THE RELATIVE GUT LENGTH AND GASTRO-SOMATIC INDEXES OF Butis koilomatodon LIVING IN THE COASTAL ESTUARIES OF SOME PROVINCES IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Abstract

Butis koilomatodon was considered as a potential candidate for aquaculture due to its high economic value. The relative length of the gut (RLG) and gastro-somatic index (GI) were crucial parameters to determine feeding habit and intensity which still have not been published on this species. Hence, aim of the present study was to supply new knowledge about RLG and GI in B. koilomatodon according to gender, group of body size, season and sampling sites. Fish specimens were collected by bottom net monthly from April 2019 to March 2020 at six districts belonged to four provinces: Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau. SPSS v.21 software was used to analyze the data related to RGL and GI. Analyzing gut of 1,227 fish sample showed that B. koilomatodon was carnivore because its RLG value was lower than 1. Both RLG and GI depended on gender, body size of fish, habitats and interaction between seasons and sites. This outcome would provide basic knowledge for further studies on artificial breeding this gody.