Aspects of the Biology of <i>Periophthalmus barbarus </i>(Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James

doi:doi:10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

| Peer-Reviewed

Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James

Published in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 6, Issue 1)

Received: 28 December 2020 Accepted: 9 January 2021 Published: 10 March 2021

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.

Published in	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 6, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
Page(s)	15-22
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Length Weight Relationship, Sex Ratio, Gonads, Dimorphism, Spawning

References

[1]	Adebiyi, F. A. (2013). The Sex Ratio, Gonadosomatic index, stages of gonadal development and Fecundity of Sompat Grunt, Pomadasus Jubelini (cuvier, 1830); Pakistan. Zoology 45 (1): 41-46.
[2]	Anene, A. (2005). Condition factor of four Chichild species of a man–made lake in Imo State South Eastern Nigeria. Turkish Journal of fisheries and Aquatic sciences, 5, 43-47.
[3]	Assem, S. S. (2002). The Reproductive Biology and Histological Characteristics of the Pelagic Carangid Female. Caranx Crysos from the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 31, 195-215.
[4]	Assem, S. S. (2003). The Reproductive Biology and histological and Ultra-structural Characteristics of the Ovary of female Pelagic fish Pagellus ergthrinus from the Egyptian Mediterranean water. Journal of Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 42, 77-103.
[5]	Brutton, M. N. (1979). The Breeding Biology and Early Development of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Lake Sibaya, South Africa with a Review of Breeding in Species of the sub-genus Clarias (Pisces: Claridae). Journal of Transdisciplinary Environmental Studies 35, 1-45.
[6]	Chukwu, K. O., Deekae, N. S. and Gabriel, U. U. (2010). Reproductive biology of mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus (Linneaus 1766) in new Calabar River, Nigeria, Agriculture and Biology Journal of North America, 1 (6): 1158-1161.
[7]	Dinh, T. D., Ambak, M. A. Hassan A. and Pluong, N. T. (2007). Biology and Population Dynamics of the Coastal Mud flat Areas of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 10, 3284-3294.
[8]	Dulcic, J. and Kraijevic, M. (1996). Weight-length Relationships for 40 fish species in the Eastern Adriatic (Croatian waters). Fisheries Research, 28, 243-251.
[9]	Ecoutin, J. M. and Albaret, J. J. (2003). Length-weight Relationship of 52 Fish species from West African Estuaries and Lagoons. Cybium, 27, 3-9.
[10]	Ekpo IE, Essien-Ibok MA, Nkwoji J. N.(2014) Food and feeding habits and condition factor of species in Qua Iboe River Estuary, Akwa Ibom southeastern Nigeria. International journal of fisheries and aquatic studies, 2 (2) 38-46.
[11]	Etim, L., Brey, T. and Arntz, W. (1996). A Seminal Study of the Dynamics of a Mudskipper Periiophthalmus papilio population in the Cross River System, Nigeria, Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology, 30, 41-48.
[12]	Etim, L., King, R. P. and Udo, M. T. (2002). Breeding, Growth, Mortality and Yield of the Mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus (Linneaus 1766) (Teleostei; Gobiidae) in the Imo River Estuary, Nigeria. Fisheries Research, 56 (3): 227-238.
[13]	Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) (1990). Field guide to commercial marine Resources of the Gulf of Guinea, FAO/UN, Rome, Italy. 265pp.
[14]	Haruna, M. A. (2006). Length-weight relationship of four fish species Chichlidar from Magaga lake, Kano, Nigeria. REST Journal, 3 (3): 109-111.
[15]	Hile, R. (1936). Age and Growth of Cisco leucicthyes and K. suercur in the Lake of North Eastern Hig and S. Bull. United States Bureau of Fishery, 48, 211-314.
[16]	Iyamba, H. G., 2007. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some fauna and flora. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Tech., 4 (2): 197-202.
[17]	Jaafar, Z. and Larson, H. I. (2002). A new Species of mudskipper, Periophthalmus takita (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) from Australia, with a key to the Genus. Zoological Science, 25 (9): 946-952.
[18]	Jaafar, Z., Lim, K. K. P. and Chou, L. M. (2006). Taxonomical and Morphological Notes on. Two Species of Mudskippers, Scwosseri (Teleostei: Gobildae) from Singapore. Zoological Science, 23 (11): 1043-1047.
[19]	Kharonizam, M. Z. and Norma-Rashid, Y. (2002). Length–weight Relationship of mudskippers (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in the Coastal area of Selangor, Malaysia, NAGA. Worldfish Center, Quarterly, 3, 20-22.
[20]	Kock, K. and Kellerman, A. (1991). Review Reproduction in Antartic notothenoid Fish. Antartic Science 3, 125-150.
[21]	Kumolu-Johnson, C. A. and Ndimele, P. E. (2010). Length weight relationship and condition factors of twenty one fish species in Ologe Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agric. Sci., 2 (4): 174-179.
[22]	Lagler, K. F., Bardach, J. E., Miller, R. R. and Passion, D. R. M. (1977). Ichthydogy 2^nd Edn, Denver: John Wiley and Sons pp: 506.
[23]	Lawal, M. O. O. J Sangoleye and B. M Seriki, (2010). Morphometry and diet of chrysicthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede) in Epe Lagoon, Nigeria. Afri; Biotechnol., 9: 7955-7960.
[24]	Lawson, E. O (2010a) Aspects of reproductive biology in mudskipper, Periophthalmus papilio from mangrove swamps of Lagos Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. New York Science Journal, 3 (11): 103-110.
[25]	Lawson, E. O. (2010b). Maturation and histological Characteristics of Ovaries in Mudskipper, Periohhthalmus papilio from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Journal of American Science, 6 (11): 965-976.
