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Food and feeding habits of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, from drainage canal systems in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

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The food and feeding habits of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, from drainage canal systems in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, was investigated over a period of 24 months. Fish samples were collected monthly from 15 study sites. A total of 2400 fish stomachs were analyzed using the numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. P. reticulata fed mainly on algae, organic detritus, diatoms, mosquito larvae parts, protozoan, zooplankton and fish parts while algae form the most abundant and important food item, constituting 79.03% of food items by numerical and 33.17% by occurrence of stomachs examined. Amongst the algae, Ulothrix sp. was the most preferred, constituting 33.17% by numerical and 20.82% by occurrence. The least eaten food item was fish parts constituting 4.46% by numerical and 1.19% by occurrence. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the number of algae and mosquito larvae consumed, while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the number of other food items consumed for both seasons. However, by occurrence method there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in food items consumed for both seasons. The three size classes of P. reticulata exhibited similar food habits with the presence of eight categories of food items in their stomachs. The largest size class ate more of algae, organic detritus and fish parts, followed by the medium size class while the small size class ate less of these food items. The species is an opportunistic benthopelagic omnivores, whose preference for food fluctuates with season, with a peak in diversity of food types occurring in the rainy season.
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Introduction
Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859), a small
benthopelagic fish occupies a wide range of
aquatic habitats, such as estuaries, lakes,
ponds, weedy ditches and canals (Page &
Burr, 1991). The stomach contents of fishes
have been used by many investigators to
determine their feeding habits (Hyslop,
1980). Studies on the food and feeding
habits of fish form the basis for the
development of successful capture and
culture fisheries, world-wide (Adebisi,
1981; Blay & Eyeson, 1982). According to
Ndome & Victor (2002), the correct usage of
fish species for fish culture, ornamental
purp ose and lar val control requir es
fundamental information on the feeding
ecology of the fish. In the past P. reticulata
was widely introduced for mosquito control,
and it is also a popular ornamental fish
because they come in diverse colours and
very attractive in nature which make them a
veritable export product and foreign
exchange earner (McKay, 1984; Allen et al.,
2002). Harrington & Harrington (1982)
reported that Poecilia latipinna, from a high
subtropical salt marsh, are primarily
vegetarians whose diet varies with habitat.
Winemiller (1993) observed that Poecilia
gi lls feed on detri tus, diato ms an d
filamentous algae. P. reticulata feeds on
zooplankton, larvae of small insects and
detritus (Arthington, 1989; Rodriguez,
1997).
Despite the value of P. reticulata to the
local populace and its potentials in export
Food and Feeding Habits of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata,
from Drainage Canal Systems in Lagos, Southwestern
Nigeria
M. O. Lawal*, C. A. Edokpayi and A. O. Osibona
Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
*Corresponding author; E-mail: lawdeen2003@yahoo.com
Abstract
The food and feeding habits of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, from drainage canal systems in Lagos Metropolis,
Nigeria, was investigated over a period of 24 months. Fish samples were collected monthly from 15 study sites. A
total of 2400 fish stomachs were analyzed using the numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. P. reticulata
fed mainly on algae, organic detritus, diatoms, mosquito larvae parts, protozoan, zooplankton and fish parts while
algae form the most abundant and important food item, constituting 79.03% of food items by numerical and
33.17% by occurrence of stomachs examined. Amongst the algae, Ulothrix sp. was the most preferred,
constituting 33.17% by numerical and 20.82% by occurrence. The least eaten food item was fish parts
constituting 4.46% by numerical and 1.19% by occurrence. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the
number of algae and mosquito larvae consumed, while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the
number of other food items consumed for both seasons. However, by occurrence method there was no significant
difference (P > 0.05) in food items consumed for both seasons. The three size classes of P. reticulata exhibited
similar food habits with the presence of eight categories of food items in their stomachs. The largest size class ate
more of algae, organic detritus and fish parts, followed by the medium size class while the small size class ate less
of these food items. The species is an opportunistic benthopelagic omnivores, whose preference for food
fluctuates with season, with a peak in diversity of food types occurring in the rainy season.
2West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012 Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage canal systems 3
trade there is paucity of information on the
feeding ecology of P. reticulata from
drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis.
This paper investigates the food and feeding
habits of the Guppy, P. reticulata, and it is
hoped that the information provided would
be useful in rational exploitation and aqua-
cultural management of the species.
Materials and methods
Study area
The study areas are non-tidal, polluted
canals, which receive water from surface
run-off and waste water from different
residential buildings, and empty into the
Lagos lagoon through the numerous creeks
in the city. The drainage canals are shallow
with depth ranging from 0.56–1.20 m. They
0
lie between latitude 06 25.343 N and
0
longitude 003 24.666 E. The substratum of
the canals is made of soft organic mud,
mixture of fine and coarse sand, mixed with
decaying organic matter. Two climatic
seasons prevail in the study area. The wet
season (May–November) is characterized by
high monthly rainfall, while the dry season
(December–April) is characterized by low
pr ecipitat ion. The domina nt aquat ic
macrophytes include Azolla africana and
Pistia stratiotes, which provide shaded area
favoured by the species.
Fish specimens were collected monthly
from November 2004 to October 2006 using
a long-handled scoop net, made of fiber mesh
(mesh size: 3 mm; length of handle: 1.00 m)
from drainage canal s in th e Lagos
Metropolis (Fig. 1). The method used here is
designated as ‘search and hit’ technique.
Whenever the fish was located, a hit was
made with the swift downward stroke of the
net slicing through the water underneath the
fish and coming out of the water in a smooth
flowing motion. Each monthly sampling
effort lasted for 2 days, and each day’s effort
was executed for a period of 30 min/location.
Fish caught were counted and preserved in
10% formalin, pending further stomach
analysis in the laboratory. The analysis of the
stomach content was carried out by both
numerical and frequency of occurrence
methods as described by Hyslop (1980). Out
of the 2400 fish stomachs examined, 314
(13.08%) were empty. The stomach contents
were examined and scored with regards to
whether they were empty (0/4), 1/4, 1/2, 3/4
or 4/4 full. The stomachs were removed by
slitting the fish from the anus to throat and
then cutting off the intestine. The stomach
contents were emptied into a Petri dish and
examined under a binocular microscope.
Identification of the food items were carried
out with the aid of relevant keys (Needham &
Needham, 1962; Wimpenny, 1966; Whitford
& Schmacher, 1973; Schneider, 1990).The t-
test analysis was performed using PASW
Statistics 18 for windows.
Results
Stomach contents of P. reticulata
The summary of stomach contents of P.
reticulata is presented in Table 1. Green algae
were the most abundant and important food
item by numerical (46.98%) and occurrence
(89.1%) methods. Blue green algae were next
in importance, occurring 32.05% by
numerical and 58.44% by occurrence
methods. Amongst the algae group Ulothrix
sp. constituted the highest values, 20.82%
and 33.17% by numerical and occurrence
methods, respectively, while Scenedesmus
sp. was the least with 3.10% (numerical) and
6.42% (occurrence). Diatoms accounted for
11.20% by numerical and 23.06% by
occurrence methods. The most eaten diatom
Fig. 1. Map of Lagos Metropolis showing sample stations
2West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012 Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage canal systems 3
trade there is paucity of information on the
feeding ecology of P. reticulata from
drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis.
