Food Habits Of The Bigmouth Buffalo In A Simulated Fish Farming Environment

Recent growth of commercial fish farming in the South Central United States has stimulated interest in the habits of fish species adaptable to fish farm environments. In 1964, the food habits of the bigmouth buffalo, Ictiobus cyprine/lus (Valenciennes), were determined in simulated fish farming ponds by comparison of available food and stomach contents. Results indicated competition with channel catfish for food occurred only when supplemental feed is introduced. In this situation channel catfish appear to be more vigorous competitors than buffalo. Stomach contents are compared with volumetric measurements of food organisms available in the ponds.