Substratum preferences of juvenile Red belly Tilapia (Coptodon zilli, Gervais, 1848)

Abstract

Substratum preferences of the young of Alien fish species known as Red belly Tilapia locally known Bultee (Coptodon zilli, Gervais, 1848) [1] with 30–40 mm TL were studied in the laboratory. The work tested the hypothesis that fishes vary in habitat preference and that they make use of the differences in substrates’ types within the water body in nature. Substratum preference for juvenile of C.zilli was calculated by the calculations of individuals noticed inside precise habitat kinds.The fish species demonstrated significant changes in their substrate choices. Muddy sand appears to be usually more appropriate settlement ground for juvenile of this fish. Pebble, Gravel, Sand and Mud were less favorable. Plastic floor was unfavorable and the fish would generally settle in the other substrates preference to it. This work proposed that the particle size of the substrate influences settlement preference of the fish.