This paper investigates the food and feeding
habits of the Guppy, P. reticulata, and it is
hoped that the information provided would
be useful in rational exploitation and aqua-
cultural management of the species.
Materials and methods
Study area
The study areas are non-tidal, polluted
canals, which receive water from surface
run-off and waste water from different
residential buildings, and empty into the
Lagos lagoon through the numerous creeks
in the city. The drainage canals are shallow
with depth ranging from 0.56–1.20 m. They
0
lie between latitude 06 25.343 N and
0
longitude 003 24.666 E. The substratum of
the canals is made of soft organic mud,
mixture of fine and coarse sand, mixed with
decaying organic matter. Two climatic
seasons prevail in the study area. The wet
season (May–November) is characterized by
high monthly rainfall, while the dry season
(December–April) is characterized by low
pr ecipitat ion. The domina nt aquat ic
macrophytes include Azolla africana and
Pistia stratiotes, which provide shaded area
favoured by the species.
Fish specimens were collected monthly
from November 2004 to October 2006 using
a long-handled scoop net, made of fiber mesh
(mesh size: 3 mm; length of handle: 1.00 m)
from drainage canal s in th e Lagos
Metropolis (Fig. 1). The method used here is
designated as ‘search and hit’ technique.
Whenever the fish was located, a hit was
made with the swift downward stroke of the
net slicing through the water underneath the
fish and coming out of the water in a smooth
flowing motion. Each monthly sampling
effort lasted for 2 days, and each day’s effort
was executed for a period of 30 min/location.
Fish caught were counted and preserved in
10% formalin, pending further stomach
analysis in the laboratory. The analysis of the
stomach content was carried out by both
numerical and frequency of occurrence
methods as described by Hyslop (1980). Out
of the 2400 fish stomachs examined, 314
(13.08%) were empty. The stomach contents
were examined and scored with regards to
whether they were empty (0/4), 1/4, 1/2, 3/4
or 4/4 full. The stomachs were removed by
slitting the fish from the anus to throat and
then cutting off the intestine. The stomach
contents were emptied into a Petri dish and
examined under a binocular microscope.
Identification of the food items were carried
out with the aid of relevant keys (Needham &
Needham, 1962; Wimpenny, 1966; Whitford
& Schmacher, 1973; Schneider, 1990).The t-
test analysis was performed using PASW
Statistics 18 for windows.
Results
Stomach contents of P. reticulata
The summary of stomach contents of P.
reticulata is presented in Table 1. Green algae
were the most abundant and important food
item by numerical (46.98%) and occurrence
(89.1%) methods. Blue green algae were next
in importance, occurring 32.05% by
numerical and 58.44% by occurrence
methods. Amongst the algae group Ulothrix
sp. constituted the highest values, 20.82%
and 33.17% by numerical and occurrence
methods, respectively, while Scenedesmus
sp. was the least with 3.10% (numerical) and
6.42% (occurrence). Diatoms accounted for
11.20% by numerical and 23.06% by
occurrence methods. The most eaten diatom
Fig. 1. Map of Lagos Metropolis showing sample stations
was Diatoma sp., accounting for 6.07% by
numerical and 13.81% by occurrence,
followed by Meridion sp. accounting for
5.13% by numerical and 9.25% occurrence.
Mosquito larvae parts occurred 4.10% by
numerical and 11.74% by occurrence
methods. Chlamydomonas sp. accounted
3.08% by numerical and 5.50% by
occurrence methods. Fish parts accounted
1.19% by numerical and 4.46% by
occurrence methods. Cladocera accounted
0.94% by numerical and 3.69% by
occurrence methods while Ostracoda
accounted 0.47% by number and 2.25% by
occurrence methods. Sand grain and organic
detritus occurred 5.61% and 4.07%,
respectively.
Seasonal variation in stomach contents of P.
reticulata
The seasonal variation in food items of P.
reticulata during the dry and wet seasons
from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis is shown in Table 2. Guppy fed
mainly on green algae in both dry and wet
seasons. Green algae consumed were
46.98% by number and 80.57% by
occurrence in dry season and 53.33% by
number and 75.61% by occurrence in wet
season. Blue green algae occurred 32.05%
and 66.96% by number in dry season, and
28.24% by number and 45.59% by
oc currence in w et season. Diatoms
accounted 11.20% and 19.61% by numerical
and occurrence in dry season while it
constituted 8.28% and 15.57% by numerical
and occurrence in wet season, respectively.
Mosquito larvae parts occurred 4.10% by
numerical and 13.78% by occurrence in dry
season and 4.63% by numerical and 10.51%
by occurrence in wet season. Protozoan
accounted 3.08% and 6.36% by numerical
and occurrence in dry season while it
constituted 3.32% and 5.44% by numerical
and occurrence in wet season, respectively.
Fish parts consumed were 1.19% by
numerical and 4.59% by occurrence in dry
season and 1.12% by numerical and 3.56%
by occurrence in wet season. Cladocera
occurred 0.94% by numerical and 3.53% by
occurrence in dry season and 0.67% by
numerical and 3.38% by occurrence in wet
season. Ostracoda accounted 0.47% and
2.65% by numerical and occurrence in dry
season while it constituted 0.43% and 1.88%
by numerical and occurrence in wet season,
respectively. Sand grain and organic detritus
occurrence in dry season were 5.63% and
3.75% while their occurrences in wet season
were 5.61% and 4.07%, respectively. The t-
test showed a significant difference (P <
0.05) in the number of algae and mosquito
larvae consumed, while there was no
significant difference (P > 0.05) in the
number of other food items consumed for
both seasons. However, by occurrence
method the t-test did not show any significant
difference (P > 0.05) in food items consumed
for both seasons.
