Ecology of Maja brachydactyla
 
Main Ref. Le Pape, O., L. Baulier, A. Cloarec, J. Martin, F. Le Loc'h and Y. Désaunay, 2007
Remarks Juveniles about to reach maturity live in shallow waters from 10 to 15 m deep on rocky and sandy substrates (Ref. 115713). They are also found on sandy bottoms colonized by Zostera marina. During summer, adults live near the shore on rocky areas. In winter, they are spotted on rocky bottoms and heterogeneous coarse sediments in deep waters. Both juveniles and adults during summer are found on muddy sands with few rocks (Ref. 115714). Uses slow, small-scale, non-directional movements. Exhibiting ontogenetic movements, juveniles live at depth of 5 to 15 m; adults then migrate to deeper waters (>50 m), where they mate (Ref. 115713). Diet remains to be accurately described. Studies (i.e. direct field observations, laboratory experiments, and gut content analyses) have suggested the species to have an omnivorous diet based on consumption of prey commonly found in their habitat (Ref. 115714). In one study, however, it was considered a mobile carnivorous species (Ref. 96498). Research using stable isotopes indicate no differences between sexes in diet or habitat use patterns either in adults (Refs. 115714, 115744) or juveniles (Refs. 115713, 115714, 115744).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Maja brachydactyla may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic: mobile; Soft Bottom: sand; mud; Hard Bottom: rocky;
Substrate Ref. Carpenter, K.E. and N. De Angelis (eds.), 2014
Special habitats Beds: algae/seaweed; rock; sea grass;
Special habitats Ref. Carpenter, K.E. and N. De Angelis (eds.), 2014

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type plants/detritus+animals (troph. 2.2-2.79)
Feeding type Ref. Bodin, N., F. Le Loc'h, C. Hily, X. Caisey, D. Latrouite and A.M. Le Guellec, 2007
Feeding habit
Feeding habit Ref.

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 3.21 0.21 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref.
Ref. [ e.g. 3742]
Glossary [ e.g. cnidaria]
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