GUT CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FRESHWATER FISHES FROM LIGUASAN MARSH, MAGUINDANAO
RYAN V. FABAY *
College of Fisheries, Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, Dalican, 9601 Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Philippines and Aquaculture Program, Mindanao State University-Naawan Campus, Pedro Pagalan St., Poblacion, Naawan, MisOR, Philippines.
MARLON S. ALEJOS
Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao 5023, Iloilo, Philippines.
JANICE V. FABAY
College of Fisheries, Mindanao State University-General Santos Campus, 9500, General Santos City, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Liguasan Marsh is the largest swamp and marsh area in south-central Mindanao and supports various fishery resources. This study examined the gut content of 8 common freshwater fishes in the Liguasan marsh to clarify their feeding habits. The eight species belong to seven families: Gobiidae, Cyprinidae, Anabantidae, Osphronemidae, Clariidae, Channidae, Cichlidae. Gut content analysis based on laboratory results showed that the fish comprised five feeding guilds (algae, fish, crustaceans, detritus, and mollusks). Of these, algal feeders were most abundantly represented. On the other hand, detritus and mollusk feeders were represented by only one species.
Keywords: Gut content analysis, freshwater fish, liguasan marsh, carnivore, herbivore, detritivore