Ninety (90) hatchery bred fingerlings of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> (mean weight: 0.... more Ninety (90) hatchery bred fingerlings of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> (mean weight: 0.96 ± 0.1g) were randomly placed in 15 plastic baths (25 litres each) at the Research laboratory and were exposed to different concentrations of oil products to determine their effects on the fish, to facilitate inferential deductions that will enhance effective aquatic environmental management. Three (3) replicate basins of 5 experimental treatments (crude oil, petrol oil, kerosene oil, engine oil and control) were used at a concentration of 1.25ml. L<sup>-1</sup>. The control experiment was devoid of oil treatment. Six (6) fingerlings were placed in each replicate basin, flooded with 20 litres of clean tap water and fed with nutrafin cichilid food, 2 times daily at 3% body weight. The results showed that the feeding behaviour and swimming performances of fish were reduced after 24 hours of the addition of the various oil pollutants. Mortality of fingerlings in the oiled basi...
The food and feeding habits of Gnathonemus petersii (Osteichthyes: Mormyridae) were investigated ... more The food and feeding habits of Gnathonemus petersii (Osteichthyes: Mormyridae) were investigated for a period of 18 months in the Anambra river. Fish samples were collected monthly at Otuocha and Ogurugu river ports along the Anambra River using multiple fishing gears. The most dominant food group was Insecta (IFS = 48.23) followed by detritus (IFS = 31.07) while the least was Arachnida (IFS = 0.20). Variation in the stomach fullness condition showed that 64 (19.10%) of the studied stomach were empty, 71 (21.19%) were full, while 200 (59.70%) were partially (1/2, 1/4 and 3/4) filled. Stomachs were generally full during the rains when feeding intensity was high while partially filled stomachs predominated in the dry season. Whereas the IFS of five (5) food categories were higher in females, only three (3) were higher in the males (t-test, P < 0.05 in all cases). Other food categories were not sex dependent. Food richness and diet breadth showed no significant difference between th...
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationsh... more A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of th...
Journal of environmental biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India, 2010
A study was conducted between March 2006 and February 2007 to assess the concentration of Fe, Zn,... more A study was conducted between March 2006 and February 2007 to assess the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Cr in the gills and muscles of six fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias anguillaris, Tillapia zillii, Mormyrus rume rume, Mormyrus macrophthalmus and Mormyrus tapirus) from lotic freshwater ecosystem at Afikpo South- East Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. In all the fish species studied the concentration of metals in the gills was significantly higher than that of the muscles (p<0.05). While the highest concentration (mg l(-1)) of Fe (702.20 +/- 0.04), Zn (34.40 +/- 0.02), Cu (2.10 +/- 0.01), Mn (4.91 +/- 0.08) Pb (0.50 +/- 0.02) and Cr (1.12 +/- 0.07) were recorded in the gills of C. nigrodigitatus, that in the muscles were recorded in T. zillii (443.20 +/- 0.08, 23.30 +/- 0.06, 1.33 +/- 0.06, 3.09 +/- 0.02, 0.31 +/- 0.01 and 0.66 +/- 0.04 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cr respectively). The lowest concentration of all the heavy metals in t...
Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to<... more Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to<br> February 2008 to identify the major groups. Four groups (protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans and<br> copepods) and 21 species were recorded. Cladocerans had the highest number of species (8), while<br> rotifers and copepods each had 5 species. The least in terms of species diversity was protozoan. Each group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the other. There was non-significant interaction between rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. However, protozoan and nauplii showed significant (P<0.05)<br> interactions. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) between the mean values of the groups in different locations. The assemblage appears potentially rich enough to support good growth of Fish at their larval stage when most fish depend on zooplankton as food. It was therefore concluded that the river has a potentially strong influence in the development...
A research was conducted to evaluate the economics of attaining food securing through growing Afr... more A research was conducted to evaluate the economics of attaining food securing through growing African catfish, Clarias gariepinus sustainably in small culture chambers. A total number of 360 fingerlings of mean weight 8.10g were stocked in four (4) plastic tanks of 350 litre capacity each, stocked at 80 fish per tank, fed ad libitum and reared for 24 weeks. A total of 105kg of feed was consumed by the fish. Cost of total input was N71, 300.00 (US$460.00). An average of 180 kg of fish was produced and sold at N126, 000.00 (US$840.00). A profit of N54, 700.00 (US$365.00) was realized. It was therefore concluded that the techniques of production adopted in this work could be maximized to attain food security in low income deficit countries of Africa where majority of rural dwellers are poor and undernourished. The system is also recommended for individuals with limited space who may be interested in earning additional income and enhancing quality protein production and intake.
Previous report has it that about one billion people world-wide rely on fish as their primary sou... more Previous report has it that about one billion people world-wide rely on fish as their primary source of animal protein (Iheanacho et al., 2017a). The consumption and demand for fish as a cheap source of animal protein is increasing in Africa. In most countries, vast majority of the fish supply comes from the rivers as captured fisheries (FAO, 2014), and may not be able to meet the growing global demand for aquatic foods. Hence, there is a need for a viable alternative fish production system that can sufficiently meet this demand, and aquaculture is the solution (Iheanacho et al., 2017b). As aquaculture Abstract
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationsh... more A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished.
