Studying the Natural Food Diet of False Trevally (Lactarius lactarius) in The Coastal Waters of the Oman Sea

رSince the present study aims at determining the diet and food preference of false trevalley (Lactarius lactarius) in coastal waters of the Oman Sea, the study was carried out from November 2007 to October 2008 in this area. To do so, 702 false trevally specimens were collected randomly. The result showed that fish were feed primarily on teleosts and crustacean, consisting of 57. 9 and 40. 2 percent respectively. Although, the other food stuff such as worms, mollusca and sea grass were found in small quantities. The relative gut length of fish, which was less than one, revealed that the species are carnivorous fish. Teleosts and crustacean with 92. 0 and 63. 9 percent were the main food stuff. Feeding intensity and CV were in steady level in the reproduction and spawning periods, but increased after spawning. The condition factor in male and female was in the maximum level of 1/20±0/011 and1/21±0/011 in November while decreased by developing of gonads. The minimum condition factor for females was estimated 1. 15±0. 015 in June while it was 1. 14±0. 013 for males in July.