Predation on the ctenophore,Mnemiopsis leidyi, by butterfish,Peprilus triacanthus, in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

Abstract

Consumption rates ofMnemiopsis leidyi by butterfish,Peprilus triacanthus, ranged between 4 ml/gm dry wt/hr to 184 ml/gm dry wt/hr, depending on fish size and feeding history. These rates of comsumption supply adequate food to support the metabolism of the fish and probably account for the late summer-early fall decline in population levels ofMnemiopsis observed in Narragansett Bay.