Peculiarities of Spring Feeding by Capelin (Mallotus villosus) on the Grand Bank in 1987–90

The comparative feeding characteristics of immature and mature capelin (Mallotus villosus) on the Grand Bank (NAFO Divisions 3LNO) during 1987-90 in April and May are presented. Copepods, mainly Calanus finmarchicus, were the main food for immature capelin. Areas of intensive feeding on copepods were the northern and northeastern slopes of the Grand Bank. In addition to copepods, the euphausiid Thysanoessa raschii was a very important prey of mature capelin. Poor feeding on euphausiids by prespawning capelin was partly compensated for by increased predation on juvenile capelin and sandeel. The intensive feeding of capelin on euphausiids and juveniles was observed for several years on the border of NAFO Div. 3L and 3O, namely to the south of the Avalon Peninsula. Although little is known about the biology of T. raschii on the Newfoundland Grand Bank, its occurrence in the diet of capelin and cod (from a previous study) suggests that in some years it is widely distributed and important in the food chain.