Abstract
Seasonal changes in the feeding habits and food items of the spiny eel, Mastacembelus armatus, were investigated. There was no major shift from the basically carnivorous orientation of the fish, which is highly predacious in nature, during its various life stages. Macro-crustaceans (especially shrimps) and forage fish were the main food of adults while annelids and aquatic insects were eaten by young specimens. Feeding intensity was high in early maturity and was relatively lower in fish with ripening gonads. Adult specimens consumed more food in summer than winter and the rainy season. Food intake in younger specimens was greater during the post-monsoon period and in autumn. The maximum number of empty guts were found in adults during spawning and in winter.
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