DIET AND FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF Distichodus rostratus (GUNTHER, 1864) IN LAKE AKATA, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In this research, we analyzed the diet and feeding behavior of Distichodus rostratus from samples collected
between May, 2022 - April, 2023 in Lake Akata. 97 fish specimens obtained from fishermen operating on Lake
Akata were used for the study. The research examined dietary patterns and feeding habits through the utilization
of point and frequency of occurrence methodologies. During the study, the researchers observed seasonal
variations, alterations in dietary composition with size, and the monthly feeding index in the stomach contents of
Distichodus rostratus. Grass stems formed the dominant food items of the fish with a total point of 50.1 % and a
frequency of occurrence of 33.0 %. Plant material was secondary in importance, with a total point of 28.8 % and
a frequency of occurrence of 18.6 %. Fish measuring 1-15 cm primarily consumed algae, those between 16-25
cm exhibited a higher preference for algae, while those within the 26-35 cm range fed on grass stems. Fish in the
36-45 cm and 46-55 cm size ranges also showed a preference for feeding on grass stems. More than 50 % of the
fish were feeding in most months, particularly between May – November, January - April, in December only 45.5
% were feeding. The result indicated that Distichodus rostratus is a herbivore.