DIET COMPOSITION AND FEEDING HABITS OF CYPRINUS CARPIO (LINNAEUS 1758) (PISCES: CYPRINIDAE) IN LAKE AREKIT, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The diet composition and feeding habits of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) were examined” “using 209 fish samples from Lake Arekit. The species' feeding patterns were determined through” “numerical indexes (frequency of occurrence and volumetric contribution) and composite indexes” “(Index of Preponderance (IOP) and Geometric Index of Importance (GIIi)). Among the 209” “specimens, 174 (83.3%) displayed a range of dietary items in their stomachs. Detritus emerged” “as the primary food source for C. carpio, followed by macrophytes, insects, and zooplankton. A” “lesser amount of phytoplankton, nematodes, and ostracods were also consumed. Based on the” “findings, C. carpio can be classified as a detri-omnivore, as it consumes benthic species like” “nematodes, ostracods, and insect larvae. Seasonal fluctuations in food item consumption were” “noted (p < 0.05), with higher intake during the rainy season and reduced consumption in the dry” “season. Significant variations in food preferences were observed among size groups (p < 0.05).” “Smaller size classes preferred foods of animal origin, such as ostracods, zooplankton, and” “insects, while macrophytes and detritus were more prevalent in the largest class. This study” “enhances our understanding of C. carpio's diet in Lake Arekit. Still, further research is necessary” “to explore the diet across the fish's lifespan and monthly, considering various environmental” “conditions.” “