Food of snapper, Chrysophrys auratus (forster), in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand

The food of the snapper, Chrysophrys auratus (Forster), in the Hauraki Gulf was investigated by an occurrence method. The diet was extremely varied and depended on the size of the fish and the food available to it. Variation in feeding occurred during the day, but there was no difference in diet at different times of the year or between male and female snapper. No evidence was found for the existence of two races of snapper in the Hauraki Gulf. Changes of colouration and behaviour among snapper schooling in the summer appeared merely to be associated with spawning activity.