HABITOS ALIMENTARIOS DE LOS PECES DEL GENERO Haemulon (PISCES: HAEMULIDAE) DE LOS ARRECIFES DE LA REGION DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

The feeding habits of species of the genus Haemulon vary along their life cycle, therefore juveniles of H. aurolineatum, H. chrysargyreum, H. melanurun and H. striatum less than 80 mm total length are planctophagus and feed during light hours (except H. chrysargyreum which feeds at night). Juveniles of H. flavolineatum feed on planctonic and benthic invertebrates. In adults feeding changes to a diet of benthic organisms, more frequently decapod crustaceans, molluscs and polychaete worms in species such as H. aurolineatum, H. carbonarium, H. flavolineatum, H. melanurum, H. macrostomum, H. parrai, H. plumieri and H. sciurus. The change from planctonic to benthic feeding is slow and occurs in intermediate size fishes between juvenile and adult stages as it could be proved in H. aurolineatum and H. plumieri with sizes between 60-100 mm total length which diet was made of planctonic and benthic organisms. H. chrysargyreum, H. steindachneri, and H. striatum show mixed diets made of planctonic and benthic organisms. All species (excepts H. chrysargyreum) when adult feed at night. This has probably induced them to acquire behavior and coloration patterns different to those shown during daylight hours.