TABLE 1
Summary of the stomach contents of P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis
Stomach contents Numerical Method Occurrence Method
Number % Number %
Blue green algae
Polycystis sp. 7971 12.23 410 19.66
Anabaena sp. 1460 9.93 392 18.79
Phormidium sp. 677 4.61 204 9.78
Coelosphaerium sp. 776 5.28 213 10.21
Green algae
Ulothrix sp. 3059 20.82 692 33.17
Protococcus sp. 1383 9.41 403 19.32
Scenedesmus sp. 455 3.10 134 6.42
Microspora sp. 1435 9.76 477 22.87
Ophiocytium sp. 571 3.89 157 7.53
Diatoms
Meridion sp. 754 5.13 193 9.25
Diatoma sp. 891 6.07 288 13.81
Protozoan :
Chlamydomonas sp. 452 3.08 121 5.80
Dipteran
Mosquito larvae parts 602 4.10 245 11.74
Fish parts 175 1.19 93 4.46
Crustacean
Cladocera (Polyphemus sp.) 138 0.94 77 3.69
Ostracoda (Cypridopsis sp.) 69 0.47 47 2.25
Organic detritus 85 4.07
Sand grains 117 5.61
TABLE 2
Seasonal variation of the stomach contents of P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis
(Dec. 2004–Nov. 2005)
Stomach Dry Season Wet Season
contents (December 2004 – May 2005) (June 2005 November 2005)
Numerical Occurrence Numerical Occurrence
Method Method Method Method
No % No % No % No %
Blue green algae 1673 32.05 379 66.96 860 28.24 243 45.59
Green algae 2307 46.98 456 80.57 1624 53.33 403 75.61
Diatoms 419 11.20 111 19.61 252 8.28 83 15.57
Protozoan 216 3.08 36 6.36 101 3.32 29 5.44
Mosquito larvae parts 279 4.10 78 13.78 141 4.63 56 10.51
Fish parts 49 1.19 26 4.59 34 1.12 19 3.56
Cladocera 44 0.94 20 3.53 20 0.67 18 3.38
Ostracoda 20 0.47 15 2.65 13 0.43 10 1.88
Organic detritus 25 4.42 20 3.75
Sand grains 38 6.71 30 5.63
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage systems 5canal
4West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
was Diatoma sp., accounting for 6.07% by
numerical and 13.81% by occurrence,
followed by Meridion sp. accounting for
5.13% by numerical and 9.25% occurrence.
Mosquito larvae parts occurred 4.10% by
numerical and 11.74% by occurrence
methods. Chlamydomonas sp. accounted
3.08% by numerical and 5.50% by
occurrence methods. Fish parts accounted
1.19% by numerical and 4.46% by
occurrence methods. Cladocera accounted
0.94% by numerical and 3.69% by
occurrence methods while Ostracoda
accounted 0.47% by number and 2.25% by
occurrence methods. Sand grain and organic
detritus occurred 5.61% and 4.07%,
respectively.
Seasonal variation in stomach contents of P.
reticulata
The seasonal variation in food items of P.
reticulata during the dry and wet seasons
from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis is shown in Table 2. Guppy fed
mainly on green algae in both dry and wet
seasons. Green algae consumed were
46.98% by number and 80.57% by
occurrence in dry season and 53.33% by
number and 75.61% by occurrence in wet
season. Blue green algae occurred 32.05%
and 66.96% by number in dry season, and
28.24% by number and 45.59% by
oc currence in w et season. Diatoms
accounted 11.20% and 19.61% by numerical
and occurrence in dry season while it
constituted 8.28% and 15.57% by numerical
and occurrence in wet season, respectively.
Mosquito larvae parts occurred 4.10% by
numerical and 13.78% by occurrence in dry
season and 4.63% by numerical and 10.51%
by occurrence in wet season. Protozoan
accounted 3.08% and 6.36% by numerical
and occurrence in dry season while it
constituted 3.32% and 5.44% by numerical
and occurrence in wet season, respectively.
Fish parts consumed were 1.19% by
numerical and 4.59% by occurrence in dry
season and 1.12% by numerical and 3.56%
by occurrence in wet season. Cladocera
occurred 0.94% by numerical and 3.53% by
occurrence in dry season and 0.67% by
numerical and 3.38% by occurrence in wet
season. Ostracoda accounted 0.47% and
2.65% by numerical and occurrence in dry
season while it constituted 0.43% and 1.88%
by numerical and occurrence in wet season,
respectively. Sand grain and organic detritus
occurrence in dry season were 5.63% and
3.75% while their occurrences in wet season
were 5.61% and 4.07%, respectively. The t-
test showed a significant difference (P <
0.05) in the number of algae and mosquito
larvae consumed, while there was no
significant difference (P > 0.05) in the
number of other food items consumed for
both seasons. However, by occurrence
method the t-test did not show any significant
difference (P > 0.05) in food items consumed
for both seasons.
TABLE 1
Summary of the stomach contents of P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis
Stomach contents Numerical Method Occurrence Method
Number % Number %
Blue green algae
Polycystis sp. 7971 12.23 410 19.66
Anabaena sp. 1460 9.93 392 18.79
Phormidium sp. 677 4.61 204 9.78
Coelosphaerium sp. 776 5.28 213 10.21
Green algae
Ulothrix sp. 3059 20.82 692 33.17
Protococcus sp. 1383 9.41 403 19.32
Scenedesmus sp. 455 3.10 134 6.42
Microspora sp. 1435 9.76 477 22.87
Ophiocytium sp. 571 3.89 157 7.53
Diatoms
Meridion sp. 754 5.13 193 9.25
Diatoma sp. 891 6.07 288 13.81
Protozoan :
Chlamydomonas sp. 452 3.08 121 5.80
Dipteran
Mosquito larvae parts 602 4.10 245 11.74
Fish parts 175 1.19 93 4.46
Crustacean
Cladocera (Polyphemus sp.) 138 0.94 77 3.69
Ostracoda (Cypridopsis sp.) 69 0.47 47 2.25
Organic detritus 85 4.07
Sand grains 117 5.61
TABLE 2
Seasonal variation of the stomach contents of P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos Metropolis
(Dec. 2004–Nov. 2005)
Stomach Dry Season Wet Season
contents (December 2004 – May 2005) (June 2005 November 2005)
Numerical Occurrence Numerical Occurrence
Method Method Method Method
No % No % No % No %
Blue green algae 1673 32.05 379 66.96 860 28.24 243 45.59
Green algae 2307 46.98 456 80.57 1624 53.33 403 75.61
Diatoms 419 11.20 111 19.61 252 8.28 83 15.57
Protozoan 216 3.08 36 6.36 101 3.32 29 5.44
Mosquito larvae parts 279 4.10 78 13.78 141 4.63 56 10.51
Fish parts 49 1.19 26 4.59 34 1.12 19 3.56
Cladocera 44 0.94 20 3.53 20 0.67 18 3.38
Ostracoda 20 0.47 15 2.65 13 0.43 10 1.88
Organic detritus 25 4.42 20 3.75
Sand grains 38 6.71 30 5.63
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage systems 5canal
4West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
Stomach contents of P. reticulata in relation
to size
The guppy, P. reticulate, was grouped
into three size classes based on its stomach
contents. The small size class ranged from
1.50 to 2.40 cm, the medium size class
ranged from 2.50 to 3.40 cm while the large
class ranged from 3.50 to 4.40 cm. The
relative abundance by percentage of each
food items in terms of numerical and
occurrence methods are shown in Fig. 2, 3
and 4. The three size classes of P. reticulata
exhibited similar food habits with the
presence of eight categories of food items, in
their stomachs. P. reticulata fed mainly on
algae irrespective of the size class, with
values ranging from 80 to 82% by numerical
and 51 to 59% by occurrence. Organic
detritus was the next important food item
with values ranging from 21 to 30% by
occurrence.
