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Abstract

The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus), is a vital aquaculture species due to its resilience and high nutritional value. This study evaluates the morphometric and feeding characteristics of fifteen C. gariepinus specimens collected from the Chenab River, Pakistan, between November 2021 and May 2022. The morphometric analysis included total length, standard length, body depth, and eye diameter. The total length of the specimens ranged from 13 to 25cm (mean = 16.66±2.37cm), while body weight varied from 23 to 86g (mean= 41.32±13.08g). Significant correlations were observed between total length and fork length (r= 0.979, P<0.001) and between total length and body weight (r= 0.790, P<0.001). The Gastro-somatic Index and frequency of occurrence (%) were used to assess feeding habits. Zooplankton, small crustaceans, and benthic organisms were common prey items. Larger specimens (> 30cm) displayed increased consumption of plant material and fish remains. The study provides insights into the morphometric variability and feeding ecology of C. gariepinus, highlighting its adaptability to local environmental conditions. These findings contribute to understanding growth patterns, health indicators, and dietary preferences, crucial for fisheries management and sustainable aquaculture practices.

Keywords

Clarias gariepinus Indus River Morphometry Feeding habits Stomach content

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The authors transfer the copyrights of their papers to the Iranian Society of Ichthyology. However, the information could be used in accordance with the Creative Commons licence (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Author Biography

Muhammad OWAIS, Department of Zoology, Emerson University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.

Department of Zoology, Emerson University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.

How to Cite
OWAIS, M., AL SULIVANY, B. S. A., GALI ROMANI, F. A. M., MEHROZ FAZAL, R., & ASHRAF, S. (2025). Morphometry, dietary composition, and feeding patterns of Clarius gariepinus from the Chenab River, Punjab, Pakistan. Iranian Journal of Ichthyology, 12(2), 147–161. https://doi.org/10.22034/iji.v12i2.1056
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