Comparison of the food intake and prey composition of payao-associated and free-swimming bigtooth pomfret Brama orcini

The food intake and prey composition of payao-associated Brama orcini were compared with individuals captured in open waters from February to May 2005 in Panay Gulf. An experimental multi-hooked handline was used to catch fish at the two sites. The food items of payao-associated and free-swimming fish in this fishing ground overlap; however, the total frequency of occurrence and abundance of all prey items were both higher in free-swimming fish than in payao-associated individuals. Invertebrates seemed to be preferred by this fish, and the ratio of prey weight to its body weight was significantly higher in unassociated fish than in fish caught near payaos. In open waters, B. orcini feeds predominantly on the sergestid shrimp Acetes sp., but it alters its diet by feeding on the small finfish that also aggregates near the payaos when the fish is associated with the floating structures. These results should be verified since they may be useful in managing the fishery resources aggregating near payao.