Food and feeding habits of Channa striata (1793) from Nagapur dam, Parli Vaijnath Beed district MS India

We conducted a study on the food and feeding behaviors of Channa striata (Bloch 1793) from June 2023 to May 2025. We examined the stomach contents of 120 fish specimens by identifying the predominant dietary items and morphometric characteristics. The findings revealed seven primary dietary items. preferably fish, fish larvae, crustaceans, insects and their larvae, annelids, sand and dirt particles, other stuff, and unexplained objects. The total length and body weight of fish ranged from 15 to 55 cm and 70 to 1000 g, respectively. Current research utilizes the points technique, and the distinction of food products is conducted using the GSI index. The diet similarity scale revealed seasonal fluctuations in Channa striata, with little overlap in summer, monsoon, and winter, but the highest overlap is observed during monsoon and winter. This study offers foundational information for formulating diets for future aquaculture methods.