Food and Feeding Habits of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and Sarotherodon galilaeus (L.) in a Tropical Reservoir

This paper provides information on the diets of Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon galilaeus in Ero reservoir. Fish species were procured from fishermen every fortnight using gill nets, cast nets, traps, hooks and lines. Specimens were chilled with iced blocks at the point of collection and transported to the laboratory. 494 fish specimens were examined and their stomach contents analyzed. Frequency of occurrence and numerical methods were employed in this study. The result of the analysis showed that O. niloticus and S. galilaeus fed on similar food items. These were mainly macrophytes, Chlamydomonas species and Spirogyra. Other food items include detritus, sand grains and insect parts. Thus both species are omnivorous and occupy the same ecological niche.