title: Trophic attributes of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in the mangrove swamps of Imo River Estuary, Nigeria.
abstract: Aspects of the trophic attributes of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus occurring in the mangrove swamps of Imo River Estuary, Nigeria, were investigated during a 12-month period (April, 1992-March, 1993). Feeding intensity increased with size, it was higher in the dry season(November-April) than in the wet season(May-October), monthly changes in the indices of feeding intensity were significantly correlated. Major food objects comprised detritus and benthic algae; crustaceans, insects, macrophyte matter and sand grains were minor food objects while fish, molluscs, Chilopoda, nematodes and fungi were unconsciously devoured objects. Diet varied seasonally; algae and sesarmid crabs were generally more in the dry season than during the rains whereas FPOM and fish increased in the wet over dry season. The mudskipper display a high degree of euryphagy and can be considered as a generalist and an omnivore. The lower trophic status of P. barbarus qualifies it as a good aquaculture candidate. Food richness was higher in big-sized class(BSC) than small-sized class(SSC). Size-based and seasonal variations were not apparent in food richness. Diet breadth was higher in the BSC than the SSC, there was dry season increase in diet breadth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. udomfon@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Mfon T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Udo
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D009549:Nigeria; D010473:Perciformes / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons