Abstract
The genus Macrobrachium are decapods that have been identified globally in terms of their economic importance and possibility of recruitment into aquaculture. Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots 1851) and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots 1857) are the two largest species of the genus Macrobrachium in Nigerian waters. The study investigated the stomach contents of M. macrobrachion (Herklots 1851) and M. vollenhovenii (Herklots 1857) from three interconnecting lagoons (Badagry, Lagos and Epe) of Southwest Nigeria between June 2013 and May 2015 (24 months). A total of 3294 specimens of M. macrobrachion were examined for food and feeding habits from the three lagoons (1606 from Badagry, 778 from Lagos and 910 from Epe Lagoons) while a total of 1435 M. vollenhovenii were examined for food and feeding habits from the three lagoons (164 from Badagry, 146 from Lagos and 1125 from Epe Lagoons). The stomach contents of M. macrobrachion and M. vollenhovenii from the three lagoons were made up of Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Bivalves, Crustaceans, Copepods and detrital materials. The results of the food and feeding habit showed that M. macrobrachion and M. vollenhovenii are omnivorous in nature with the preference for detritus. Thus, there is a change in their feeding habit from omnivorous to planktivores and/or detritivores.
Highlights
Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots 1851) and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots 1857) are the two largest species of the genus Macrobrachium in Nigerian waters
The widespread distribution of the African river prawn (M. vollenhovenii) and the brackish water prawn (M. macrobrachion) across the West African coast includes their attainment of large size, disease resistance, high market
This paper provides information on the comparative study of the food composition, preference and feeding habits of Macrobrachium macrobrachion and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii in the interconnecting lagoons
Summary
Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots 1851) and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots 1857) are the two largest species of the genus Macrobrachium in Nigerian waters. They are found in the freshwaters as well as the brackish waters (Marioghae, 1982). Most species require brackish water in the initial stages of their life cycle some complete their cycle in inland, saline and freshwater lakes (Banerjee, 2003). They are universally accepted as food organisms and support a substantial number of local fisheries. The widespread distribution of the African river prawn (M. vollenhovenii) and the brackish water prawn (M. macrobrachion) across the West African coast includes their attainment of large size, disease resistance, high market
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