Effect of teleostean prey size and salinity on satiation amount, satiation time and daily ration in the glassy perchletChanda (=Ambassis) thomassi (Day) (Pisces: Centropomidae)

Abstract

Results of the experiments conducted to. estimate the maximum single food intake, satiation time and daily ration in the predator, Chanda thomassi using different size groups of teleostean prey (guppies) and in six non-lethal salinities are presented. The results suggest that satiation amount and satiation time vary considerably with the size of the fish prey. It is seen that the appetite of the fish is lost on consuming relatively fewer number of larger fish prey, while the predator could accommodate a much larger number of smaller prey fish of greater gross size. Also the satiation amount decreases when the prey is available in bulk than when given at regular intervals. The computed daily ration of the predator shows high values when compared with available data on other tropical predators. The over all results project the destructive potential of this predatory species coupled with its shoaling habits.