Biometry and study of nutritional habits of Plicofollis dussumieri on Tiab port beaches, Oman Sea

Study of fish food habits is effective to determine artificial feeding and design theories of food relations. For this purpose, food habits of catfish, Plicofollis dussumieri that lives in Tiab beaches, located in Minab between summer 1395 to spring 1396 was performed. Thirty specimens were caught in each season so a total of one hundred and twenty specimens were taken and morebiometric of specimens was performed. Samples immediately were placed on ice and transfered to the laboratory then study procedures of the abdominal contents was done. Biometric results showed that the mean weight of male and female was (1520±30 to 1425±25gr). Mean length of the male was (42.7±0.18 cm) and female was (38.3±0.07 cm). Average relative length of intestine was (2.75±0.4 cm) in male and (2.70±0.25 cm) in female. Results for gastric emptying index was 39.16, so it showed that this species is relatively addictive. Based on stomach contents, 22 specimens were full, 51 specimens were semi-full and 47 specimens were empty. The highest stomach empty percentage was in autumn and winter, and the highest full percentage of stomach was observed in spring and summer. Based on food preference index, this species placed omnivores as fish and shrimp were the main, but crab, algae and cephalopoda were sub food. Overall season changes and availability of food items were the most important factors affecting in nutritional intensity and habits.