The diets of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in Oyan Dam

Abstract

Samples of Nile perch (Lates niloticus L.) were collected for stomach analysis from artisanal fishermen using fishing gear such as, cast nets, gill nets, set nets, in Oyan dam, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria. Frequency of Occurrence and Numerical  methods was used to analyse the stomach contents of 60 specimens of Lates  niloticus collected. The results of analysis of the food items found in the stomach of Late sniloticus obtained from Oyan dam were presented. The percentage of empty stomach was low; out of the 60 specimen examined only 14 had empty stomach. These specimens had a total length varying from 9.0 – 40.0cm with a mean of   19.21 ± 0.95 and a standard length from 7.8- 38.0cm, with a mean of 17.47 ± 0.90. The body weight varied from 23.5 – 550g, with mean of 188.91 ± 2.16. Only 23% of the specimens had empty stomachs. The food items encountered in the  stomach covered a wide spectrum and it's shown that it feed on a variety of food items. Fish parts dominate the stomach content followed by Insects and Blue green algae, which indicate that the species is a carnivore. Unidentified detritus also occurred  sparingly in the diets

Key Words: Fish, Food items, Lates niloticus, Oyan Lake.