Question

Which of the following fish is carnivorous fish?

• A. Tilapia
• B. Pacu or roopchand
• C. Mullet
• D. Mrigal

Hint:

Pacu (Roopchand) belongs to the piranha family (Serrasalminae) and displays aggressive, opportunistic carnivorous feeding tendencies in culture ponds, unlike detritivorous mrigal or herbivorous mullets.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fish are classified into trophic guilds based on their natural diets: herbivores, detritivores, omnivores, and carnivores.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the feeding habits of each option:
- Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) (4): This is a bottom-dwelling detritivore that feeds on decaying organic matter, detritus, and benthic algae.
- Mullet (3): Most grey mullets (Mugilidae) are detritivores and herbivores, feeding on benthic microalgae, diatoms, and organic detritus.
- Tilapia (1): Generally omnivorous or herbivorous, feeding on phytoplankton, macrophytes, and zooplankton.
- Pacu Roopchand (Piaractus brachypomus) (2): Belonging to the subfamily Serrasalminae, Pacu are closely related to piranhas.
While wild adults in their native South American habitats are primarily frugivorous (eating fallen fruits and seeds), they are opportunistic feeders.
In aquaculture ponds in India, Pacu exhibit aggressive omnivorous behavior with strong carnivorous tendencies, feeding on smaller fish, insects, snails, and commercial feeds.
Among the options listed, Pacu is the species most associated with predatory and carnivorous feeding behavior in Indian aquaculture systems.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Among the given options, Pacu (Roopchand) is classified as having significant carnivorous feeding tendencies.