What do spawning garfish eat?

Spawning garfish primarily eat zooplankton. This includes tiny crustaceans like copepods, as well as other small organisms like larvae and eggs.

Here's why:

* Energy needs: Spawning is a very energy-intensive process for fish. They need a diet rich in easily digestible nutrients to support egg production and their own bodily needs.

* Availability: Zooplankton are abundant in the water column, especially during the spring and summer when garfish typically spawn.

* Adaptation: Garfish have specialized mouthparts and feeding mechanisms that allow them to efficiently filter out zooplankton from the water.

While zooplankton are the main food source, spawning garfish may also occasionally consume small fish, insects, and other invertebrates.