Observations on the Food and Feeding Habits of Striped piggy, Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) (Family; Pomadasyidae) from Karachi Coast, Pakistan

Abstract

Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) is excellent food fish and widely distributed in the Indo- pacific region. It inhabits higher part of rocky tide pools, and shallow waters. The pattern of food and feeding habits of Pomadasys stridens were studied during the period from January 2001 to April 2002 using points and frequency of occurrence methods. The fish was observed to be carnivorous, which fed mainly on Crustaceans (14.53), mollusks (11.57) small teleosts (11.1), and pollychaets (1.99) etc. Analysis of fullness of stomach revealed 4.84% gorged, 9.76% full, 2.85% ¾ full, 10.07% ½ full, 14.39% ¼ full, 23.04% little and 35.04% were found to be empty. Feeding intensities were higher in fishes of larger size groups (140-219mm) while poor feeding condition was exhibited by smaller size groups (50-139mm). The composition of food of different size groups and seasons was calculated. Semi digested food, Crustaceans and miscellaneous food materials were the most frequent food items for smaller size groups (50-139mm), while the diet constituent shifted to semi digested food, miscellaneous, mollusks, teleosts and crustaceans respectively in larger size groups (140-219).