* Smaller fish: This includes anchovies, sprats, pilchards, and other baitfish.
* Squid and octopus: Kahawai will readily consume these cephalopods when available.
* Crustaceans: Crabs, prawns, and other crustaceans form a significant portion of their diet, particularly during spawning season.
* Plankton: Young kahawai rely heavily on plankton as their primary food source.
Their diet can vary depending on factors such as their size, age, location, and the availability of prey. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is most readily available.
Interestingly, kahawai have been observed consuming jellyfish, which are typically considered inedible for other fish. This shows their adaptability and ability to exploit various food sources.