[26]	Lizama, M., de Los, A. P. and Ambrosio, M. A. (2002). Condition Factor in nine Species of the Characidae Family in the upper parana River Floodplain Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 62 (1): 113-124.
[27]	Loveque, C., Pyugy, O. and Teugels, G. G. (1991). The Fresh and Brackish Water Fishes of West Africa, Musee Rouale De. I. Afrique Central Tervurem, Belgique, Edition De. I. ORESTO, pp: 38.
[28]	Martin, W. R. (1949). The Mechanics of Environmental Control of Body form in Fishes. University of Toronto, Study of Biology, 58, 1-91.
[29]	Mkpanam, N. B. (1989). Some Aspect of Reproductive Biology and Feeding Habit of Periophthalmus papilio (Pisces: Periophthalmidae) of Cross River Estuary, Nigeria, B.Sc. (Zoology). Thesis University of Cross River State, Uyo. 46p.
[30]	Offem, B O. Akegbejo-Samsons, Y., Omoniyi I. T, (2008). Diet, size and reproductive biology of the silver catfish, chrysicthys nigrodigitatus (siluriformes: Bagridae in the Cross River, Nigeria. Rev. Biol. Trop 56: 1785-1799).
[31]	Polgar G. (2012) Ecology and evolution of mudskippers and oxudercine gobies (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae): Perspectives and possible research directions. In: Sasekumar A. & Chong V. C. (eds) Mangrove and coastal environment of Selangor, Malaysia. University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, p. 117-13.
[32]	Priede, I. G. and Secombes, C. J. (1988). The biology of fish production. Department of Zoology, Tillydron Avenue, University of Aberdeen, Aderdeen AB 92 TN.
[33]	Pauly, D. (1983). Some simple methods for the assessment of tropical fish stocks, FAO fisheries Technical paper, (234), FAO, Rome, Italy.
[34]	Reynold, T. D. (1968). The biology of the clupeids in the New Volta. In: Man-made Lakes. The Accra Symposium. Ghana University Press, Accra. 120pp.
[35]	Turay, I. (1993). Investigation of Various Aspects of the Biology of the Mudskipper, Periophthalmus koereuteri, BSc. Thesis, Fourah Bay College, University of Freetown, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
[36]	Turay, I., Vakily, J. M., Palomares, M. L, D. and Pauly, D. (2006). Growth, Food and Reproduction of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus on mudflat of Freetown, Sierra Leone. In: Palomare, M. I. D., Stergiou, K. I., Pauly, D. (eds), Fishes in Databases and ecosystems. Fisheries Centre University of British Colombia, Fisheries Centre Research Report, 14 (4): 49-54.
[37]	Tyler, A. V. and Gallucci, V. E. (1980). Dynamics of fished stocks. In: Fisheries management, Ed. By R. Lackey and L. A. Nielson. Oxford: Blackwell, pp 111-147.
[38]	Udo, M. T. (2002a). Morphometric Relationships and Reproductive Maturation of the mudskipper, Periohthalmus barbarous from subsistence catches in the mangrove swamps of Imo estuary, Nigeria. J. Environ. Sci, 14, 221-226.
[39]	Udo, M. T. (2002b). Intersexuaal plasticity in aspects of the biology of the mudskipper, swamps of Imo Estuary, Nigeria). Environ Sci (China), 14 (1): 95-101, PMID: 11887327.
[40]	Welcome, R. L. (1985). River fisheries. FAO fish tech. paper 262. FAO, Rome.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. (2021). Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 6(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2021, 6(1), 15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol Evol Biol. 2021;6(1):15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14,
  author = {Nsikak Okon Abiaobo and IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo and Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu and Etimfon Joseph James},
  title = {Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {6},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-22},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20210601.14},
  abstract = {The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
AU  - Nsikak Okon Abiaobo
AU  - IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo
AU  - Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu
AU  - Etimfon Joseph James
Y1  - 2021/03/10
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 15
EP  - 22
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
AB  - The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.
VL  - 6
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo

Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria
IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa, Nigeria
Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu

Department of Aquaculture, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Nigeria
Etimfon Joseph James

Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. (2021). Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 6(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2021, 6(1), 15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol Evol Biol. 2021;6(1):15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14,
  author = {Nsikak Okon Abiaobo and IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo and Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu and Etimfon Joseph James},
  title = {Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {6},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-22},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20210601.14},
  abstract = {The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
AU  - Nsikak Okon Abiaobo
AU  - IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo
AU  - Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu
AU  - Etimfon Joseph James
Y1  - 2021/03/10
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 15
EP  - 22
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
AB  - The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.
VL  - 6
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download