Fish parts were the least eaten food item
with values ranging from 1 to 2% by
numerical and 1 to 4% by occurrence.
However, the largest size class (Fig. 1) ate
more of algae, organic detritus and fish
parts, followed by the medium size class
(Fig. 2) while the small size class (Fig. 3) ate
less of these food items. Amongst the class
group 1.50–2.40 cm, there was no
significant difference (P > 0.05) in both the
numerical and occurrence values of all the
food items. The class group 2.50–3.40 cm,
showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in
the numerical va lues of alga e and
crustaceans, while there was significant
difference (P < 0.05) in the occurrence
values of algae and fish parts. Similarly,
among the class group 3.50–4.40 cm, there
was significant difference (P < 0.05) in both
the numerical and occurrence values of
algae.
Discussion
The stomach contents of guppy, P. reticulate,
were categorized into eight groups. These
were algae, diatoms, protozoan, mosquito
larvae, fish parts, crustaceans, organic
detritus and sand grains. The major food item
of P. reticulata, examined during this study,
was green algae with Ulothrix sp. being the
most preferred alga. This agreed with
Dussault & Kramer (1981), who reported that
the digestive tract of wild guppies contained
high proportion of green algae and larvae.
Other food items were the blue green algae,
diatoms, protozoan and mosquito larvae
parts. Similar result was obtained by
Winemiller (1993), who reported that
Poecilia gills feed on detritus, diatoms and
filamentous algae. P. reticulata also feeds on
fish parts, zooplankton and detritus. This
observation equally agreed with Arthington
(1989) and Rodriguez (1997), who reported
similar results for other guppy species
elsewhere. The present study showed that, P.
reticulata is planktophagous (Arthington,
1989; Winemiller, 1993) based on its food
preference.
The significant difference that was
recorded in the seasonal variations of algae
and mosquito larvae was due to high load of
organic matter occasioned by anthropogenic
activities from the metropolis in the dry
season. There was continuous flushing of
decaying organic matter out of the drainage
canal systems, resulting in improved
environmental conditions in the rainy season.
Generally, P. reticulata, in terms of feeding
habits, switches between opportunistic
benthopelagic omnivores (Rodriquez, 1997),
detritivores and predators, with food habits
de termi ned b y loc al ab undance and
availability of prey. The presence of
Fig. 2. Stomach contents in small sized (1.50-2.40cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Fig. 3 Stomach contents in medium sized (2.50-3.40cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage canal systems 7
% Frequency
Food items
Food items
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
% Frequency
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
6West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
Stomach contents of P. reticulata in relation
to size
The guppy, P. reticulate, was grouped
into three size classes based on its stomach
contents. The small size class ranged from
1.50 to 2.40 cm, the medium size class
ranged from 2.50 to 3.40 cm while the large
class ranged from 3.50 to 4.40 cm. The
relative abundance by percentage of each
food items in terms of numerical and
occurrence methods are shown in Fig. 2, 3
and 4. The three size classes of P. reticulata
exhibited similar food habits with the
presence of eight categories of food items, in
their stomachs. P. reticulata fed mainly on
algae irrespective of the size class, with
values ranging from 80 to 82% by numerical
and 51 to 59% by occurrence. Organic
detritus was the next important food item
with values ranging from 21 to 30% by
occurrence.
Fish parts were the least eaten food item
with values ranging from 1 to 2% by
numerical and 1 to 4% by occurrence.
However, the largest size class (Fig. 1) ate
more of algae, organic detritus and fish
parts, followed by the medium size class
(Fig. 2) while the small size class (Fig. 3) ate
less of these food items. Amongst the class
group 1.50–2.40 cm, there was no
significant difference (P > 0.05) in both the
numerical and occurrence values of all the
food items. The class group 2.50–3.40 cm,
showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in
the numerical va lues of alga e and
crustaceans, while there was significant
difference (P < 0.05) in the occurrence
values of algae and fish parts. Similarly,
among the class group 3.50–4.40 cm, there
was significant difference (P < 0.05) in both
the numerical and occurrence values of
algae.
Discussion
The stomach contents of guppy, P. reticulate,
were categorized into eight groups. These
were algae, diatoms, protozoan, mosquito
larvae, fish parts, crustaceans, organic
detritus and sand grains. The major food item
of P. reticulata, examined during this study,
was green algae with Ulothrix sp. being the
most preferred alga. This agreed with
Dussault & Kramer (1981), who reported that
the digestive tract of wild guppies contained
high proportion of green algae and larvae.
Other food items were the blue green algae,
diatoms, protozoan and mosquito larvae
parts. Similar result was obtained by
Winemiller (1993), who reported that
Poecilia gills feed on detritus, diatoms and
filamentous algae. P. reticulata also feeds on
fish parts, zooplankton and detritus. This
observation equally agreed with Arthington
(1989) and Rodriguez (1997), who reported
similar results for other guppy species
elsewhere. The present study showed that, P.
reticulata is planktophagous (Arthington,
1989; Winemiller, 1993) based on its food
preference.
The significant difference that was
recorded in the seasonal variations of algae
and mosquito larvae was due to high load of
organic matter occasioned by anthropogenic
activities from the metropolis in the dry
season. There was continuous flushing of
decaying organic matter out of the drainage
canal systems, resulting in improved
environmental conditions in the rainy season.
Generally, P. reticulata, in terms of feeding
habits, switches between opportunistic
benthopelagic omnivores (Rodriquez, 1997),
detritivores and predators, with food habits
de termi ned b y loc al ab undance and
availability of prey. The presence of
Fig. 2. Stomach contents in small sized (1.50-2.40cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Fig. 3 Stomach contents in medium sized (2.50-3.40cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage canal systems 7
% Frequency
Food items
Food items
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
% Frequency
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
6West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
mosquito larvae in the three classes recorded
in the study is an indication that guppy is
predatory which could be harnessed in the
use of the fish for biological control of
Anopheles gambiae in sub-Saharan Africa.
References
Adebisi A. A. (1981). Analyses of the stomach
contents of piscivorous fishes of the upper Ogun
River in Nigeria. Hydrobiologia 79: 167–177.
Allen G. R., Midgley S. H. and Allen M. (2002). Field
Guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. Western
Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia. 394
pp.
Arthington A. H. (1989). Diet of Gambusia affinis
holbrooki, Xiphophorus helleri, Xiphophorus
maculatus and P oecilia reticulata (Pisces:
Po ec iliid ae ) i n s tr eams of south- ea stern
Queensland, Australia. Asian Fish. Sci. 2: 193–212.
Blay I. and Eyeson K. N. (1982). Feeding activity and
food habits of the Shad, Ethmalosa fimbriata
(Bowdich), in the coastal waters of Cape Coast,
Ghana. J. Fish. Biol. 21: 403–410.
Dussault G. V. and Kramer D. L. (1981). Food and
feeding behaviour of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata
(Pisces: Poeciliidae). Can. J. Zool. 59: 684–701.
