PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE DIET OF THE DEEP-SEA KITEFIN SHARK DALATIAS LICHA (BONNATERRE, 1788) (CHONDRICHTHYES: DALATIIDAE) IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY

Cartilaginous fishes are commonly recognized as key species in marine ecosystems. Effective management plans for cartilaginous fishes are still lacking due to the scarce knowledge about their biology and ecology. In this regard, the present work aims to provide new information on the diet of Dalatias licha (Bonnaterre, 1788), a rare deep-sea shark species in the Strait of Sicily (GSA16). Based on the analysis of stomach contents, several prey groups were identified suggesting a fairly generalized bentopelagic feeding behavior. In addition, predation on sharks confirms the high trophic position of the kitefin shark in the food web of the area. These results can contribute to shed the light on the role that this vulnerable species plays within the Mediterranean food webs and constitute the baseline for new studies.