Feeding ecology of the Ruivaco Achondrostoma oligolepis, a Portuguese endemic cyprinid fish

This study assessed the feeding ecology of the ruivaco Achondrostoma oligolepis, a Portuguese endemic resident cyprinid fish whose dietary habits are virtually unknown. Samples were taken seasonally in three medium-sized rivers representing a gradient of temporality. The stomach contents of 97 individuals (42-126 mm total length, TL) were analysed. Although there was no significant overall variation in diet composition between rivers, differences were found among seasons. A broad range of food categories was identified, although a smaller subset of primarily detritus (77.6 %) and plant material (18.4 %) constituted the base diet. Of the animal prey, Coleoptera and Diptera were the most prevalent, occurring in 13.2 % and 9.8 % of the fish, respectively, and were consumed mainly in the spring. Based on the observed diet composition and feeding strategy, the ruivaco could be considered a generalist, foraging on the most abundant and available prey.