FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF SAURIDA TUMBIL (BLOCH, 1795) OFF MUMBAI WATERS
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Abstract
The present investigation suggests that Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795) is
carnivorous and predacious feeding mainly on fishes followed by crustaceans
and molluscs. Cannibalism has been observed in the species. Young ones of
this species were observed to feed on small fish and Acetes spp., while adults
feed on a variety of food. However, fish seems to be the preferred food item.
Monthly gastro-somatic index in males indicates poor feeding in the month of
February and maximum during August and September. In females, monthly
gastro-somatic index indicate poor feeding in December and maximum during
January and March. Sexwise study of feeding intensity did not reveal
significant difference in males and females.
Keywords: Saurida tumbil, food and feeding, gastro-somatic index