Evaluation of fish feeding habits and trophic position in Bukit Merah Reservoir, Perak, Malaysia: preliminary analysis using stable isotope analysis and gut content analysis

Indahayu Ab Rahman, . and Kamini Sivajothy, . and Amir Shah Ruddin Md Sah, . and Zarul Hazrin Hashim, . and Syahidah Akmal Muhammad, . and Mohd Harizal Senik @ Nawi, . and Dolorosa, Roger and Widad Fadhullah, . (2024) Evaluation of fish feeding habits and trophic position in Bukit Merah Reservoir, Perak, Malaysia: preliminary analysis using stable isotope analysis and gut content analysis. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 19 (11). pp. 55-76. ISSN 2672-7226

Monitoring feeding habits and Trophic Position (TP) is crucial for the timely response to ecological predicaments like agricultural intensification at upper runoffs of Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR). Selected fish samples were evaluated for feeding habits and TP using stable isotopes analysis (SIA) (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) and gut content analysis (GCA). Cyprinidae comprised 91% of the total samples. No significant differences in δ¹³C among fish feeding habits (p > 0.05) showed that fish consumed similar basal carbon sources derived from C3 photosynthesis pathways. Significant differences were found between δ¹⁵N values and the interactive effect of fish feeding habits (p < 0.05) with carnivorous fish recording the highest median score (Md = 2.62). Hampala macrolepidota (TP = 2.73) and Mytus singaringan (TP = 2.50) occupied the highest position in the food web. Detritus was the main food source for BMR fish (44%), showing a high degree of omnivory. The gut content of Barbonymous gonionotus and Larbiobabus leptopcheilus was the most diverse, indicating a wide range of food consumption. Fish samples that inhabit the BMR food web are favoured as detritivores or omnivores. This study provides the baseline data on the fish diet composition and their TP, which will be useful for future modelling uses in BMR fish management and conservation.

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Abstract

Monitoring feeding habits and Trophic Position (TP) is crucial for the timely response to ecological predicaments like agricultural intensification at upper runoffs of Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR). Selected fish samples were evaluated for feeding habits and TP using stable isotopes analysis (SIA) (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) and gut content analysis (GCA). Cyprinidae comprised 91% of the total samples. No significant differences in δ¹³C among fish feeding habits (p > 0.05) showed that fish consumed similar basal carbon sources derived from C3 photosynthesis pathways. Significant differences were found between δ¹⁵N values and the interactive effect of fish feeding habits (p < 0.05) with carnivorous fish recording the highest median score (Md = 2.62). Hampala macrolepidota (TP = 2.73) and Mytus singaringan (TP = 2.50) occupied the highest position in the food web. Detritus was the main food source for BMR fish (44%), showing a high degree of omnivory. The gut content of Barbonymous gonionotus and Larbiobabus leptopcheilus was the most diverse, indicating a wide range of food consumption. Fish samples that inhabit the BMR food web are favoured as detritivores or omnivores. This study provides the baseline data on the fish diet composition and their TP, which will be useful for future modelling uses in BMR fish management and conservation.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	fish
AGROVOC Term:	detritus
AGROVOC Term:	feeding habits
AGROVOC Term:	food consumption
AGROVOC Term:	management
AGROVOC Term:	omnivory
AGROVOC Term:	detritivores
AGROVOC Term:	Cyprinidae
AGROVOC Term:	photosynthesis
AGROVOC Term:	baseline data
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2026 02:49
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2026 14:48
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4814

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