Intestine: The part of alimentary canal that follows the stomach is called intestine and is divided into two parts:
- Anterior part : small intestine
- Posterior part : large intestine
The small intestine just behind the stomach receives ducts from the liver and pancreas is called as duodenum while rest part is called ileum .There is no clear cut demarcation between the small intestine and large intestine .The length of the intestine depends upon the feeding habit of the fish.
Carnivorous fishes: It is shortened in carnivores such as in Wallogo attu, Mystus seenghala because flesh can be digested more readily than the plant based food stuff.
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| Fig-1: Intenstine of carnivorous fis |
Herbivorous fishes: Intestine is often elongated and arranged in many folds in case of herbivorous fishes. Longer intestines are of great advantage to herbivorous fishes as they retain food for long period of time to ensure digestion.
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| Fig-2: herbivorous fish intestine |
Omnivorous fishes: Intermediate length is found in case of omnivorous fishes e.g. Puntius sophore etc. The intestinal bulb of Rohu is about 25cm, the small intestine about 8m and the large intestine about a meter in length
