Food and Feeding Habit of Two Mugilidae from Lagoon of Grand-Lahou (Côte d’Ivoire) :<em> Liza dumerili</em> (Steindachner, 1870) and <em>Liza falcipinnis </em>(Valenciennes, 1836)

Abstract

Study of the diet and feeding habits of 104 specimens of Liza dumerili (Steindachner, 1870) and 113 specimens of Liza falcipinnis (Valenciennes, 1836) coming from the artisanal fishing of the Grand-Lahou lagoon was carried out over the period from September 2008 to August 2009. Analysis of stomach contents revealed that these two species of fish feed mainly on diatoms and detritus. It appears that these species are phytoplanktonophagous and detritivores. The diet of Liza falcipinnis does not vary according to the size of the individuals. These two species specialize in the consumption of diatoms, particularly pennate diatoms.