నైరూప్య

Food and Feeding habits of walking catfish, Clarias batrachus and other commercial fishes: A review

Kritika Pandey, Puja Kumari and Babita Sharma*

The walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, is a highly adaptable and euryhaline freshwater species known for its unique locomotion capabilities and remarkable ability to survive in diverse aquatic environments. It is an opportunistic feeder with a broad dietary spectrum, exhibiting both carnivorous and omnivorous tendencies. The main objective of this review is to understand the food and feeding habits of commercially important fishes and comparing different feeding methodologies with special significance on fish Clarias batrachus. Feeding behavior and strategies employed by fishes are influenced by various factors, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and prey abundance. The study of fish food and feeding habits has been an ongoing area of research that has provided valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. Recent studies have utilized advanced techniques such as gut content analysis, stomach content analysis, Stable isotope analysis, direct observation, acoustic telemetry, feeding trials, to unravel the intricacies of fish diets and feeding preferences. These investigations have revealed the importance of studying food and feeding habits of different fishes to understand the trophic interactions, prey availability, and environmental factors that play vital role in aquatic ecosystem. Understanding the food and feeding habits of fishes is vital for effective management and conservation efforts. In conclusion, the study of fish food and feeding habits has a rich historical background and continues to evolve with recent advancements and interdisciplinary approaches.