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Summary The ability to utilise dietary components differs among fish species. Digestive enzymes may be used to determine the efficiency of the digestive process. In this study, the activities of the digestive enzymes in Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus were explored. Protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase activities were measured in different parts of the digestive tract of the three fish species. The pH dynamics along the digestive tract were monitored. In all fish species, the presence of food led to a reduction in stomach pH, whereby pH values of 1.54, 1.58 and 2.01 were recorded 12 h after feeding in O. mossambicus, T. rendalli and C. gariepinus, respectively. Protease and amylase activities were significantly higher (P 0.05) in C. gariepinus than in both tilapias. Marginal cellulase activities were recorded in all species. It is inferred here that phylogeny and not diet may be the main factor influencing enzyme activities, as all fish were fed a similar diet.

Tilapia rendalli is a predominately macrophagous fish. However, it was able to colonise an oligotrophic dam (Flag Boshielo) with limited macrophytes. Therefore, the diet of T. rendalli in this dam was investigated; its stomach contents were examined over 12 months. A size related dietary shift was evident. Juveniles fed mainly on zooplankton while sub-adult and adult fish grazed on both macrophytes and marginal vegetation. T. rendalli’s ability to strive in an environment with limited food resources led to a subsequent study to determine its aquaculture potential. Its growth performance was compared to that of the commonly cultured Oreochromis mossambicus. Juveniles of both species were fed a commercial tilapia diet for 60 days. Specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio was comparable to that of O. mossambicus (P > 0.05, ANOVA). Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher (P 0.05). Amylase activities were significantly higher (P

A common lawn grass; kikuyu grass, an abundant vegetable; cabbage and vallisneria a common macrophyte were tested for utilisation by two size classes of a herbivorous fish, Tilapia rendalli held in glass aquarium tanks. The test feeds were given to sub-adult T. rendalli for 133 days at 8% body weight and juvenile fish for 84 days at 15% body weight. Sub-adult and juvenile fish fed kikuyu grass attained a higher specific growth rate, higher protein efficiency ratio and better food conversion ratio than those fed cabbage and vallisneria. This is explained by the differences in the protein content, higher levels of lysine and the sulphur-containing amino acid, methionine in kikuyu grass. Palatability studies of the juveniles also showed that kikuyu was most preferred. However, sub-adults preferred vallisneria, kikuyu and cabbage respectively. The possible reasons for the selection are discussed.