TITLE:
Diet and Feeding Habits of Bagrus bajad (Fabricius, 1775, Bagridae) from Lake Albert, Nile Basin, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
AUTHORS:
Joseph M. Matunguru, Gabriel M. Okito, Muhindo Misungu Jordan, Sharon Indasi Lubembe, Jonas Jariekong’a Uvon, Lutili Mateso Frank, Mulongaibalu Mbalassa, Venant M. Nshombo, Jean-Claude Micha, Gaspard Ntakimazi
KEYWORDS:
Bagridae, Bagrus bajad, Diet, Lake Albert, DR Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.9 No.11,
November
14,
2022
ABSTRACT: The study of the diet of Bagrus bajad (Bagridae) was carried out on 520 specimens from the south-west of Lake Albert from December 2019 to December 2020. The relative importance index of food was used to evaluate quantitative aspect of diet. Percentages of global vacuity and average intestinal coefficient were 23.40% and 1.35, respectively. Analysis of 418 food-containing stomachs revealed that this fish has an omnivorous diet predominated by piscivorous and insectivorous. Larvae and juvenile fish of Haplochromis spp and Oreochromis spp and insects are the main foods. Molluscs, plant debris, plankton, etc. are accessory foods. Comparison between specimens of different sizes (TL 30.4 - 79.4 cm and SL 25.5 - 66 cm) showed no variation in diet. On other hand, a significant difference was noted in the food between sexes according to hydrological seasons. This difference reflects an abundance of food resources in rainy season which reduces food competition. Good fishing regulations should be established taking into account the seasons and the conservation of habitats that abound in the different types of food consumed by B. bajad.