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Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Volume 50 Issue 2
Food of the pearlspot Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) in the Vembanad Lake, Kerala
L. Bindu and K. G. Padmakumar
Abstract
The food of the pearlspot, Etroplus suratensis in the Vembanad Lake was dominated by filamentous algae (43%) followed by detritus (35%), aquatic plants (12%), diatoms (9%) and molluscan shells (1%). Filamentous algae were the major food throughout the year. Feeding intensity was higher during premonsoon months. Well developed dentition, long intestine and other characteristics were related to dietary habits. Relative length of gut varies between 1.12 and 6.81 indicating omnivorous feeding.
Keywords
Pearlspot, Gastrosomatic Index, relative length of gut
Date : 05-06-2009