Feeding ecology of the african suckermouth catfish Euchilichthys Guentheri (Mochokidae, siluriformes) of Malebo Pool, Congo River (Democratic republic of congo)

The feeding ecology of Euchilichlhys guentheri (Schilthuis, 1891) of Malcbo Pool (Congo River, Kinshasa, DRC) was studied between January 2008 and October 2010. The stomach contents of 243 individuals were analysed and a diet was characterized by a feeding index computed by combining the occurrences, the numerical and volume percentages of the items identified in the stomach contents. The study showed that this species has an herbivorous diet mainly composed of periphyton. The study did not find any statistical differences in the diet related to the size of the specimens, the site and the hydrological season. The dietary strategics developed by this species likely contribute to its coexistence with the other Mochokidae species in Malcbo Pool. The study thus provided relevant information regarding the feeding ecology of suckermouth catfishes intrinsically associated with the Congo River, one of the most threatened and biodiverse ecosystems of the Congo basin.