Harrington R. W. Jr and Harrington E. S. (1982).
Effects on fishes and their forage organisms of
impounding a Florida (USA) salt marsh to prevent
breeding by salt marsh mosquitoes. Bull. Mar. Sci.
32: 523–531.
Hyslop E.J. (1980). Stomach contents analysis – a
review of methods and their application. J. Fish.
Biol. 17: 411–429.
McKay R. J. (1984). Introductions of exotic fishes in
Au str alia. In Dist ri but ion , B iol ogy and
Management of Exotic Fishes. (W. R. Jr Courtenay
and J. R. Jr Stauffer, eds), pp. 177-199. The John
Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland,
USA.
Ndome C. B. and Victor R. (2002). Food and feeding
habit s of Epipla tys sen egalens is (Pisce s:
Cyprinodontiformes; Cyprinodontidae) in a black
water pond in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. West
Afr J. appl. Ecol. 3: 105–117.
Needham J. G. and Needham P. R. (1962). A guide to
the study of Freshwater Biology. Holden-Day Inc.
San Francisco. 108 pp.
Page L. M. and Burr B. M. (1991). A field guide to
freshwater fishes of North America. Houghton
Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 pp.
Rodriguez C. M. (1997). Phylogenetic analysis of the
tribe Poeciliini (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae).
Copeia 4: 663–679.
Schneider W. (1990). Field guide to the commercial
marine resources of the Gulf of Guinea. FAO,
Rome, Italy. 268 pp.
Whitford L. A. and Schmacher G. H. (1973). A
manual of freshwater algae. Sparks Press, Raleigh.
324 pp.
Wimpenny R. S. (1966). The Plankton of the Sea.
Faber and Faber Limited, London. 426 pp.
Winemiller K. O. (1993). Seasonality of reproduction
by live bearing fishes in tropical rainforest streams.
Oecologia. 95: 266–276.
Fig. 4 Stomach contents in large sized (3.50–4.40 cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage systems 9canal
Food items
% Frequency
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
8West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
mosquito larvae in the three classes recorded
in the study is an indication that guppy is
predatory which could be harnessed in the
use of the fish for biological control of
Anopheles gambiae in sub-Saharan Africa.
References
Adebisi A. A. (1981). Analyses of the stomach
contents of piscivorous fishes of the upper Ogun
River in Nigeria. Hydrobiologia 79: 167–177.
Allen G. R., Midgley S. H. and Allen M. (2002). Field
Guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. Western
Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia. 394
pp.
Arthington A. H. (1989). Diet of Gambusia affinis
holbrooki, Xiphophorus helleri, Xiphophorus
maculatus and P oecilia reticulata (Pisces:
Po ec iliid ae ) i n s tr eams of south- ea stern
Queensland, Australia. Asian Fish. Sci. 2: 193–212.
Blay I. and Eyeson K. N. (1982). Feeding activity and
food habits of the Shad, Ethmalosa fimbriata
(Bowdich), in the coastal waters of Cape Coast,
Ghana. J. Fish. Biol. 21: 403–410.
Dussault G. V. and Kramer D. L. (1981). Food and
feeding behaviour of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata
(Pisces: Poeciliidae). Can. J. Zool. 59: 684–701.
Harrington R. W. Jr and Harrington E. S. (1982).
Effects on fishes and their forage organisms of
impounding a Florida (USA) salt marsh to prevent
breeding by salt marsh mosquitoes. Bull. Mar. Sci.
32: 523–531.
Hyslop E.J. (1980). Stomach contents analysis – a
review of methods and their application. J. Fish.
Biol. 17: 411–429.
McKay R. J. (1984). Introductions of exotic fishes in
Au str alia. In Dist ri but ion , B iol ogy and
Management of Exotic Fishes. (W. R. Jr Courtenay
and J. R. Jr Stauffer, eds), pp. 177-199. The John
Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland,
USA.
Ndome C. B. and Victor R. (2002). Food and feeding
habit s of Epipla tys sen egalens is (Pisce s:
Cyprinodontiformes; Cyprinodontidae) in a black
water pond in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. West
Afr J. appl. Ecol. 3: 105–117.
Needham J. G. and Needham P. R. (1962). A guide to
the study of Freshwater Biology. Holden-Day Inc.
San Francisco. 108 pp.
Page L. M. and Burr B. M. (1991). A field guide to
freshwater fishes of North America. Houghton
Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 pp.
Rodriguez C. M. (1997). Phylogenetic analysis of the
tribe Poeciliini (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae).
Copeia 4: 663–679.
Schneider W. (1990). Field guide to the commercial
marine resources of the Gulf of Guinea. FAO,
Rome, Italy. 268 pp.
Whitford L. A. and Schmacher G. H. (1973). A
manual of freshwater algae. Sparks Press, Raleigh.
324 pp.
Wimpenny R. S. (1966). The Plankton of the Sea.
Faber and Faber Limited, London. 426 pp.
Winemiller K. O. (1993). Seasonality of reproduction
by live bearing fishes in tropical rainforest streams.
Oecologia. 95: 266–276.
Fig. 4 Stomach contents in large sized (3.50–4.40 cm) P. reticulata from drainage canal systems of Lagos
Metropolis
Lawal et al.: Food and feeding habits of the Guppy from drainage systems 9canal
Food items
% Frequency
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Alae Diatoms Protozoans Mosquito Fish Crustanceans Organic Sand
larvae parts detritus grains
8West African Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 20 (2), 2012
... Poecilia reticulata were reported in 41% of African countries ( Fig. 4; S1), although there are limited studies of abundant populations [65,77,109]. Poecilia reticulata occurrences are rare in Northern Africa and was only sampled in Algeria and Morocco in the 1970s [170]. ...
... Reports from Western Africa and Middle Africa are similarly limited, where P. reticulata was introduced to Ghana and the Republic of Congo for mosquito biocontrol, and reported in Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 21st Century [94,114,170]; S1. Abundant populations were also sampled in sewers in Lagos, Nigeria [109]. ...
... In Algeria, Gambusia introductions and establishment are thought to have caused declines in the population of the mosquito Anopheles labranchiae larvae at Guelma and their eradication at Ouargla [111]. The 1,000 Gambusia individuals introduced to Lake Tana, Ethiopia, have been described as initially effective in controlling mosquitoes [175] whilst in Nigeria, P. reticulata are considered effective in controlling mosquitoes in Lagos sewers [46,109]. Gambusia spp. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background This review compiles and synthesises the existing information concerning non-native poeciliid introductions to Africa. The recent upsurge in research on invasive poeciliids has revealed their widespread occurrence in Africa. Results Within the 87 relevant articles, 74% reported on the presence of Gambusia spp., 33% on P. reticulata , 19% on X. hellerii , 11% on X. maculatus , and 5% on other ornamental poeciliids. Overall, poeciliids have been documented as introduced to 25 different countries in Africa. With Gambusia spp. being introduced to 16 countries and P. reticulata to 19 countries. Our results are representative of the current state of research on invasive poeciliids in Africa. There was a concentration of studies in South Africa, with limited research elsewhere. Current distribution data is relatively patchy, although widespread surveys of multiple river systems in Morocco and South Africa, confirmed widespread and abundant established poeciliid populations. The ecological impacts of invasive poeciliids in Africa remain understudied but evidence indicates deleterious effects on native fish, invertebrates, and amphibians, many of which are critically endangered or endemic. Conclusion Current research is limited in reporting from certain countries and ecological impacts. An increased effort to monitor species composition in vulnerable waterbodies, especially in the many African countries where invasive poeciliids are reported, should be completed to reveal further established populations. Future research should prioritise quantifying the ecological impacts of invasive poeciliids in the field and identifying both vulnerable and resistant native ecosystems to guide future management decisions.
