abstract
The feeding biology of the fivefinger, Acantholatris monodactylus from Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island is described. Comparison of stomach and hindgut contents indicates that stomachs are more suitable for dietary analysis in this species. It is apparent that a slight shift in diet may occur with size and season. Comparison of the diets of fishes collected at Nightingale and Gough Islands with those collected at Tristan Island indicate that locality plays an important role in determining the diet of this species. Significant differences in sea surface temperatures between Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island suggests that this physical parameter is of prime importance in regulating the availability of food items and therefore diet in A. monodactylus.