Ecology, Enviroment and Conservation 16 (2) : 2010, 2010
"ABSTRACT
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from... more "ABSTRACT
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from September 2006
to February 2008. A total number of 1,080 fishes were caught during the study period. A total of 39 different
fish species belonging to 14 families were identified. Cichlidae was the largest (24.2%) in terms of percentage
fish family composition. This was followed by family Claridae (20.3%) and the least was family
Malapteruridae with only 0.6% composition. The highest percentage fish species composition recorded in
the study period was Tilapia dageti (8.5%). Macrobrachium vollenhovenii was second highest (6.8%). The least
percentage species composition was the unidentified species of family Amphilidae which recorded 0.2%.
The diversity index show that Tilapia dageti, Clarias gariepinus, Hepsetus odoe, Oreochromis niloticus and
Macrobrachium vollenhovenii each recorded 0.1 which is the highest value recorded during the study period.
It was therefore concluded that the river can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of
the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is maintained through adequate
fisheries environmental management strategies."
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight r... more ABSTRACT A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished. Keywords: inland, freshwater biology, stock assessment
Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to Fe... more Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to February 2008 to identify the major groups. Four groups (protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) and 21 species were recorded. Cladocerans had the highest number of species (8), while rotifers and copepods each had 5 species. The least in terms of species diversity was protozoan. Each group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the other. There was non-significant interaction between rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. However, protozoan and nauplii showed significant (P<0.05) interactions. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) between the mean values of the groups in different locations. The assemblage appears potentially rich enough to support good growth of Fish at their larval stage when most fish depend on zooplankton as food. It was therefore concluded that the river has a potentially strong influence in the development of aquaculture, fisheries research and nutrition of the inhabitants of the State and its environs and can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is enhanced or at least maintained to conserve the fishery through adequate fisheries environmental management strategies. INTRODUCTION Zooplankton are microscopic invertebrate animals that swim or drift in water. They are at the base of the food chain. Fish prefer to eat the larger and more visible kinds of zooplankton, Therefore zooplankton that coexist with fish are typically small (less than 1 to 1.5 millimeters) and transparent (Anonymous, 2007). Zooplankton are heterotrophic planktonic animals floating in water which constitute an important foodsource for many species of aquatic organism (Guy, 1992). It consists of Protozoan, Cladocera, Copepoda, Rotifera, etc which may serve as indicators of water quality. Tucker (1992) reported zooplankton to be rich in the essential amino and fatty acids, Docosahexacnoic Acid (DHA) and Elcosaptaenoic acid (EPA). Zooplankton provide fish with nutrients since fish require proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts and water in the right proportion (Guy, 1992). Zooplankton study is of necessity in fisheries, aquaculture and limnological research. They are globally recognized as pollution indicator organisms in the aquatic environment (Yakubu et al., 2000).
Ninety (90) hatchery bred fingerlings of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> (mean weight: 0.... more Ninety (90) hatchery bred fingerlings of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> (mean weight: 0.96 ± 0.1g) were randomly placed in 15 plastic baths (25 litres each) at the Research laboratory and were exposed to different concentrations of oil products to determine their effects on the fish, to facilitate inferential deductions that will enhance effective aquatic environmental management. Three (3) replicate basins of 5 experimental treatments (crude oil, petrol oil, kerosene oil, engine oil and control) were used at a concentration of 1.25ml. L<sup>-1</sup>. The control experiment was devoid of oil treatment. Six (6) fingerlings were placed in each replicate basin, flooded with 20 litres of clean tap water and fed with nutrafin cichilid food, 2 times daily at 3% body weight. The results showed that the feeding behaviour and swimming performances of fish were reduced after 24 hours of the addition of the various oil pollutants. Mortality of fingerlings in the oiled basi...
The food and feeding habits of Gnathonemus petersii (Osteichthyes: Mormyridae) were investigated ... more The food and feeding habits of Gnathonemus petersii (Osteichthyes: Mormyridae) were investigated for a period of 18 months in the Anambra river. Fish samples were collected monthly at Otuocha and Ogurugu river ports along the Anambra River using multiple fishing gears. The most dominant food group was Insecta (IFS = 48.23) followed by detritus (IFS = 31.07) while the least was Arachnida (IFS = 0.20). Variation in the stomach fullness condition showed that 64 (19.10%) of the studied stomach were empty, 71 (21.19%) were full, while 200 (59.70%) were partially (1/2, 1/4 and 3/4) filled. Stomachs were generally full during the rains when feeding intensity was high while partially filled stomachs predominated in the dry season. Whereas the IFS of five (5) food categories were higher in females, only three (3) were higher in the males (t-test, P < 0.05 in all cases). Other food categories were not sex dependent. Food richness and diet breadth showed no significant difference between th...
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationsh... more A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of th...