... Currently, guppies are found on all continents, except Antarctica (Deacon, Ramnarine, and Magurran 2011) and in Mexico, they are found throughout the central plateau (Gesundheit and Macías Garcia 2018). In the wild, guppies inhabit aquatic habitats ranging from highly turbid to pristine ponds, canals or lakes (Lawal, Edokpayi, and Osibona 2012). Guppies are omnivorous and display strong sexual dimorphism; females reach a body length of around 40 mm and up to 60 mm, while males can reach up to 40 mm (Magurran 2005). ...
Article
Full-text available
Aquatic ecosystems are reservoirs of biodiversity and are highly threatened. Among the main threats to biodiversity are invasive species and global warming, the later has allowed the establishment of invasive species from originally warmer climates outside their native range by reducing the barriers to their establishment and distribution. Behaviour is the immediate response that species modify to counteract changes in their environment. Latency to respond to certain stimuli is an indicator of different behavioural tendencies associated with boldness, for example, quickly leaving a shelter could lead to benefits like finding a mate or locating food faster. We investigated the latency to exit a refuge and to locate food of the native twoline skiffia (Skiffia bilineata) from central Mexico at three temperatures (18°C, 23°C and 28°C) and in the presence/absence of invasive guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Our results are the first to show native fish could benefit from associating with invaders when emerging from a refuge and locating food under higher temperatures, but they would find themselves at the extreme of their thermal tolerance. Evidence of positive outcomes from biological invasions is increasing; however, further research is needed to understand if potential benefits for natives are temporary, which may make biological invasions less detrimental during the initial stages.
... Guppy is opportunistic benthopelagic omnivores whose diet depends on local abundance and availability of prey. Its food consists of algae, protozoans, diatoms, small crustaceans, mosquito larvae, and other organic detritus (Lawal et al. 2012). The introduction of guppy started in 1920 by Dutch colonial in Indonesia to control mosquito larvae. ...
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Full-text available
Haqqi MRA, Sholichah DM, Armando MF, Sani MF, Aprianto MK, Dewangga A, Yap CK, Dadiono MS, Setyawan AD. 2024. Species diversity and the spread of invasive fish in the Upper Bengawan Solo River, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 4000-4010. Bengawan Solo is the largest and longest river in Java, Indonesia, and has a major role in supporting the life of communities around it. To understand the quality of the Bengawan Solo River environment, the study can be done from physical, chemical, and biological aspects. This research was carried out to inventory the species and the spread of invasive fish found in the Upper Bengawan Solo River, Central Java, Indonesia. This research was conducted from November to December 2023 and settled on 5 sampling stations located on main body of Bengawan Solo River, including (i) northern spillway of Gajah Mungkur Reservoir, Wonogiri, (ii) Colo Reservoir, Sukoharjo, (iii) Demangan Floodgate, Surakarta, (iv) Tlumpuk, Karanganyar, and (v) Jati, Sragen. Data collection was performed using Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and direct catch with several fishing tools, collected species identified using iNaturalist, and several books such as Jenis Ikan Introduksi dan Invasif Asing di Indonesia, Ikan Air Tawar di Ekosistem Bukit Tigapuluh, Ensiklopedia Populer Ikan Air Tawar, and Baku Saku Pengolah Data Jenis Ikan. Identification also carried out by interviewing local people at study area location to match out vernacular names. The results showed 20 species of fish from 12 families were found, dominated by Cyprinidae. The most fish captured is tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which can be obtained from all the sampling stations. A species with high conservation status according to IUCN Red List was also found, namely Rasbora lateristriata with Vulnerable (VU) status. As many as 6 species discovered were categorized as invasive, including snakehead fish (Channa striata), red devil fish (Amphilophus citrinellus), tilapia (O. niloticus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), and guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Their invasive characteristics are usually due to their predatory trait, well adaptability, and high population. The introduction of invasive fish in the Upper Bengawan Solo River was caused by several reasons, such as intentional release for stocking population, escaping fish from nearby farms, and wild releases from fish keepers.
... Es una de las especies de mayor comercialización a nivel mundial principalmente por sus colores llamativos, adaptabilidad al medio, fácil mantenimiento, ciclo de vida rápido y prolificidad (Sharon et al., 2016;Imai et al., 2022;Maceda-Veiga et al., 2016). Es una especie omnívora, que se alimenta superficialmente de zooplancton, detritos, insectos pequeños, algas filamentosas y otros (Lawal et al., 2012). En cautiverio se reportan ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nutrición Animal Tropical 18 (2): 134-167 ISSN: 2215-3527/ 2024 138 consumos de alimento comercial de 0,20 g semanales al ofrecerse dos raciones diarias (Canales et al., 2019), donde se requiere de un suministro adecuado de micronutrientes y macronutrientes (Devi et al., 2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue valorar la inclusión de vísceras bovinas en la dieta del guppy (Poecilia reticulata) como una alternativa económicamente viable y atractiva, al evaluar el efecto en el crecimiento y desempeño reproductivo del pez incluyendo corazón y riñón bovino deshidratado en las raciones alimentarias. La investigación se realizó durante 60 días en el Módulo Acuícola de la Estación Experimental Alfredo Volio Mata (EEAVM). Se utilizaron 320 animales de 30 ± 2 días de edad. Después de un periodo de 15 días de aclimatación, se distribuyó aleatoriamente un total de 20 individuos por pecera. Se utilizaron cuatro tratamientos experimentales: Control, que incluyó únicamente alimento balanceado (AB) comercial para pez guppy; Tratamiento 1 (T1), que se compuso únicamente de AB comercial para tilapia-fase de inicio; Tratamiento 2 (T2), que fue formulado con 52,5% de AB comercial para tilapia-fase de inicio y 47,5% de corazón bovino deshidratado; y Tratamiento 3 (T3), que fue integrado por 45,3% AB comercial para tilapia-fase de inicio y 54,7% de riñón bovino deshidratado. Se empleó anestesia general en los animales cada 15 días con el fin de tomar mediciones de ganancia de peso total (GPT), tasa específica de crecimiento (SGR), coeficiente térmico de crecimiento (CTC), conversión alimenticia (FCR) y factor de condición de Fulton (K). Seencontraron diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) en ganancia de peso promedio general (GPg) y ganancia de peso promedio para las hembras (GPh) entre el T1 y el resto de tratamientos, sin diferencias entre estos últimos. No se observaron diferencias significativas para la variable de fecundidad entre tratamientos (p > 0.05). Sin embargo, se dio una tendencia (p = 0.091) de mayor cantidad de alevines nacidos en los tratamientos T2 y T3. El análisis económico mostró que el tratamiento Control posee el costo más elevado, seguido por T3, T2 y T1, respectivamente. Por