The Diets of Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) in Oyan Dam

Abstract

Samples of Nile perch (Lates niloticus L.)were collected for stomach analysis from artisanal
fishermen using fishing gear such as, cast nets, gill nets, set nets, in Oyan dam, Abeokuta,
Ogun state, Nigeria. Frequency of Occurrence and Numerical methods was used to analyse
the stomach contents of 60 specimens of Lates niloticus collected. The results of analysis of
the food items found in the stomach of Late sniloticus obtained from Oyan dam were
presented. The percentage of empty stomach was low; out of the 60 specimen examined only
14 had empty stomach. These specimens had a total length varying from 9.0 – 40.0cm with a
mean of 19.21 ± 0.95 and a standard length from 7.8- 38.0cm, with a mean of 17.47 ± 0.90.
The body weight varied from 23.5 – 550g, with mean of 188.91 ± 2.16. Only 23% of the
specimens had empty stomachs. The food items encountered in the stomach covered a wide
spectrum and it's shown that it feed on a variety of food items. Fish parts dominate the
stomach content followed by Insects and Blue green algae, which indicate that the species is
a carnivore. Unidentified detritus also occurred sparingly in the diets