Morphometric Characteristics and Feeding Habits of Five Commercial Fish Species of the Libga Reservoir in the Northern Region of Ghana

Knowledge of the growth size of fishes and what they feed provide basis for the choice of fish species for culture which is very essential for successful aquaculture. This study was conducted to assess the size and feeding habits of Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Brycinus imberi, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus and Marcusenius abadii of the Libga reservoir. Samples were purchased from catches of local fishermen from the reservoir and assessed once every month from December 2015 to May 2016. Fish samples were preserved with ice and immediately transported to the laboratory for morphometric data and stomach content analysis. A total of 223 specimens were examined. The mean total length of the preferred fish species ranged 11.73 – 18.63 cm and mean weight ranged 26.75 – 79.21 g. A. occidentalis fed more on insects (35 %), O. niloticus fed more on algae (90 %), S. galilaeus showed more preference for algae (80 % composition). B. imberi preferred plant parts (50 % composition) and M. abadii fed on earthworms and insects with equal composition of 42.1 %. Some of the species also fed on sand namely A. occidentalis (20 %), O. niloticus (10 %) and M. abadii (10.5 %). The ability of the preferred fish species to feed on a wide range of food items makes them potential candidates for