ZOOPLANKTON COMPONENT OF THE DIET OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES (Hemichromis Bimaculatus and Poecilia reticulata) IN LIMCA RESERVOIR, JOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the feeding habits of two ornamental fish species, Hemichromis bimaculatus and Poecilia reticulata, in Limca Reservoir, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, by analyzing their stomach contents for zooplankton. The aim was to identify the plankton components ingested by these fish. Stomach content analysis was performed, and plankton were identified to genus level. Fourteen zooplankton taxa were found in H. bimaculatus guts and eleven in P. reticulata. Rotifers and cladocerans were dominant. Conochilus sp, Brachionus angularis, and Daphnia sp showed high percentage occurrence, indicating preference. These species are recommended for mass culture as live feed for ornamental fish.