Feeding habits of Pickhandle barracuda; Sphyraena jello Cuvier, 1829; in Chabahar coastal waters (Oman Sea)

The purpose of this study was to explore the feeding habits and preference prey of Sphyraena jello in Chabahar marine waters between April 2019 to March 2020. The number of 385 specimens with mean (±SD) total length and weight 64.0±3.5 cm and 925.45±12.0 g for males and 66.0±2.45 cm and 1001.35±5.2 g for females were examined. Length-weight relationships of male and female was respectively computed W=0.021L2.752 and W=0.017L2.823. For males, the maximum and minimum ISF% was observed in February (with 37.22%) and August (75.18%). Against, it was 18.01% and 84.75% in August and January for female. Mean (±95% CL) vicinity index (CV%) was calculated 15.90±12.79 (for male) and 7.84±2.55 (for female), which are indicated S. jello is a full-feed species. Fifteen food items were recognized which the maximum and minimum FO% were related to Clupeidae (with 25.48%) and Cuttlefish (with 1.49%). Small-pelagic fish (Sardins and Anchovis) were the most important food items (with more than 50%) of this species, totally. Considering ecological importance of S. jello, these result could provide useful information for fish biologists and stock assessment and fisheries management researchers.