Coexisting in the Surf Zone: Age and Feeding Habits of the Spotted Seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on the Gulf of Cádiz Beaches (Southwest Iberian Peninsula)

Various commercial fish species utilize different coastal habitats as nurseries in their juvenile stages, with surf zones being particularly crucial due to the protection and abundant food resources they offer. Among the species that rely on these areas are the spotted seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). This study aimed to investigate the age and feeding habits of surf zone specimens of these species and explore their environmental adaptations. The average size for D. punctatus was 16.94 ± 4.05 cm, and for D. labrax, it was 23.23 ± 6.30 cm. The length–weight relationship for D. punctatus was TW = 0.013*TL2.885 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.012–0.014; parameter b: 95% CI: 2.854–2.917), and for D. labrax, it was TW = 0.008*TL3.095 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.006–0.009; parameter b: 95% CI: 3.040–3.151). In both D. punctatus (79.20%) and D. labrax (75.92%), the predominant age classes were 1+ and 2+. Significant variations in age class abundance were observed in D. punctatus based on the time of day, lunar phase, and season, while D. labrax showed variations only by season. A diet analysis revealed that both species primarily consume mysids and fish, with D. punctatus showing dietary variations related to the time of day, lunar phase, and season, and D. labrax showing variations with the time of day and season.