Length-weight relationship and condition factor of nile perch (Lates niloticus, Linneus 1762) at Goronyo Dam, Sokoto-Nigeria

L A Argungu; U A Mikaheel; H Jibrin; S S Umar

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of nile perch (Lates niloticus, Linneus 1762) at Goronyo Dam, Sokoto-Nigeria

Authors
L A Argungu, U A Mikaheel, H Jibrin, S S Umar

Abstract
Lates niloticus is widely spread in most parts of Africa and despite the wide geographic distribution of this species, only few studies have been conducted on its biology including its length-weight relationship and condition factor. Lates niloticus have been on decline due to over fishing and competition with other fish species before they reach maturity. Therefore, this study was undertaken to address the information and knowledge gap in length weight relationship and condition factor of Lates niloticus in Goronyo Dam, A total of 51 fish samples were collected from Gronyo Dam for a period of 12 weeks. The Length and weight of each individual sample was taken separately using a calibrated measuring board (cm) and a mechanical weighing balance of 20kg capacity respectively. The relationship between the length (L) and weight (W) was calculated by a logarithmically transformed equation of length-weight relationship to give a linear regression. the mean Total length recorded was 43.52 ± 1.39, mean Total weight TW was 1300.0±138.63, while a mean value of Standard Length recorded was 36.58 ± 1.19. The B-value obtained for all the fish populations was 2.72, indicating negative allometric growth pattern and the condition factor (K-Value Total) for combined population has a value greater than 1 in both the sizes classes population groups and sex classes population groups of Lates niloticus studied.

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