Comparison study for natural food of three Iraqi marine fish species

Abstract EN

The natural food content for three marine species of fish from Iraqi marine waters studied during the period from January to December 2017.

The samples of Planiliza subviridis, Tenualosa ilisha and Acanthopagrus arabicus were monthly collected.

The biologic measurements were taken for total length (cm) and body weight (g), the stomachs fullness degree and selectivity were studied by determining the percentage of fullness degree according to the preparation of the catching fishes.

The total length rates of fish were studied during the period of the study (18.6), (18.7) and (19.9) cm and with a weight rates (58.6), (58.6) and (76.1) g respectively.

The highest degree of stomach fullness recorded during the spring, while the lowest in autumn and winter.

The study showed that organic detritus of P.

subviridis formed 31.40% of food contents, whereas T.

ilisha was filter feeder fish the plankton included 32.44% and 32.33% for animal components, A.

arabicus was carnivores fish the animal resources formed 55>87%.

The values of dietary selectivity of fish in their environment varied according to dietary enrichment, fish feeding activity and environmental temperature