Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Auchenoglanis occidentalis in Zaria Reservoir, Nigeria

Abstract

The morphometric parameters of 266 Auchenoglanis occidentalis obtained from Zaria Reservoir were examined. The weight of A occidentalis sampled ranged from 12.0-800.0 g, the largest male weighed 660.0 g while the female was 800.0 g.The lengthweight relationship of A occidentalis in Zaria showed positive correlation (r=0.96) in both sexes. The regression exponent (b>3) for both sexes showed positive allometric growth pattern. The mean condition factor (0.71-1.7) varied during the different months and appeared to be associated with the breeding activities of the fish. In both sexes, mean condition factor increased with increase in length, which was attributed to the ability of the fish to obtain food and increase in size.

Keywords: length-weight relstionship, condition factor, Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Zaria Reservoir.