Food and feeding dynamics of the checkered snapper Lutjanus decussatus (Cuvier, 1828) in the reef ecosystems of Andaman Islands, India

The food and feeding dynamics of the checkered snapper Lutjanus decussatus (Cuvier, 1828), inhabiting the reef ecosystem of the Andaman Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, were studied from September 2019 to August 2021. Gut contents of 692 specimens in the length range of 15.70 to 29.80 cm were examined, where 338 stomachs were empty and 354 stomachs were found in different degrees of fullness. Each prey was identified to the lowest possible taxon and quantified based on numeric and gravimetric abundance. The diet composition, diet breadth and diet shift between the male, female and sexually undifferentiated fishes were analysed seasonally. The species fed dominantly on crustaceans [dietary coefficient (QI) of 94.98% and index of relative importance (IRI) of 93.01%] followed by teleosts (QI of 4.88% and IRI of 6.84%). The seasonal diversity indices, vacuity index, most preferred prey items and the fullness index of each sex were calculated. The findings of the present study will form baseline information on the feeding dynamics of the checkered snapper that would be helpful for fishery managers in formulating management strategies. Keywords: Fisheries management; Gut content, Prey, Trophic levels