Food and feeding habits of Tor tambra (Valenciennes, 1842) in Cibareno River, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The Cibareno River in Sukabumi, West Java, is the habitat of Tor tambra, one of Indonesia's most highly valuable native freshwater fish species. The native fish population in this river may be threatened by the planned weir construction. The study aims to examine the food and feeding habits of Tor tambra in the Cibareno River. This study was carried out for four months (May, June, July, and September 2022) at six locations in the Cibareno River. A total of 61 individuals of T. tambra displayed an isometric growth pattern with good condition factor. Aquatic insects were the primary food, with nematodes and phytoplankton acting as supplements. Plant seeds were often eaten as an extra source of food. These results were supported by fish morphometric data such as relative mouthwidth and relative gut length, which showed that they are omnivorous and tend to be carnivorous. In addition, the relative eye diameter of the fish indicates that Tor tambra is a diurnal forager. The findings suggest that both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods are viable options for the preservation of Tor tambra in the Cibareno River.