Observation on the condition factor of <i>Brycinus nurse</i> (Pisces: Cypriniformes, Characidae) from Asa Reservoir, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 980 specimens of Brycinus nurse (Paugy 1986) caught in Asa Reservoir from November 1991 to October 1993, were investigated for their condition factor. The condition factor of B. nurse showed an inverse relationship with size. Smaller fishes had higher condition values while bigger fishes had smaller values. The condition factor, however varied significantly with sex and season. Female specimens had higher condition factors than males and the species recorded higher values of condition factor in the dry season as compared to the wet season. The condition factor also showed monthly variations and increased with increasing gonadal maturity. The flexibility in diet of the species is thought to have conferred on it high values of condition, a good indication of the well being of the population within the reservoir.


KEY WORDS: characidae, Brycinus nurse, condition factor, reservoir, seasonality.


Tropical Freshwater Biology, 10 (2001) 9 - 17
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