esta razón se considera que el uso de vísceras bovinas, en combinación con alimentos comerciales, es una alternativa técnica y económicamente viable. Abstract Use of bovine viscera in feeding Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) as an economically viable alternative. The objective of the present study was to validate the inclusion of bovine viscera in the diet of Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) as an economically viable and attractive alternative, through the evaluation of growth and reproductive performance including dehydrated bovine heart and kidney in the formulation of feed rations. The 60-day investigation was conducted at the Aquaculture Module of the Alfredo Volio Mata Experimental Station (EEAVM), using 320 animals 30 ± 2 days of age. After a fifteen-day acclimatization period, 20 individuals were randomly assigned per tank. Four experimental treatments were used: Control, which included only commercial balanced feed (BF) for Guppy fish; Treatment 1 (T1), which was composed of only commercial BF for the Tilapia-starting phase; Treatment 2 (T2), which was formulated with 52.5% commercial BF for Tilapia-phase starting phase and 47.5% dehydrated bovine heart; and Treatment 3 (T3), that was integrated with 45.3% commercial BF for Tilapia-initiation phase and 54.7% dehydrated bovine kidney. General anesthesia was used in the animals every 15 days to take measurements of total weight gain (GPT), specific growth rate (SGR), thermal growth coefficient (CTC), feed conversion (FCR), and condition factor of Fulton (K). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in general average weight gain (GPg) and average weight gain for females (GPh) between T1 and the rest of the treatments, with no differences between the latter. No significant differences were observed for the fecundity variable between treatments (p > 0.05), however, there was a trend (p = 0.091) of a greater number of births in treatments T2 and T3. The economic analysis showed that the Control treatment has the highest cost, followed by T3, T2, and T1, respectively. This is the reason why the use of bovine viscera, in combination with commercial foods, is considered a technically and economically viable alternative.
... Aquaculture in the Niger River is also reported as a pathway of introduction in the 1970s (Laë et al., 2004). Abundant P. reticulata populations have been sampled in Lagos sewers (Lawal et al., 2012), from where Ornamental sh traders are reported to obtain their stocks (Akinwale, 2013), which may unintentionally distribute P. reticulata to other Nigerian freshwater systems. Furthermore, P. reticulata are known to occur in Port Harcourt and are reported 30km from Lagos (Deacon, 2011a). ...
Preprint
Full-text available
Background This review compiles and synthesises the existing information concerning non-native poecillid introductions to Africa. The recent upsurge in research on invasive poeciliids has revealed their widespread occurrence in Africa. Results Within the 87 relevant articles, 74% reported on the presence Gambusia spp., 33% on P. reticulata, 19% on X. hellerii, 11% on X. maculatus, and 5% on other ornamental poeciliids. Overall, poeciliids have been introduced to 25 different countries in Africa, with Gambusia spp. being introduced to 16 countries and P. reticulata to 19 countries. Our results are representative of the current state of research on invasive poecilids in Africa. In particular there was a concentration of studies in South Africa, with limited research elsewhere. Current distribution data is relatively patchy, although widespread surveys of multiple river systems in Morocco and South Africa, confirmed widespread and abundant established poeciliid populations. The ecological impacts of invasive poeciliids in Africa remain understudied but evidence indicates deleterious effects on native fish, invertebrates, and amphibians, many of which are critically endangered or endemic species. Conclusion An increased effort to monitor species composition in vulnerable waterbodies, especially in the many African countries where invasive poeciliids are reported should be completed and to reveal further established populations. Future research should prioritise quantifying the ecological impacts of invasive poeciliids in the field and identifying both vulnerable and resistant native ecosystems to guide future management decisions.
... However, the maximum length of 9.1 cm was recorded in present study which higher the report of those who presented in FishBase. RGL changed according to the developmental life stage of fish (Hossain et al., 1990;Bhuiyan and Islam, 1991;Lawal et al., 2012;Koundal et al., 2013). RGL of wild collected A. mola had 4.35-fold higher than the total length of fish, whereas 4.21-fold noticed in cultured stock. ...
Article
The present study was conducted to check the disparity between wild and cultured stock of Amblypharyngodon mola using the bio-morphometric data and meristic characteristics such as length-weight relationship (LWR) and relative gut length (RGL). A total of 656 specimens were collected using drag net and cast net for a period of one year from Daya river and about 226 fish individuals were collected from hatchery bred stock of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, India. No significant (P> 0.05) differences were observed in five meristic and twenty-two morphometric characters of wild and cultured stocks of mola. The estimated regression line showed a better relationship between the total length (TL) to standard length, fork length, pre-dorsal and post-dorsal length, orbit diameter (r2 value). Further, a negative allometric growth was also noticed in both stocks with the b value of 2.988 and 2.844 with r2 value of 0.915 and 0.923 in the wild and hatchery bred stocks respectively. Analysed length and weight were highly significant (P<0.01). The TL max of 9.1 cm was recorded in present study which is higher than that reported in Fish Base.
... Guppies are highly adaptable and thrive in many different environmental and ecological conditions (Magurran 2005) that can eat almost anything (non-selective feeders). In nature, they mostly prefer to consume green algae, but will also eat diatoms, protozoan, mosquito larvae, fish parts, crustaceans, organic detritus, sand grains, etc. (Dussault and Kramer 1981;Lawal et al. 2012). Therefore, greenish colored microplastics were used to resemble their natural diet during this study. ...
Article
Full-text available
A study was conducted to investigate the effects of microplastics (<5 mm) and macroplastics (>5 mm) on some phenotypic traits of guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Juvenile male guppies, fed with a commercial diet, were reared for 70 days in aquariums under three different experimental treatments: 1) control (no plastic); 2) microplastic; and 3) macroplastic. The findings revealed that microplastic-treated males had significantly higher mortality, shorter standard length, smaller body area, a limited number of sperm bundles and sigmoid displays, and less sexual interest than macroplastic and no-plastic treated males. The analyses showed no significant variation in tail length, gonopodial thrusts, or different color patterns among the treatments. Taken together, these findings show how microplastic pollution can influence the survival, growth, and reproductive traits of a fish species; this must be considered seriously, as other aquatic animals could be saved by reducing the amount of plastic waste in different aquatic environments.
