Prosobranch mollusc species- and size-preferences of Sargochromis codringtonii (Cichlidae) in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Abstract

From the stomach contents of 28 wild-caught Sargochromis codringtonii from Lake Kariba the size and species of snails consumed were estimated from opercula found. An energetic cost/benefit ratio of the various sizes of the most frequent prey, Bellamya capillata, was calculated. The size of snails consumed increased significantly with fish size, with large fish showing individual size preferences. Ingested snails were of sizes with relatively low energetic cost/benefit ratios.


Keywords: cichlids; snails; cost-benefit; prey value; Sargochromis codringtonii; Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe


(Afr J Aqua Sci: 2003 28(2): 175-178)