“…In fact, Zorica et al (2017) found that in the warmer period of the year (June-September), here defined as the feeding phase, sardines consumed higher energy prey such as fish eggs, cladocerans and decapod larvae, resulting in the highest stomach fullness index values. The pattern of acquiring energy reserves before the onset of spawning has previously been reported not only for the sardine (Mustać and Sinovčić 2009, Marin et al 2010, Bandarra et al 2018 and other small pelagics (Hunter and Leong 1981, Cubillos et al 2001, Pacetti et al 2013, but also for many other fish (El Kebir et al 2003, Lloret et al 2008, Grande et al 2016.…”