each depth zone (Wenner et al. 1983, 1984). Details 

 of benthic sampling and structure of the invertebrate 

 communities are described elsewhere (Wenner et al. 

 1983, 1984). The electivity index was calculated for 

 each species that were numerically dominant in fish 

 stomachs or in benthic samples collected within the 

 two depth zones (inner and middle shelf). 



Results and Discussion 



Haemulon aurolineatum had a generalized diet 

 and fed on about 120 species of prey (Table 1). 



Polychaetes and amphipods were the most important 

 food and were eaten with almost the same fre- 

 quency. Polychaetes, however, made up a large 

 volume of prey because of their large size. Decapods 

 were also frequently consumed, but made up a small 

 percentage of the volume or number of prey items. 

 Pelecypods were the most abundant prey and cepha- 

 lochordates, while infrequently consumed, made up a 

 large portion of food volume because of their large 

 size. Fishes also made up a large portion of food 

 volume and copepods, though small in volume dis- 

 placement, were often eaten in large numbers. 



Table 1.— Continued. 



463 



