Condition Factor and Length-Weight Relationship of <i>Liza falcipinnis</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) from Elechi Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The condition factor and length-weight relationship of L. falcipinnis (Sicklefin mullet) from Elechi Creek in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria was studied from March 2009 to February 2010 from the landings from Elechi Creek, Bonny River, Niger Delta. The study was necessitated by the lack of information of the species from this study area which is of high social-economic importance. A total of 1,597 mullets, 979 (females) and 618 (males) with sizes ranging from 9 to 28cm; 12g to 71.8g (females) and 8 to 24cm; 11.6 to 56.9g (males) were used. The mean monthly condition factor (K) ranged between 0.768 and 0.995 with mean = 0.8635±0.0463. The regression equation derived from length-weight relationship (LWR) for the species were LogW=-0.5644+1.8618TL; r=0.8236; b=1.8618 (females), LogW=-0.5747+1.6990LogL; r=0.9354; b=1.6990 (males) and LogW=-0.8763+1.9669LogTL, r=0.9470; b=1.9669 (combined sex). L. falcipinnis has negative allometric growth and is in good condition. It is recommended that the present level of exploitation should be maintained; closed season and gear restriction should be observed.

Key Words: Wellbeing, population parameters, Liza falcipinnis, Elechi Creek, Niger Delta