Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Dominant and Subdominant Fish Species in Ogba River, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and condition factor of twelve dominant and subdominant fish species in Ogba River was studied from February 2018 to October 2018. A total of 637 specimens were obtained from the river from fishermen using five types of gears namely gill nets, hook and lines, bamboo traps, mesh net and basket traps. The fishes exhibited negative allometric growth (b<3) and the condition factor (k) varied between species and ranged from 0.83 – 4.06. The correlation coefficient (r) ranged from 0.065 – 0.68. There was strong correlation between the length and weight of all the species except Xenomystus nigri which was weakly correlated. Only one species Erpetoichthys calabaricus had condition factor (k) less than 1 indicating unhealthy condition. The higher number of fishes in healthy condition shows the river as a favourable habitat for the survival of fishes. Findings from this study will serve as baseline information of these fish species in Ogba River, and will contribute valuably to the existing data to enhance their management and conservation.