FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF A FISH (SCHIZOTHORAX PLAGIOSTOMUS) FROM RIVER SWAT

Abstract

There are different types of fishes based on feeding behaviour, some are carnivorous and some are omnivorous while others are herbivorous. To find out the feeding habit of wild Schizothorax plagiostomus, the gut contents have been analyzed. The fish samples were collected from River Swat at Different points (Mingora, Matta, Khwazakhela, Madyan, Bahrain and Baghderai). The fish were dissected by using different dissection tools for the isolation of the entire gut. The gut contents were examined through a microscope. In the gut contents, different things have been noted such as Spirogyra ellipsospora, Cladophaor crispate, Ulothrix, Calothrix parietina, Zygnema kashmirense, Anomoeoneis sphaeophora, Nitzschi linearis and Naviculoid Diatom. Besides all these food items, detritus, some unidentified plants, larvae and other materials were also observed. It has been concluded that S. plagiostomus is omnivorous.