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Growth performance of blue mussel (<i>mytilus edulis</i>) in Ofiki River, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Abstract
An assessment of growth performance of Mytilus edulis in Ofiki River in Oyo state, Nigeria was carried out to collect baseline information about its stock, enhance understanding on its biology and broaden knowledge about its culture in Nigeria. Shell length, tissue growth, biomass, body condition and somatic production of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from net bags were assessed for 12 months (June 2004 – July 2005) from
samples collected along the river course at four different sites.
Growth and production performances was determined using Von Bertalanffy growth function following length class grouping of the Mytilus edulis collections. Highest mean level of Ash Free Dry weight (AFDW) of 1.80g at a mean density of 0.75 (NM-2) was obtained in length size class
38.50mm-41.00mm (longer size group) of Mytilus edulis in Ofiki river. Lowest mean level of Ash Free Dry weight (AFDW) was obtained in shorter length size class 17.50mm-20.00mm (0.12g at 1.67NM-2 density). Overall growth performance (Ø) recorded was 3.27, mean abundant
(3.71±0.60NM2), somatic production (2.636±0.084 gm-2year-1) and productivity (0.77). Body condition index of Mytilus edulis in Ofiki River was high with peak at dry season. It was concluded from this study that there exists good culture potential for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in ofiki river, Oyo State as spats of various growth stages were obtainable and growth rate of Mytilus edulis obtained was high.
samples collected along the river course at four different sites.
Growth and production performances was determined using Von Bertalanffy growth function following length class grouping of the Mytilus edulis collections. Highest mean level of Ash Free Dry weight (AFDW) of 1.80g at a mean density of 0.75 (NM-2) was obtained in length size class
38.50mm-41.00mm (longer size group) of Mytilus edulis in Ofiki river. Lowest mean level of Ash Free Dry weight (AFDW) was obtained in shorter length size class 17.50mm-20.00mm (0.12g at 1.67NM-2 density). Overall growth performance (Ø) recorded was 3.27, mean abundant
(3.71±0.60NM2), somatic production (2.636±0.084 gm-2year-1) and productivity (0.77). Body condition index of Mytilus edulis in Ofiki River was high with peak at dry season. It was concluded from this study that there exists good culture potential for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in ofiki river, Oyo State as spats of various growth stages were obtainable and growth rate of Mytilus edulis obtained was high.
