On the feeding habits of the snake mackerel Gempylus serpens (Cuvier), with some remarks on the specimens collected off the Indian Coast

While on a cruise on board the Research Vessel VARUNA two specimens of Gempylus serpens (Cuvier), measuring 537 mm. and 419 mm. in total length were collected at Station No. 1724 (Lat. 07° 02', Long. 77° 32'). These were obtained in the scoop net operated from the vessel to catch the fishes that came to the surface attracted by light. This catch of snake mackerel encouraged us to search for more specimens. At Station No. 1737 (Lat. 09° 46', Long. 75° 25') another specimen of G. serpens was encountered, which was found darting towards a flying fish and catching it by the middle. These areas abound in flying fishes such as Oxyporhampus sp., Exocoetus volitans, E. mento, Cypselurus comatus and Prognicthys gibbifrons. The gut contents of the two specimens of G. serpens were examined and were found to contain large chunks of flying fish