Ontogenic Changes in Prey Ingested by Nile perch (Lates niloticus) Caught in Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Issue 1 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Outa, Nicholas O.; Yongo, Edwine; Keyombe, Jameslast A.
• Is Part Of: Lakes & reservoirs. Volume 22:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: cannibalism -- Caradina nilotica -- feeding -- haplochromines -- ontogenic shift; Lakes -- Periodicals; Reservoirs -- Periodicals; Gestion de l'environnement; Gestion écologique; Lac; Lac de barrage; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 333.9163
• DOI: 10.1111/lre.12163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1320-5331

Abstract

Abstract: A total of 289 fish were analysed in this study, with Caradina nilotica (44%) being the dominant food item in their diet, while tilapia (8%) contributed the least. Haplochromines, unidentified fish prey and juvenile Nile perch also were observed. An ontogenic shift was observed, with C. nilotica contributing highest (61.1%) of the diet of fingerlings, but decreasing to 21% in the diet of adults. Nile perch contributed 35.7% of the diet in the adults and 8.1% in the fingerlings. This study indicates Nile perch is a predatory fish, feeding mainly on C. nilotica, haplochromines, tilapia, Nile perch and other fish materials.