Stomach content analysis of Brycinus nurse from Bontanga Reservoir, Ghana

Seth Mensah ABOBI, Adelaide HENEWAA, Kezia BAIDOO

Abstract

Studies on the stomach content of fish are essential for understanding trophic interactions, as well as the population and community dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to analyze the stomach content of Brycinus nurse from the Bontanga Reservoir in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region, Ghana. The study was conducted across two seasons: the dry season (February to April 2023) and the wet season (May to July 2023). The stomach contents of 155 fish were analyzed using the point method and frequency of occurrence method. Of the 155 stomachs examined, 39.8% were empty during the dry season, 29% during the wet season, and 35.5% for both seasons combined. Stomachs that were quarter-full constituted 28%, 22.6%, and 25.8% for the dry season, wet season, and combined seasons, respectively. Similarly, 15.1% of the stomachs were half-full during the dry season, 21% during the wet season, and 17.4% for both seasons combined. Fully filled stomachs accounted for 17.2% during the dry season, 27.4% during the wet season, and 21.3% for both seasons combined. The identified food items included insects, sand, algae, fish scales, fish, plant material, and fish parts. Among these, fish parts were the dominant food item. The findings indicated that Brycinus nurse is an omnivorous species, consuming both plant and animal materials.

Keywords

Kumbungu district;Brycinus nurse; Gut content; African Nurse fish; Frequency of occurrence

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References

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