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International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
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Impact Factor RJIF: 5.69
P-ISSN: 2394-0506, E-ISSN: 2347-5129

International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies

2014, Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A

Food and feeding habits and condition factor of fish species in Qua Iboe River estuary, Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria


Author(s): Imaobong E. Ekpo, Mandu A. Essien-Ibok and Joseph N. Nkwoji

Abstract: Food and feeding habits of 187 fish specimens made up of 17 species from Qua Iboe River estuary were studied from July – October 2008. Specimens with food were more (141; 75.40%) than those without food (46; 24.60%). Highest condition factor was obtained in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (2.71) while the least was found in Sarotherodon barracuda (0.37). Gastrosomatic index showed highest (100%) in eight species whereas the lowest occurred only in Trachinotus teraia (4.35%). The highest relative frequency of food items was observed in fish and sediments (10; 15.63%) while the lowest occurred in annelids, molluscs and unidentified foods (1; 1.56%). Others were crustaceans and detritus (8; 12.50%), algae and plant materials (7; 10.94%), nematodes (5; 7.80%) and protozoans and insects (3; 4.69%). Variation in food richness ranged from 1 food item (0.54%) in three species (Bathygobius soporator, Epinephelus aeneus and T. teraia) to 36 food items (19.67%) observed in Liza falcipinnis. In view of these diets, the fishes were subdivided into planktophaguous, herbivorous, predatory and detritivorous species. However, overlaps existed; fishes were found to feed on more than one type of food item which reduced competition and encouraged coexistence.

Pages: 38-46  |  2545 Views  271 Downloads

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How to cite this article:
Imaobong E. Ekpo, Mandu A. Essien-Ibok, Joseph N. Nkwoji. Food and feeding habits and condition factor of fish species in Qua Iboe River estuary, Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2014;2(2):38-46.
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