Food of narrow barred Spanish mackerel in north Queensland waters, and their relevance to the commercial troll fishery

Abstract

The stomach contents of adult and juvenile narrow barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus (Lacepede)) from north Queensland waters were examined. Food items identified from commercially caught adult S.commerson showed that open water pelagic fish formed 66% of the diet with squid and penaeid prawns contributing 18%.The major food groups are rarely utilised as bait in the north Queensland troll fishery. They are now seen as appropriate additional, or alternative baits to the hemiramphids (garfishes) traditionally used.