Analysis of gut contents of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was introduced from Thailand to Pakistan for the purpose of aquaculture. This study was conducted in district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan from January to December 2015. A total of 66 common carp were collected from different fishponds of Larkana. The month-wise collection and experiments were performed to show the seasonal changes in food choice, and feeding habits of the fish. Out of 66 guts, 48 (72.7%) were with considerable amount of food (full) and 16(24.2%) were with negligible amount of food (empty). It was observed that the highest percentage of fullness of the gut was found in the month of August, September and October (100%) and the lowest percentage of fullness was found in January 2(28.6%). The highest percentage of emptiness of the guts were found in January 5(71.4%) and the lowest percentage of emptiness of guts in August, September, October (0.0%). The gut contents were analysed to confirm their food habits, it was found that the food of fish consists of aquatic plants (24 %), molluscs (21 %), insects (20 %) sand, mud, debris (19 %) and miscellaneous (16 %). The study of fish revealed that fish consumed more food in the summer months and less in the winter months. It was concluded that the common carp was omnivorous in its feeding with considerable seasonal variations.