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A Survey of Food and Feeding Habits of Synodontis in River Benue Along Mayo Ranewo, Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria Pius, Danba Elizabeth; Adule, Alexander Faith; Emmanuel, Allahnanan
Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS Vol 3 No 2 (2025): Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/mikailalsys.v3i2.6639

Abstract

This study examines the food and feeding habits of Synodontis species in River Benue, with emphasis on seasonal dietary variations and overall fish health. Thirty-five specimens were collected from Mayo Ranewo, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, Taraba State, and analyzed using standard morphometric measurements and gut content examination. Results indicate a predominantly herbivorous diet in the early months (August and October), marked by high intake of stems (43.7% and 48.0%) and seeds (42.1% and 42.6%), with limited consumption of animal matter such as insects and crustaceans. In November and December, a dietary shift occurred, with greater proportions of insects (11.7% and 23.5%) and crustaceans (8.4% and 15.7%) consumed. Stomach fullness was consistently high, with 90–100% of specimens containing food across all months. The length–weight relationship revealed negative allometric growth (b = 0.85; R² = 0.95), while the average condition factor (K ≈ 0.23) suggested generally poor health, potentially due to environmental stress or limited food availability. The findings underscore the adaptive feeding strategies of Synodontis in response to seasonal resource fluctuations and highlight the ecological need to preserve riverine health for sustainable fisheries management.
Food and Feeding Habits of Hydrocynus in River Benue Along Mayo Ranewo, Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria Pius, Danba Elizabeth; Juliet, Nokah; Emmanuel, Allahnanan
Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS Vol 3 No 2 (2025): Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/mikailalsys.v3i2.6640

Abstract

This study examines the food and feeding habits of Hydrocynus species in River Mayo Ranewo, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Hydrocynus, commonly referred to as tigerfish, is a predatory freshwater species of notable ecological and economic value. The research investigates dietary composition, length–weight relationship, and condition factor to better understand the species’ ecological role. Seventy-five specimens were obtained from local fishermen and analyzed in the laboratory. Stomach content analysis revealed seasonal dietary variation, with Tilapia and catfish as predominant prey items, supplemented by decayed fish and fish bones. The length–weight relationship showed a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.99997), indicating isometric growth, while the condition factor (K ≈ 1.20) suggested a healthy population. The results indicate that tigerfish adjust their feeding strategies according to prey availability and environmental conditions. These findings contribute valuable information for sustainable fisheries management and conservation planning, supporting both ecological stability and the economic viability of inland fisheries in Taraba State.