DIEL VARIATION AND SELECTIVITY IN THE DIET OF Cetengraulis edentulus (CUVIER 1828) (ENGRAULIDAE-CLUPEIFORMES) IN THE ITAIPU LAGOON, NITERÓI, RIO DE JANEIRO

Daily feeding activity of the engraulidid Cetengraulis edentulus was studied during the cold period in the Itaipu lagoon, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Diatoms were the most abundant feeding item registred over a 24 hour period and Amphora sp. was predominant. The diversity index showed high values due to species uniformity in the stomach contents. Cluster analysis revealed group association due to the occurrence and predominance of feeding item. Cetengraulis edentulus is predominantly phytoplanctophagous with crespucular feeding habits, exploiting the water layers near sediment