Food dynamics and observations on histology of stomach and intestine of "tamboatá” Hoplosternum littorale (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) in Bariri Reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

Seasonal relative frequency of repletion stages (fr) and average index of stomach repletion (Ir) for Hoplosternum littorale Hancock, 1828, in Bariri Reservoir were analyzed. A total of 157 male and female specimens caught from September 1995 through August 1996 were examined. The repletion index reached the highest value in the spring .The condition factor was higher in the spring. Histological characteristics on stomach and intestine were investigated. The greatest variations in weight of the specimens were observed during the summer.