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PREDATION OF A SPAWNING ATHERINID FISH, 'MENIDIA MENIDIA', BY AVIAN AND AQUATIC PREDATORS
Citation:
Takita, T., D. Middaugh, AND J. Dean. PREDATION OF A SPAWNING ATHERINID FISH, 'MENIDIA MENIDIA', BY AVIAN AND AQUATIC PREDATORS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-84/266.
Description:
Predation of Atlantic silversides was observed during spawning runs in the intertidal zone of the North Edisto River estuary, South Carolina. Snowy egrets, Egretta thula, and Great egrets, Casmerodius albus, were the dominant avian predators. Snowy egrets often caught M. menidia while making frequent low flights, and also while wading at the water's edge. Individual Snowy egrets remained unsatiated after consuming up to 21 M. menidia. Great egrets always struck at M. menidia from a standing position. One individual was satiated after consuming 114 M. menidia in approximately 90 minutes.