Aspects of the feeding biology of porogobius schlegeui (gunther) (pisces: gobiidae) in the Fosu lagoon, Ghana

Abstract

As part of a general survey of the fisheries^ biologyJBBBBHfe and ecology of the Fosu Lagoon (Ghana), the feeding structures, diet and feeding activities oiPorogobins schlegelii in the lagoon was studied during a period of 9 months. Feeding structures of the fish viz: prominent unieuspid caniform teeth, widely-spaced gill rakers and a short gut (o.63xSL) suggested that the speiees was a canivorc. Mowcvcr, stomach content analysis of the population studied revealed an omnivorous diet. Stomach contents consisted of pieces of macrophytes, algae, rotifers, eopepods, ostracods, insect larvae, detritus, gastropods, fish eggs and fry. Investigations on the diet and feeding activities of the fish showed that P. schlegelii in the Fosu Lagoon fed throughout the day. Both diurnal and nocturnal feeding were suggested by observations made on two 24-hour occa sions.