Abstract
Feeding habits of Hemiramphus archipelagicus (Hemiramphidae), Collette and Parin, 1978 in Karachi coast, Pakistan were studied based on the analysis of stomach contents. Monthly samples were taken from September, 2009 to December, 2009 from Karachi Fish Harbour. Stomach contents of 333 fishes (male n = 200 , female n = 133) were examined. Eleven food categories were identified: Polychaeta , Mollusca, Bivalvia, Crustacea, Amphipoda, Brachyura, Cirripedia, Pisces , Unidentified animal materials , Unidentified plant materials and Unidentified materials. The results showed that H. archipelagicus is an omnivorous predator and its diet depends upon the availability of local prey species, especially in intertidal areas. The proportions of food items in the diet composition of the H. archipelagicus in the category of 145-185 mm and 195-235 mm length were to be found roughly equal.
