Food, Feeding Habits and Reproductive Biology of Red Belly Tilapia (T. zillii) in Lake Tinishu Abaya, Ethiopia: Implication for Food Security and Income

Abstract

Understanding food, feeding habits and the reproductive dynamics of fish species is essential for fishery management. This study examines food, feeding habits and the reproductive biology of the red belly tilapia (Tilapia zillii) in Lake Tinishu Abaya sampled from February 2023 to January 2024. Stomach content analysis was conducted using frequency of occurrence and volumetric methods of analyses. The diet primarily consisted of phytoplankton (52.9%), detritus (21.2%), and macrophytes (20.8%) by volume. Seasonal shifts noted variation was slight during the study period. Smaller fish consumed zooplankton and insects, while adults fed on macrophytes and detritus. Of the 620 fish captured, 65.3% were males, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.53, significantly differing from a 1:1 ratio. The length at which 50% reached sexual maturity was 14.1 cm for males and 14.2 cm for females, with an average fecundity of 284.8 eggs per female. Breeding peaked from February to June, with continuous breeding observed year-round. These findings underscore the importance of effective management strategies to enhance fish populations and promote sustainable fishery practices. Such initiatives are vital for supporting local communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods. Additionally, further research is needed on the dynamics of sex ratios in Lake Tinishu Abaya.