Munida subrugosa is the most abundant galatheid crab species in
the Beagle Channel (55°S 68°W) off Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
Samples of crabs and the epibenthic community were taken on a
monthly basis at two different depth strata (<40m and >70m), by
means of epibenthic trawling from 1998 to 1999. Stomach contents
from 1582 crabs were analysed, out of which only 2% had empty
stomachs. The quantity of food in the stomach contents was
clearly seasonal and similar at both depths. The organic matter
varied throughout the year and between both depths, being
significantly higher in summer/spring than in autumn/winter.
Munida subrugosa shows two different and simultaneous feeding
habits: (1) as a predator M. subrugosa feeds on crustaceans,
algae, and polychaetes; and (2) as a deposit feeder M. subrugosa
consumes particulate organic matter and organisms associated
with the superficial layer of of the sediment. The composition
of the diet of Munida subrugosa was similar for both years, and
independent of depth, sex