GUT CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FRESHWATER FISHES FROM LIGUASAN MARSH, MAGUINDANAO

Liguasan Marsh is the largest swamp and marsh area in south-central Mindanao and supports various fishery resources. This study examined the gut content of 8 common freshwater fishes in the Liguasan marsh to clarify their feeding habits. The eight species belong to seven families: Gobiidae, Cyprinidae, Anabantidae, Osphronemidae, Clariidae, Channidae, Cichlidae. Gut content analysis based on laboratory results showed that the fish comprised five feeding guilds (algae, fish, crustaceans, detritus, and mollusks). Of these, algal feeders were most abundantly represented. On the other hand, detritus and mollusk feeders were represented by only one species.