The stomach content of 261 juvenile smoothhounds Mustelus mustelus (36-75 cm total length) from the Gulf of Valencia (Spain) were studied. Samples were obtained between 1988 and 1996. Brachyura were the most important prey in terms of frequency of occurrence and numerical composition, followed by Stomatopoda, teleosts and Natantia. No significant differences were found between male and female diets. A change in food composition according to the size of fish was observed.