Results are presented of a study of the food and feeding habits of Aplocheilus lineatus under natural conditions and the manner in which dietary preferences are influenced by the habitat/environment, seasons and stage of maturity of the fish is explained, based on data from montly random samples collected for a year. A qualitative assessment of the diet reveals that it is not confined to a varied range of aquatic fauna, but also encompasses allochthonous fauna. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the diet indicate its feeding habit which does not alter with size or seasonal changes. The range of prey consumed does not differ radically, qualitatively, as a function of size, but quantitatively exhibits five levels of discrimination and differential exploitation related mainly to prey size. Seasonal fluctuations in feeding are more qualitative than quantitative and seem dependent on the occurrence of food organisms. The lack of correlation between breeding and feeding is linked to extent of the development of the gonad in the body cavity. In conclusion, the potential ofthe fish as an effective biological control agent of mosquito larvae is indicated by the fact that dipteran larvae are a preferred item ofits diet in all size groups.

In the larvicidal fishes Aplocheilus lineatus and Macropodus cupanus investigations on the rate of gastric digestion reveal that interspecific variations are apparent; however, within the species, digestion rate is not significantly altered by fish size provided the amount of food supplied is sufficient to fill the stomach. Gastric depletion is directly related to temperature, increasing temperature elevating the rate of digestion. W 1976 Temperature and rate of gastric evacuation by Rainbow Trout, Salmo gairdneri ; Trans. Windell J T and Norris D 0 1969 Gastric digestion and evacuation in rainbow trout, salmo gairdneri; * Not referred to in the original.

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