International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies 2013; 1 (1): 7-14 ISSN 2347-2677 Observations on the Food and Feeding Habits of IJFBS 2013; 1 (1): 7-14 © 2013 AkiNik Publications Striped piggy, Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) Received: 26-7-2013 Accepted: 09-8-2013 (Family; Pomadasyidae) from Karachi Coast, Pakistan Amtyaz Safi Dept. of Zoology, Sir Syed Govt. Girls College Naziabad, Karachi- 74600, PAKISTAN. Amtyaz Safi, M. Atiqullah Khan, M. Zaheer Khan, M. Usman Ali Hashmi E-mail:
[email protected] Tel: 0092-3212374804 M. Atiqullah Khan ABSTRACT Dept. of Zoology, University of Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) is excellent food fish and widely distributed in the Indo- pacific Karachi, 75270, PAKISTAN. region. It inhabits higher part of rocky tide pools, and shallow waters. The pattern of food and feeding habits of Pomadasys stridens were studied during the period from January 2001 to April 2002 using points and frequency of occurrence methods. The fish was observed to M. Zaheer Khan be carnivorous, which fed mainly on Crustaceans (14.53), mollusks (11.57) small teleosts (11.1), and Dept. of Zoology, University of pollychaets (1.99) etc. Analysis of fullness of stomach revealed 4.84% gorged, 9.76% full, 2.85% ¾ full, Karachi, 75270, PAKISTAN. 10.07% ½ full, 14.39% ¼ full, 23.04% little and 35.04% were found to be empty. Feeding intensities were higher in fishes of larger size groups (140-219mm) while poor feeding condition was exhibited by smaller size groups (50-139mm). The composition of food of different size groups and seasons was M. Usman Ali Hashmi calculated.