Trophic ecology of Patagonian flounder Paralichthys patagonicus (Jordan, 1889) in the Argentine-Uruguayan Coastal Ecosystem

Food habits and diet composition of Patagonian flounder Paralichthys patagonicus (Jordan, 1889) were studied on the basis stomach content analyses from 828 specimens (512 females, 304 males, 12 unsexed) collected during 16 commercial cruises between February 2009 April 2010 in Argentine-Uruguayan Coastal Ecosystem (34° S-41° S). A total 272 stomachs (32.9%) contained food (184 females 84 males), among which 20 prey taxa identified. The most important category was pelagic fish, primarily Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita), followed by rough scad (Trachurus lathami). Evidence showed that consumed a higher wet weight compared to males. Results also suggested specialised over E. anchoita, across all sex size groups. estimated trophic level for population P. 4.16. This study suggests is tertiary piscivorous consumer web region, reveals changes consumption with previous studies.