Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Studies on the food and feeding habits of cultivable butterfish Scatophogus argus (Cuv. and Val.)

Volume 44 Issue 1&2

V. Gandhi

Abstract

The present study on the food and feeding habits of the butterfish Scatophagus argus revealed that unicellular algae and detritus dominated the gut contents of young fish of size <50mm compared to the occurrence of Enteromorpha compressa and detritus in fishes of size above 50 to 100 mm in total length. Ulva spp. was recorded in lesser quantities in fishes <I00 mm compared to other size groups. Unicellular algae were represented by Chaetoceros spp., Skeletonerna spp., 77 zalossiosira spp., Tetraselnzis spp. and Chlorella spp. Fish scales, protozoans, shells of bivalves, sponges, sea anemones, Lepns spp. penaeid prawns, Alphid spp. and copepods were also present in the gut contents. It was also observed that fish measuring 50 mm and below fed on phytoplankton, protozoa, detritus and copepods. Presence of both animal and plant food items revealed that S. argus is an omnivorous fish.

Date : 30-12-2002