Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus Feeding Ecology In the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A Preliminary Description of Diet From the Western Atlantic Spawning Grounds

Authors

C. M. Butler, Gulf Coast Research LaboratoryFollow
J. M. Logan, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
J. M. Provaznik, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationFollow
E. R. Hoffmayer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationFollow
M. D. Staudinger, University of Massachusetts AmherstFollow
J. M. Quattro, University of South CarolinaFollow
M. A. Roberts, University of South CarolinaFollow
G. W. Ingram, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationFollow
A. G. Pollack, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationFollow
M. E. Lutcavage, University of New Hampshire DurhamFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

A combination of stomach contents, nitrogen stable-isotope and tissue C:N values are presented to demonstrate feeding activity of Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus on the Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) spawning grounds. Diets include teleosts, cephalopods, crustaceans and a pelagic tunicate (Pyrosoma atlanticum). Results reveal the need to classify the GOMEX as a T. thynnus feeding ground.

Publication Title

Journal of Fish Biology

Volume

86

Issue

1

First Page

365

Last Page

374

Recommended Citation

Butler, C., Logan, J., Provaznik, J., Hoffmayer, E., Staudinger, M., Quattro, J., Roberts, M., Ingram, G., Pollack, A., Lutcavage, M. (2015). Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus Feeding Ecology In the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A Preliminary Description of Diet From the Western Atlantic Spawning Grounds. Journal of Fish Biology, 86(1), 365-374.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18715