Natural feeding of silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1835) was studied in the Mirim and Mangueira lagoons, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The stomach content of 60 silverside individuals (Odontesthes bonariensis) from that lagoons showed that this species has a wide food spectrum. A wide range of food items was consumed without affecting fish growth, since similar body conditions were observed. In Mangueira lagoon, crustaceans (Isopoda) represented 65% of the diet, whereas in Mirim lagoon, mollusks (Bivalvia and Gastropoda) represented 70% of the identified stomach contents.
Odontesthes bonariensis; feeding; Mirim lagoon; Mangueira lagoon
