The Role of Mouth Architecture in Relation to Feeding Habit of Selected Indigenous Small Fish Species (ISFs)

Indigenous small fish (ISF) species are those that do not grow more than 25 cm in their whole life span. Nutritionally, this group is very important among the freshwater cultivable fish species. But they are grouped under the category ‘least cncrened’ in IUCN list. Research shows polyculture with ISF can lead to high yield in overall fish production. ISFs have diverse ranges of feeding habits from planktivorous to omnivorous. These feeding habits show specificity in each species with rejection of specific food items. The gut content analysis reflects seasonal changes or ontogenetic shifts in dietary habits. All these habits are correlated with the diversity and specificity of their buccal cavity. Tissue architecture shows the presence of specific structures such as taste buds, uncle, mucus cell opening, microridges, various types of teeth, etc. All these structures exhibit a distinct role in the feeding habit of ISF. An understanding of the structural and behavioral feeding habits of these fishes can help fish farmers culture fish in their natural habitat or give the idea for artificial feed formulation. In this context, this chapter reveals the correlation between the feeding habit and mouth architecture of some selected ISFs—Amblypharyngodon mola, Pethia ticto, and Mystus vittatus.