Studies on the Food and Feeding Habits, Condition Factors of Tilapia Zilli in Tiga Dam, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the biology of Tilapia zillii was carried out for nine months, April – December, 2015. During this period of study, 306 specimens of Tilapia zillii were caught in Tiga Dam. The smallest specimen had a standard length of 7.00cm and a total length of 9.00cm and a weight of 13gm; while the biggest specimen caught had standard length, total length and weight of 52.23cm; 60.1cm; and 300gm respectively. The specimens were concentrated mainly in the shallow inshore regions of the Dam. Feeding activity was intense during the day reaching a peak at noon and this declined towards evening. Food items were sorted into taxonomic categories and the displacement of the group of items in each category is measured in a partially filled graduated cylinder. To obtain meaningful results, superficial water attached to food items were removed before displacement is measured. The fish fed on wide variety of food substances predominantly on the shoreline higher plants, green algae and insect remains.