Feeding Habits of the African Carp Labeobarbus batesii (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from the Mbô Floodplain Rivers

Aims: The African cyprinids were not yet used in aquaculture. For domestication and preservation of the African carp Labeobarbus batesii, aspects of feeding habits in term of its aquaculture potential proves necessary.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Applied Ichthyology and Hydrobiology, Department of Animal Productions, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon, from May 2008 to October 2009.

Methodology: 318 fish samples (17 cm to 93.70 cm, means 25.47±4.47 cm of total length; 40 g to 6000 g, means 187.41±125.69 g for total weight) were collected monthly from artisanal fishermen in the Mbô Floodplain Rivers (MF). After fish’s dissection, guts were immediately removed and dissected, empty and replete guts were counted. Food items were identified to lowest possible taxon. They were counted under a stereoscopic binocular microscope in petri dishes. The microscopic food organisms were examined under a light microscope and the identified organisms were counted using Thoma lam. Three indices were used for gut contents analysis: Gut vacuity index, Frequency of occurrence and Percentage of abundance. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the generalized linear model at P = 0.05 and P = 0.001 probability level were used.

Results: Gut vacuity index was very low (11.95 %), and varied between seasons, zones, sexes and maturity state. Seven taxonomic groups were observed in L. batesii guts: plant foods (macrophyta and algae) are predominant both in frequency and abundance in the diet than animal foods (insects, Crustaceans, Nematoda, Protozoa and other invertebrates).

Conclusion: Labeobarbus batesii consumes many varieties of animal and plant organisms. This species is benthopelagic, detritivorous and omnivorous with a preference for plant material.