Preliminary study of dietary interaction between larvae of Tilapia zilii and larvae of Liza abu in East Hammar marsh.

Abstract

Food composition of Tilapia zilii and Liza abu larvae in East Hammar marsh has been studied during January 2014 to December 2014. The diet of these larvae were consist mainly of Cladocera(Daphnia spp), Copepod (including adult and larval stages), Rotifer , Diatom and detritus. Feeding activities was high for T. zilii and L. abu (100%), also Feeding Intensity which was high for L. abu (21.84 point/larvae) comparing with T. zilii (19.76 point/larvae). According to the Index of Relative Importance (IRI), the diet of T. zilii and L. abu larvae dominated by Cladocera(Daphnia spp) (IRI= 25%, 30% ). The highest diet overlap was recorded for detritus 91% being the most consumed item in larvae studied. Total diet overlap among larvae of T. zilii and L. abu was high (88%). Competition for food is possible, direct competition seemed to be avoided to some extent as a result of great food availability in East Hammar marsh which makes it as a suitable spawning, shelter, nursery and feeding site for many fish.