FOOD COMPOSITION AND NICHE CHARACTERISTIC OF GIANT FEATHERBACK (Chitala lopis, Bleeker 1851) IN KAMPAR RIVER, INDONESIA
Abstract: This paper provides
information on the diets of Chitala lopis in Kampar River, Riau Province based
on study conducted from Mei 2009 to November 2010. Fish species were obtained
from fishers using modified nets, traps, hooks and lines. Specimens were cold with
cool box at the point of collection and transported to the laboratory. A total
of 176 fish specimens were inspected and their stomach contents were examined.
The month-wise collection and experiments were made to exhibit the seasonal
variation in food preferences, and feeding habit of the fish. Frequency of
occasion and numerical methods were used in this study. Results of denote that
C. lopis fed on juvenile fish, shrimp, plant material, insects, worms, benthos,
gravel and unidentified organism. The consumption of shrimp tends to increase
due to giant featherback’s size, which relates to wider mouth, energy, location
(water depth) and gonad development, also there is an increase of shrimp
consumption during dry season. In giant featherback, the percentage of consumed
shrimps is associated with sex and season, meanwhile the consumption of small
fish and plant material is related to fish’s size, sampling station and
maturity index. Giant featherback tends to be more selective consuming certain
food’s group while growing.
Keywords: Giant featherback;
food composition; niche; Kampar River
Author: Arif Wibowo, Ridwan
Affandi, Dwi Atminarso
Journal Code: jpperikanangg140032
