Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

DIET COMPOSITION OF FOUR COMMERCIALLY ECONOMIC IMPORTANT SPECIES FROM NIGERIAN COASTAL WATERS

ADESOLA OLAYINKA OSIBONA AND EMMANUEL BABATUNDE ENIOLA

Abstract

The food and feeding habits of four indigenous commercial fish species, namely Clarias gariepinus, Tilapia zillii, Pentanemus quinquarius and Pseudotolithus typus was investigated. Fish species were procured from fishermen every month. Specimens that were dead on purchased were chilled with iced blocks at the point of collection and transported to the laboratory. A total of 670 fish specimens were examined and their stomach contents analyzed. Frequency of occurrence and numerical methods were employed in this study. The result of analysis showed that 159 (23.73%) of all the species examined had empty stomach. C.gariepinus was found to be an omnivore feeding on insects, plankton and invertebrates, consisting of five families. In T.zillii, planktonic organisms constituted the greater part of the food items found in the stomachs. P.quinquarius and P. typus fed mainly on small fishes and crustaceans. There was no statistical difference in the feeding habits of these four species. Pollutants from the environment on the coastal waters do not affect the feeding habit of the species.