Histological Identification of Macroalgae from Stomach Contents of the Antarctic Fish Notothenia coriiceps Using Semi-thin Sections

A histological method is described allowing the identification of macro-algal fragments from stomach contents of fish. The rhodophytes Porphyra endiviifolium and Neuroglossum ligulatum were determined from the stomach contents of the Antarctic fish Notothenia coriiceps . The results show P. endiviifolium to be a more important part in the diet of this fish than previously expected. On the basis of the depth distribution of the identified algae it is suggested that N. coriiceps can migrate to very shallow waters for feeding.