Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Blackspot Catfish Auchenoglanis biscutatus from the Lower River Benue Makurdi, Nigeria
Edem, Edem Thomas *
Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Eyo, Victor Oscar
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Environmental Management and Pollution, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Nigeria.
Ofunama Preye
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Environmental Management and Pollution, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of the Blackspot Catfish Auchenoglanis biscutatus from the Lower River Benue Makurdi, Nigeria. A total of 200 freshly caught specimens of A. biscutatus were collected from the catches of the artisanal fisheries from landing points at Wadata Market in Makurdi, between July and September 2013. The result obtained showed that the “b” value for the males was 1.6698, females (1.6201) and combined sexes (1.7318) indicating a negative allometric growth. Correlation coefficient (r) for males was 0.9524, females (0.9290) and combine sexes (0.9085). Monthly mean condition factor (K), indicated that both sexes of A. biscutatus were in good health condition. It is therefore concluded that findings of this study will be useful in the sustainable management of this species in the lower River Benue.
Keywords: Auchenoglanis biscutatus, length-weight relationship, condition factor and lower river Benue