Abstract:
This is study is conducted to gather data on the food preferences of grouper species of
Pulau Bidong which is located off the shore of Kuala Terengganu, east coast of
peninsular Malaysia. Two sampling session has been conducted in September 2006 and
March- 2007 using the sling spear and fishing with hook and lines to obtain samples.
Thirty two individuals of four species (Ephinephelus areolatus, Cephalopolis
cyanostigma, Cephalopolis boenak and Cephalopolis Formosa) were obtained.
C.formosa was excluded from analysis because of insignificant number of individuals
obtained. The size of the samples ranges from 12cm to 32.7cm. All the three species has
significant length and weight relationship. The stomachs content of these fishes were
examined and qualitative and quantitative analysis was done to understand the preference
and importance of prey of the three species. The three species of grouper consumes a
wide range of prey with fish dominating the prey item. Highest occurring family of fish
prey is of the famjJy Apogonidae. Other important food items include shrimps and crabs.
