Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Food of the pearlspot Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) in the Vembanad Lake, Kerala

Volume 50 Issue 2

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