Morpho-mertistic analysis and the identity of the Moonfish, <i>Citharinus latus </i>(Pisces: Citharinidae) of Lake Oguta, Nigeria: Towards a restocking policy for a depleted inland fishery

Abstract

The Citharinid fishery of Lake Oguta, the largest lentic natural water body in South eastern Nigeria is biologically and economically overfished. Technological innovations in the lake fishery between 1975 and 1985 by the Fisheries Division of the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture and the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) are largely responsible. These had resulted in unhealthy dramatic fishing transitions, excessive fishing pressure and resource over-exploitation. Restocking programme has been advocated as the most effective and accelerated management strategy for resuscitating lake bodies whose fishery resource are depleted. However, the unclear identity of the young stage of the fauna for use in restocking programmes, especially the fingerlings from the wild is a major set-back. The present study ascertains the identity of Citharinus latus (Family: Citharinidae) through the analysis of Morphometric and meristic features. Other characeristics that make field identification practicable are also discussed.


Key words: Morpho-meristic analysis, Citharinus latus, restocking policy.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17(2) 2002: 99-104