Morphological characterization and abundance of <i>Melanoides tuberculata</i> from major markets in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria

Abstract

Freshwater snail (Melanoides tuberculata) samples were purchased from five major markets (Modern, Wadata, Rail way, Wurukum and North bank markets) in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria for four months. The morphometric measurements of the shell were taken with the help of a venial caliper in millimeters (mm). The weight of the snail flesh and its shell were measured in grams using an electronic weighing balance. Total length of the snail shell, large diameter, spire height, shell height and opening width were measured using a pair of compass and placed on a meter rule and readings were taken in consideration. The number of whorls on each snail was counted with the help of naked eyes and recorded. Statistically no significant difference (p < 0.05) existed among the body parameters of the snail (Melanoides tuberculata). The highest percentage M. tuberculata (36.89%) was recorded in the month of October, 2016 while the lowest (14.29%) was recorded in the month of November, 2016. The highest percentage M. tuberculata (31.90%) was recorded in Wadata market, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria while the lowest (12.89%) was recorded in North bank market Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

KEYS: Morphological characterization, Melanoides tuberculata, Markets, Benue, Nigeria.