Determining the food and feeding habits of Labeo capensis (Orange River Mud Fish) in Hardap Dam

Abstract

Aspects of food and of feeding habits of Labeo capensis (Orange River Mud Fish) in the Hardap dam which is the biggest dam in Namibia. The fish belongs in the cyprindae family of which is a very hard fish although known for habitat destruction In general Labeo capensis can ingest a wide range of food including plant and animal material with detritus being the most eaten food which matches with the shape of its mouth and niche in which they exist. Also some organisms are preferred by certain size of fish for example Cephalopodella and chlorella are eaten more by the small sized fish. There was an increase in the amount of most organisms consumed from September to October. The type of feeding habits characterized by L. capensis is that of bottom feeders and with an inferior type mouth.