... However, the maximum length of 9.1 cm was recorded in present study which higher the report of those who presented in FishBase. RGL changed according to the developmental life stage of fish (Hossain et al., 1990;Bhuiyan and Islam, 1991;Lawal et al., 2012;Koundal et al., 2013). RGL of wild collected A. mola had 4.35-fold higher than the total length of fish, whereas 4.21-fold noticed in cultured stock. ...
Article
Full-text available
The present study was conducted to check the disparity between wild and cultured stock of Amblypharyngodon mola using the bio-morphometric data and meristic characteristics such as length-weight relationship (LWR) and relative gut length (RGL). A total of 656 specimens were collected using drag net and cast net for a period of one year from Daya river and about 226 fish individuals were collected from hatchery bred stock of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, India. No significant (P> 0.05) differences were observed in five meristic and twenty-two morphometric characters of wild and cultured stocks of mola. The estimated regression line showed a better relationship between the total length (TL) to standard length, fork length, 2 pre-dorsal and post-dorsal length, orbit diameter (r value). Further, a negative allometric 2 growth was also noticed in both stocks with the b value of 2.988 and 2.844 with r value of 0.915 and 0.923 in the wild and hatchery bred stocks respectively. Analysed length and weight were highly significant (P<0.01). The TL max of 9.1 cm was recorded in present study which is higher than that reported in Fish Base.
Article
Full-text available
The high-elevation plateaus of the inter-Andean valleys are home to shallow lakes that have become eutrophic. These lakes share similarities with shallow lakes in temperate and subtropical areas. Because native species diversity is low, invasive species dominate the fish and macrophytes communities. The study aimed to investigate the behavioral response of the local Daphnia pulex from the Andean shallow Lake Yahuarcocha to the exotic submerged macrophyte Egeria densa and the exotic fish Poecilia reticulata. Laboratory habitat choice experiments revealed that D. pulex from Lake Yahuarcocha strongly avoid E. densa, irrespective of the presence of the fish P. reticulata or chemical cues indicating fish predation on D. pulex. This observation could be explained by the fact that P. reticulata displayed a strong attraction to E. densa during the daytime, probably to avoid bird predation. D. pulex from the nearby Lake San Pablo where P. reticulata is absent but where the fish community is dominated by Oncorhynchus mykiss displayed the same avoidance behavior to submerged macrophytes as D. pulex from Lake Yahuarcocha. These results indicate that macrophytes in these high-elevation shallow lakes may not facilitate top-down control of phytoplankton, since plants do not offer refuge to D. pulex from fish predation.
Article
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Insect meal is a promising alternative to unsustainable fishmeal. However, limited studies have been focused on identifying the fishmeal replacement potential related to ornamental fish compared with food fish. Therefore, an experiment was conducted using house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) meals to test the growth and pigmentation performances of Guppy (Poecilia reticulata). The protein content of the fish meal in the control diet was replaced by 50%, 75%, and 100% by both cricket meals. One-day-old fry of all the treatments were initially fed by Artemia nauplii for five days; then, the research diets were fed from day six to day thirty thrice a day ad libitum by the respective research diets. The growth performance of all the treatments was significantly similar (p > 0.05) to each other and the control. Therefore, the results confirmed that both insect meals could replace fishmeal by 100% without any adverse effects on the growth of the nursery phase of P. reticulata. Furthermore, sorted and further reared fry were tested for breeding performance, and the results showed that both insect meals did not affect negatively (P > 0.05) the delivered fry number and its weight and length. The total carotenoid concentration and MATLAB analysis of the photographed caudal fins of A. domesticus meal-fed fish showed that all the inclusion levels of the insect meal did not affect (P > 0.05) pigmentation with the control. However, the diet that the field cricket meal included diet-fed fish replaced 100% fishmeal showed statistically higher (P < 0.05) color intensity than the control. Pigmentation is a crucial factor for ornamental fish in marketing. Therefore, the field cricket meal is more suitable than house cricket for P. reticulata feed.
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In a phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Poeciliini, three of four subgenera of Poecilia (i.e., Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia) are recognized as genera based on the derived features of the gonopodium and its suspensorium. Based on the Hollister-foramen and a keel on the subdistal ventral side of ray 5 of the gonopodium, Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia comprise a monophyletic group. Xiphophorus is the sister taxon of the clade (Pamphorichthys, Poecilia, Limia). Neither Alfaro nor Priapella is known to share derived characters with the clade Xiphophorus (Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia). Falsification of the hypothesis of Priapella and Xiphophorus as sister taxa is discussed. /// En un análisis filogenético de la tribu Poeciliini, tres de los cuatro subgéneros de Poecilia (Limia, Pamphorichthys y Poecilia) son reconocidos como géneros debido a que comparten caracteres derivados en el gonopodio y sus suspensoria. Por la presencia del foramen de Hollister y de una quilla en el extremo subdistal ventral del radio 5 del gonopodio, se propone la hipótesis de que Limia, Pamphorichthys y Poecilia forman un grupo monofilético. Xiphophorus se propone como taxon hermano del clado (Limia, Pamphorichthys y Poecilia). No se encontró evidencia de que Alfaro y Priapella compartan caracteres derivados con el grupo monofilético Xiphophorus (Limia, Pamphorichthys y Poecilia. Se discute acerca de la falsación de la hipótesis de que Priapella y Xiphophorus son taxa hermanos.
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The monthly feeding activity and food habits of populations of Ethmalosa fimbriata occurring in the sea and an estuary in Cape Coast, Ghana district were investigated during a 14-month period. The juvenile fish, whose total length (T.L.) ranged from 5.3 to 14.7 cm, occur in the estuary and appeared to be more active feeders than the marine samples which measured 15.0–30.4 cm. The peak feeding activity in the marine population coincided with the onset of‘upwelling’ in the sea, which period is characterized by high salinities, decreasing temperatures and high zooplankton production. The species is primarily a plankton feeder. The stomachs of the marine samples contained mainly protozoa, crustacea, molluscan larvae and a considerable amount of detritus while the stomachs of the estuarine fish contained mainly phytoplankton, protozoa, sand grains and organic detritus. These observations have been discussed in relation to other reports on populations occurring along the West African coast.
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The stomach contents of the fishes of the Upper Ogun River were scrutinised for three consecutive years. 8 out of the 36 species resident in the river are predominantly piscivorous. These are Mormyrops deliciosus, Hydrocynus forskahlii, Hepsetus odoe, Bagrus docmac, Lates niloticus and Hemichromis fasciatus. Piscivorous habits in Schilbe mystus and Eutropius niloticus are less developed. Three others, viz: Clarias lazera, Heterobranchus longifilis and Channa obscura, which were classified as piscivores by other workers, were caught. The stomachs of C. obscura examined were all empty while those of C. lazera and H. longifilis contained mainly aquatic invertebrates. The major prey of these piscivores are small sized Barbus spp. Other prey fishes include mormyrids, characids, cyprinids, citharinids, catfishes and cichlids. The relationships between the piscivorous and prey fishes and the partitioning of the available resources by these piscivores are discussed.