Studies on feeding ecology of sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) dwelling in Wadi Haneefah stream, Riyadh

Pak J Biol Sci. 2007 Jan 15;10(2):335-41. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2007.335.341.

Abstract

Feeding ecology of sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), an introduced fish species, was studied. Food items recovered from the stomach of fishes exclusively indicated that it is a herbivorous fish. And according to data obtained there is not much difference in the type of food consumed by the fishes of different size groups. Frequency of occurrence of different food items in the diet of fishes of various sizes was high. The value of vacuity index also showed variation throughout the study period. The diet overlap index was high which shows the sharing of food items among the fishes of different size groups. The diet breadth index also showed variations among the fishes of various sizes and in different seasons.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Size
  • Diet*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Gastrointestinal Contents
  • Poecilia / physiology*
  • Rivers*
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seasons