between 6.3 and 11.7 cm. The distribution of total length frequencies and the estimated length-weight relationships were found to differ according to the sampling seasons. However, in all sampling seasons S. hepatus showed a negative allometric growth.The condition factor of brown comber varied between 0.92 and 2.85. Notable variations in condition factor were observed according to the sampling season and length classes.The number of brown comber stomachs that contained at least one prey item or any digested remains was 782. There were 551 empty stomachs. The remaining 1494 fish had stomachs that were inside-out position. The percentages of full and empty stomachs varied according to the sampling season but not to the predator length class. The diet composition revealed that the species is carnivorous, consuming particularly benthic Crustacea, Ophiurida and Polychaeta. The contributions of the prey organisms to the diet composition did not change seasonally but changed with predator size class.