Digestive Enzyme Assays In The Gut Of Oreochromis Niloticus Linnaeus 1757, Parachanna (Channa) Obscura Gunther 1861 And Gymnarchus Niloticus Cuvier 1829

Abstract

Digestive enzyme assays in the different gut regions (oesophagus, stomach, caecum, duodenum, ileum, and rectum) of three commercial African freshwater fish species: Nile tilapia Oreo chromis niloticus, Afrcan snakehead fish Parachanna obscura, and African long knife fish, Gymn archus niloticus, revealed an array of glycosidases (amylase, sucrase, maltase, lactase, and cellulase); proteases (chymotrypsn, pepsin, and trypsn) and lipases. The pattern of distribution and relative activity of the enzymes showed that the fishes are capable of digestng carbohydrates proeins and lipids such that they complemented the different dietary habits of the three fish species. Enzyme activity was not detected in the oesophagus and rectum of the three fish species. The relative distribution and activity of the various enzymes were possibly induced by the nutritional requirements of the fishes.