Stomach Content of Tillapia zilli and Oreochromis nilocticus from Wanzun River, Lavun Local Government, Niger State Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the stomach contents of two commercially important fish species (Tilapia zilli and Oreochromis nilocticus)  from Wanzun River, Northcentral Nigeria using frequency of occurrence and volumetric methods between January to April 2019. Fish samples were collected monthly with help of Fishermen using various fishing nets and traps. One hundred (100) individual fish of each species were collected and their stomach contents were examined. The results obtained expressed in mean percentage indicated that out of the one hundred (100) individual fish of each species examined,Twelve (12%) fish had an empty stomach contents in Tilapia zilli, and out of the 100 samples examined, Seventeen (17%) fish had an empty stomach content in Oreochromis nilocticus. The stomach contents of both Tilapia zilli and Oreochromis nilocticus consist of detritus, insects, fish remains. Algae/protozoans plant materials and molluscs. Both fish species are omnivorous feeders and occupy the same ecological niche.The study reveals the importance of algae, fish, insects and plant materials as food for fishes and they form important part in the diet of the species examined.