SKATE DIET AT SOUTH GEORGIA INDICATES BENTHIC HABIT OF KRILL

Stomach contents were identified from 206 Antarctic skate (Amblyraja georgiana) that were collected during three groundfish surveys (winter 2007, 2008 and summer 2009) around the island of South Georgia, Southern Ocean. The diet of A. georgiana varied with skate size and between years. Preferred prey included fish (particularly for larger individuals) and Antarctic krill, as well as amphipods, polychaetes and other benthic fauna. The Antarctic skate appears to be an opportunistic predator and the clear presence of Antarctic krill in this skate’s diet indicates a benthic habit of this euphausiid species, which has hitherto been considered as occupying a purely pelagic niche.