Stomach Content of the Sleeper Fish, Bostrychus africanus from the New Calabar River, Nigeria

Abstract

Stomach content of the sleeper fish, Bostrychus africanus from the New Calabar river, Nigeria, was studied over a period of three months. The study was conducted to provide information on the likely nutritional requirement for the fish, if it is to be cultured. Analysis using Index of relative importance (IRI) showed that crab parts was the most important food item. Other items contained in the gut included nematodes, shrimp, pisces parts, unidentified items, parts of shrimp, small crab, small fish, and insects. The mid-class size (8.0–10.8) consumed the most important food item (crab parts) more than other sizes. Percentage empty stomachs were also highest in the mid-class. Empty stomachs were male dominated across the stations of the study. B. africanus was clearly carnivorous and would require a high protein diet, if considered for aquaculture.

Keywords: Diet, feeding, fish, food, habit, nutrition

Cite this Article
Chukwu K.O., Princewill Kombo. Stomach
Content of the Sleeper Fish, Bostrychus
africanus from the New Calabar River,
Nigeria. Research & Reviews: Journal of
Veterinary Science and Technology. 2019;
8(3): 13–16p