FEEDING HABITS OF Paralonchurus brasiliensis (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM SOUTH OF BRAZIL

Shrimp trawling directly impacts target species and non-target species, altering micro-habitats marine trophic webs. Thus, the objective of present research was to analyze feeding habits Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a tool evaluate impact on food chains in environments, South Atlantic Brazil. One thousand nineteen stomachs P. were dissected after being captured bycatch shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Penha, north central coast Santa Catarina, The number enough describe brasiliensis, characterizing it carnivorous predominantly invertivorous. They also revealed that this has diversified constant diet, with greater consumption polychaetes, crustaceans, ofiuroides, among other components macrobentos, all closely related sediment. It found X. kroyeri is not an important prey diet despite occupying same habitat. According study, can be characterized demersal-benthic predator, opportunistic broad spectrum. This work contributes understanding coastal ecosystems, using model.