Variation in the intestinal morphology and biometric characteristics of Sardinella aurita and Sardinella maderensis at James Town in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigated the biology of Sardinella aurita (flat Sardinella) and S. maderensis (round Sardinella) at James Town in Ghana. A total of 40 round and flat Sardinella samples each were evaluated each month. The results showed significant difference between round and flat Sardinella with respect to intestinal weight (p=0.020), liver weight (p=0.002) and body weight (p=0.005). Intestinal weight of the round and flat Sardinella ranged from 86.5-113 g and 79-92 g respectively. Intestinal weight of round Sardinella was significantly higher than the flat Sardinella. Liver weight of flat Sardinella was significantly lower than the liver weight of round Sardinella. Mean intestinal content of round and flat Sardinella were 46.1±16.30 and 9.65±0.33 respectively. Relative gut mass for round Sardinella ranged between 0.022 and 0.120 whilst that of flat Sardinella ranged between 0.020 and 0.933. Relative gut length was similar for flat and round Sardinella. Mean Zhilers Index for flat and round Sardinella were 0.0752±0.004 and 0.091±0.005 respectively. Mean gonadosomatic index, Hepatosomatic index and Relative content mass recorded for flat Sardinella were 5.735±0.495, 0.346±0.034 and 0.006±0.000 respectively. This work recommend further study comparing catches from artisanal and semi-industrial vessels to obtain a broader knowledge of the growth and maturation of the species. Key words: relative gut length, zhilers index, intestinal content, body weight, liver weight