Feeding ecology of Ali-ali (Glyptothorax spp.) in the upper stream region of the Jambo Aye sub-watershed, Aceh, Indonesia

Iwan Hasri; Mu'amar Abdan; Rizkan  Fahmi; Sulistiono Sulistiono; Zulida  Susanti; Fazril  Saputra; Indah Permata  Sari; Nurhatijah Nurhatijah; Rossy  Azhar; Rahmi  Ayuni

doi:10.21077/ijf.2026.73.1.169812-09

Authors

Mr. Iwan Hasri, M.Si Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Putih University, Aceh, Indonesia
Dr. Mu'amar Abdan,M.Si Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Putih University, Aceh, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1108-3409
Mr. Rizkan Fahmi, M.Si Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Putih University, Aceh, Indonesia
Prof. Dr. Ir. Sulistiono, M.Sc Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Indonesia
Mrs. Zulida Susanti, M.Si Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Putih University, Aceh, Indonesia
Mr. Fazril Saputra, M.Si Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Teuku Umar University, Aceh, Indonesia
Mrs. Indah Permata Sari, M.Si Study Program of Seed Production Technology and Fish Feed, Indonesian Polytechnic Venezuela, Aceh, Indonesia
Mrs. Nurhatijah, M.Si Study Program of Seed Production Technology and Fish Feed, Indonesian Polytechnic Venezuela, Aceh, Indonesia
Mrs. Rossy Azhar Study Program of Aquacultur, Faculty of Agriculture, Almuslim University, Aceh, Indonesia
Mrs. Rahmi Ayuni,S.Pi Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Putih University, Aceh, Indonesia

https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2026.73.1.169812-09

Keywords:

Glyptothorax spp, trophic ecology, niche breadth, length-weight relationship, freshwater resources

Abstract

Glyptothorax spp., locally known as Ali-ali, is a native freshwater fish in the Jambo Aye subwatershed, Wih Delong, Bener Meriah, Aceh, Indonesia. This study assessed its feeding ecology and selected ecological traits from December 2023 to February 2024. Sampling was conducted at three habitat-representative stations using gill and cast nets, yielding 90 individuals. Stomach content analysis revealed a predominantly carnivorous diet, dominated by crustaceans (72%), followed by macrozoobenthos (19%) and detritus (9%), with Index of Preponderance exceeding 40%, confirming crustaceans as principal prey. Length-frequency analysis identified eight size classes, with mean lengths highest at the plantation station (130.95 mm) and lowest in the forest station (92.19 mm). Mean relative gut length (RGL = 0.6 TL) supported carnivorous classification. Trophic niche breadth ranged between 1.30–2.17, indicating moderate resource-use variation. Length–weight relationships showed negative allometric growth (b<3) and strong positive length–weight correlations (r = 0.695–0.979). Findings indicate stable trophic positioning, spatial size variation, and growth patterns reflecting adaptation to heterogeneous headwater habitats.

Keywords: Ecological niche, Rheophilic fish, Spatial variation, Somatic development, Substrate associated resources, Upland watershed

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