The biology of the spotted sucker Minytrema melanops “Rafinesque, 1820” from the River Niger at Agenebode, Edo State Nigeria

Agbugui M O; Adeniyi A O

The biology of the spotted sucker Minytrema melanops “Rafinesque, 1820” from the River Niger at Agenebode, Edo State Nigeria

Authors
Agbugui M O, Adeniyi A O

Abstract
The Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) is a member of the Catostomidae, or "sucker" family. In Nigeria, it is reported to inhabit the fresh waters of the River Niger throughout the year in large catches. No known documentation about the Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops is available for Nigerian waters and reservoirs. With the need to provide cheap and high nutrient sources of protein, the growing population is gradually shifting its demand on this cheap source of fish supply. There are a lot of unknown about this fish, it is therefore necessary that this fish species be considered as a virgin land for exploits, its biology should be studied and knowledge obtained to pursue it propagation and production. Information obtained could pave a way for its introduction into the streams and reservoirs in Nigeria to make necessary its propagation, culture, breeding and conservation and management. Fifty nine (59) fish species were collected fortnightly for 12 months from November 2019 to October 2020 from three stations (based on the landing sites of fishing localities). 27 males and 42 females were examined with a ratio of 1:1.5. The spotted suckers feed on a variety of food items. The adult and juveniles do not show feeding specificity though most of the stomachs observed in this study had sand and other detritus materials. Copepods and crabs were the most important of food items with regards to relative importance index. The Relative Gut Length (RGL) of M. melanops was expressed as 0.34. The prey–predator relationship of M. melanops revealed that fish weight was more related to prey size The prey–predator relationship of M. melanops revealed that fish weight was more related to prey size. The findings in this study reveal that M. melanops has a small, slim, compressed body with an inferior mouth that is void of teeth, the upper-lip is thick and stocky. M. melanops exhibits negative allometric pattern (b=0.98). M. melanops is a carnivore with a preference for Arthropods. Females had two ovaries and gravid females with high fecundity observed in the months of September, October and November. Only one peak of spawning period was observed. M. melanops is considered a high fecund fish.

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