Qualitative diet of Schilbe grenfelli Boulenger, 1900 (Siluriformes, Schilbeidae) caught in the Malebo Pool (Congo River) (Kinshasa, DR Congo)

The Congo River abounds in a multitude of osteichthyan fish, notably Schilbe grenfelli Boulenger, 1900 (Siluriformes, Schilbeidae), commonly known in Kinshasa as "Lilangwa" in Lingala, one of the national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is caught in artisanal fisheries, and its flesh is highly prized for its meat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diet of S. grenfelli, caught in the Kinshasa section of the Malebo Pool (Congo River) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fish specimens were collected over an eight (8), month period between february 15 and september 20, 2019. These fish were caught through artisanal fishing using bottom drift gillnets. The study of the diet was based on the qualitative aspect linked to the trophic level of the fish species under study by determining the intestinal coefficient. Trophic level results showed that S. grenfelli has a short intestine (intestinal coefficient equal to 1.89±0.12) and is considered a carnivorous fish, feeding either on zooplankton, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates or fish present in its environment. The preliminary information provided in the present study is of great importance in that it gives indications of the trophic level of S. grenfelli fish in the Malebo Pool. This information is of great importance for knowledge of the dietary requirements of this fish for rational exploitation, but above all for fish farming, where this fish species can be domesticated to diversify Congolese fish farming.