Feeding ecology and trophic level estimation of Giant Catfish (Netuma thalassina) in the northern Omen Sea

Due to study the food regime of Giant Catfish (Netuma thalassina), a total of 198 specimens were collected seasonally from February to October 2017 in the Omen sea waters. In this study the frequency of occurrence of prey, feeding intensity index, Vacant stomach index (VI), the mean Trophic levels and the rate of food consumption were calculated. Total six major taxonomic categories were identified in the stomach contents of this species and were weighted including Arthropods (Crustaceans, higher Crustaceans), Mollusks (Cephalopods), Echinoderms, Nematods, Sea plants (Sea weeds) and Teleostei. Crustaceans were estimated as the most abundant prey item (%44.71). Teleostei (FP=%55.55) was constituated as the main and Portunidae (FP=%25.64) and Xanthidae(FP=%13.67) as the secondary foods. Carangidae family (FP=%8.54) was the random food.  The results showed that the highest intensity of feeding occurs in Spring and lowest in fall. The mean trophic level for Giant Catfish in the studied area was estimated 3.61.