Study on Gut-Content Analysis of Heterotis Niloticus from Otuocha Axis of Omambala River, Anambra State, Nigeria

Okeke; P. A; Ohatururonye; S. O; Ikechukwu; C.C; Ayaobu-Cookey; I.K.; Evulobi.; O. O. C

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no3.2026.pg37.47

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Study on Gut-Content Analysis of Heterotis Niloticus from Otuocha Axis of Omambala River, Anambra State, Nigeria

Okeke, P. A, Ohatururonye, S. O, ., Ikechukwu, C.C, ., Ayaobu-Cookey, I.K., Evulobi., O. O. C

Abstract

This study investigated the stomach fullness, diet composition, and morphometric relationships of Heterotis niloticus sampled from the Otuocha axis of the Omambala River, Anambra State, Nigeria. Fifteen specimens were examined to determine feeding intensity, trophic spectrum, and growth pattern. Stomach fullness analysis revealed that 60% of the fish had full stomachs, 13.3% had three-quarter fullness, 6.7% had half-full stomachs, while 20% were empty, indicating active feeding within the habitat. A total of eight food categories were identified from 614 food items recorded. Diatoms (27.04%) constituted the dominant dietary component, followed by protozoans (16.94%), sand particles (13.03%), insect parts (12.05%), and annelids (9.45%). Plant remains (6.51%), plant detritus (6.35%), and unicellular algae (8.63%) were of lesser importance. The predominance of diatoms and annelids, alongside insect fragments and protozoans, suggests a microphagous feeding habit with omnivorous tendencies. The occurrence of sand particles and detritus indicates incidental ingestion during benthic feeding. Overall, foods of animal origin were more prominent than plant materials, demonstrating a trophic shift from strict carnivores toward omnivores depending on food availability. Morphometric analysis showed a strong positive correlation between total length and weight (r = 0.779, p < 0.01), as well as between total length and standard length (r = 0.984, p < 0.01). The length–weight relationship indicated negative allometric growth (b < 3), implying that the fish increased in length at a faster rate than in weight. This pattern suggests relatively slender body form and may reflect environmental influences such as food availability, habitat conditions, and seasonal variability. The findings confirm the dietary plasticity of H. niloticus and highlight its ecological adaptability within the Omambala River system. The predominance of planktonic and benthic food items supports its classification as a microphagous feeder with filter-feeding tendencies. These results provide baseline ecological information essential for fisheries management, aquaculture development, and sustainable exploitation of the species in inland waters.

Keywords

Stomach contentHeterotis niloticusFeeding intensityTrophic spectrumand Growth pattern.

References

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Study on Gut-Content Analysis of Heterotis Niloticus from Otuocha Axis of Omambala River, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

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