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Gut Content and Viscerosomatic Index Analysis of Family Clariidae in the Riverine Area of South Western Nigeria

Fish gut content analyses refer to methods of analyzing fish diet through assessment of materials found in dissected fish stomach. This work was conducted to determine the gut content, most frequently consumed prey and viscerosomatic index of the Clariidae species found in riverine area in south western Nigeria. The study spanned for six months (December, 2020 to May, 2021). Fish samples were examined fresh using frequency of occurrence, number and degree of fullness to examine the guts. Out of the 99 specimens collected in total, 45.83% and 54.17% of Clarias gariepinus, had ¼ full stomachs and half full stomachs respectively; 60%, 36.67%, 3.33% of Clarias jaensis had ¼ full, half full and ¾ full stomachs stomachs respectively, 63.33% and 36.67% of Clarias anguillaris had ¼ full and half full stomachs respectively while Clarias agboyiensis and Clarias pachynema species had similar stomach fullness of 33.33% for ¼ fullness and 66.67% for half fullness with none of the species having empty nor 100% full stomachs. Result also showed that the examined species are indiscriminate feeders; feeding on both plants and animals. The viscerosomatic index showed that the species had more flesh than carcass, giving an inference that the species have reasonable nutritional value and FCR. In conclusion, the Clariidae species were found to be omnivores and as such are to be provided with more natural materials in their environment for proper growth.