Diet of the eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata (Shaw & Nodder, 1794), from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

The diet of the eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata, in Moreton Bay, south-eastern Queensland was investigated through stomach content analysis. Two major, two minor and four uncommon prey groups were identified. The diet of A. rostrata was dominated by decapod crustaceans. The Index of Relative Importance indicated that penaeid prawns and carid shrimps were the most important prey groups consumed, representing 51.84% and 26.32% of the diet respectively. Brachyuran crabs (12.84%) and teleost fishes (8.86%) were minor dietary components, while stomatopods, amphipods, isopods and squid constitute uncommon prey groups. Minor ontogenetic differences in diet were recognized, with carids significantly more important in juveniles than in adults, and penaeids, brachyurans and teleosts slightly more important in adults. The predatory activity of A. rostrata on the benthic fauna, together with its relative abundance, suggests it may have an important role in the trophic structure of Moreton Bay.