Prey or predator—expanding the food web role of sandeel Ammodytes marinus

摘要: We report an unexpected observation of lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus foraging on juveniles and late larval stages the same species. This recording sheds new light can- nibalistic piscivorous capacity forage fish raises a number questions about role in marine food webs. In 2012 2013, stomachs 748 sandeels from 36 differ- ent commercial hauls central North Sea were opened, 9% these contained late-stage larvae. order to better understand cannibalistic nature sandeels, we made detailed analysis another 450 single haul with high frequency apparent cannibals. One-third minimum 1 young (mean length 2.7 cm; max. 4.9 cm), 10% 5 or more, stomach 18. Analy- ses sample DNA confirmed that predator prey conspecifics. Larger specimens more likely be Among cannibals, however, specific larvae consumption was independent cannibal size. argue this behaviour may not only key factor explaining recruitment fluctuations stocks, but it also add element complexity energy flow chains.