Journal of environmental biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India, 2010
A study was conducted between March 2006 and February 2007 to assess the concentration of Fe, Zn,... more A study was conducted between March 2006 and February 2007 to assess the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Cr in the gills and muscles of six fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias anguillaris, Tillapia zillii, Mormyrus rume rume, Mormyrus macrophthalmus and Mormyrus tapirus) from lotic freshwater ecosystem at Afikpo South- East Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. In all the fish species studied the concentration of metals in the gills was significantly higher than that of the muscles (p<0.05). While the highest concentration (mg l(-1)) of Fe (702.20 +/- 0.04), Zn (34.40 +/- 0.02), Cu (2.10 +/- 0.01), Mn (4.91 +/- 0.08) Pb (0.50 +/- 0.02) and Cr (1.12 +/- 0.07) were recorded in the gills of C. nigrodigitatus, that in the muscles were recorded in T. zillii (443.20 +/- 0.08, 23.30 +/- 0.06, 1.33 +/- 0.06, 3.09 +/- 0.02, 0.31 +/- 0.01 and 0.66 +/- 0.04 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cr respectively). The lowest concentration of all the heavy metals in t...
Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to<... more Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to<br> February 2008 to identify the major groups. Four groups (protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans and<br> copepods) and 21 species were recorded. Cladocerans had the highest number of species (8), while<br> rotifers and copepods each had 5 species. The least in terms of species diversity was protozoan. Each group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the other. There was non-significant interaction between rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. However, protozoan and nauplii showed significant (P<0.05)<br> interactions. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) between the mean values of the groups in different locations. The assemblage appears potentially rich enough to support good growth of Fish at their larval stage when most fish depend on zooplankton as food. It was therefore concluded that the river has a potentially strong influence in the development...
A research was conducted to evaluate the economics of attaining food securing through growing Afr... more A research was conducted to evaluate the economics of attaining food securing through growing African catfish, Clarias gariepinus sustainably in small culture chambers. A total number of 360 fingerlings of mean weight 8.10g were stocked in four (4) plastic tanks of 350 litre capacity each, stocked at 80 fish per tank, fed ad libitum and reared for 24 weeks. A total of 105kg of feed was consumed by the fish. Cost of total input was N71, 300.00 (US$460.00). An average of 180 kg of fish was produced and sold at N126, 000.00 (US$840.00). A profit of N54, 700.00 (US$365.00) was realized. It was therefore concluded that the techniques of production adopted in this work could be maximized to attain food security in low income deficit countries of Africa where majority of rural dwellers are poor and undernourished. The system is also recommended for individuals with limited space who may be interested in earning additional income and enhancing quality protein production and intake.
Previous report has it that about one billion people world-wide rely on fish as their primary sou... more Previous report has it that about one billion people world-wide rely on fish as their primary source of animal protein (Iheanacho et al., 2017a). The consumption and demand for fish as a cheap source of animal protein is increasing in Africa. In most countries, vast majority of the fish supply comes from the rivers as captured fisheries (FAO, 2014), and may not be able to meet the growing global demand for aquatic foods. Hence, there is a need for a viable alternative fish production system that can sufficiently meet this demand, and aquaculture is the solution (Iheanacho et al., 2017b). As aquaculture Abstract
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationsh... more A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished.
Ecology, Enviroment and Conservation 16 (2) : 2010, 2010
"ABSTRACT
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from... more "ABSTRACT
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from September 2006
to February 2008. A total number of 1,080 fishes were caught during the study period. A total of 39 different
fish species belonging to 14 families were identified. Cichlidae was the largest (24.2%) in terms of percentage
fish family composition. This was followed by family Claridae (20.3%) and the least was family
Malapteruridae with only 0.6% composition. The highest percentage fish species composition recorded in
the study period was Tilapia dageti (8.5%). Macrobrachium vollenhovenii was second highest (6.8%). The least
percentage species composition was the unidentified species of family Amphilidae which recorded 0.2%.
The diversity index show that Tilapia dageti, Clarias gariepinus, Hepsetus odoe, Oreochromis niloticus and
Macrobrachium vollenhovenii each recorded 0.1 which is the highest value recorded during the study period.
It was therefore concluded that the river can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of
the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is maintained through adequate
fisheries environmental management strategies."
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight r... more ABSTRACT A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished. Keywords: inland, freshwater biology, stock assessment
Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to Fe... more Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to February 2008 to identify the major groups. Four groups (protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) and 21 species were recorded. Cladocerans had the highest number of species (8), while rotifers and copepods each had 5 species. The least in terms of species diversity was protozoan. Each group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the other. There was non-significant interaction between rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. However, protozoan and nauplii showed significant (P<0.05) interactions. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) between the mean values of the groups in different locations. The assemblage appears potentially rich enough to support good growth of Fish at their larval stage when most fish depend on zooplankton as food. It was therefore concluded that the river has a potentially strong influence in the development of aquaculture, fisheries research and nutrition of the inhabitants of the State and its environs and can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is enhanced or at least maintained to conserve the fishery through adequate fisheries environmental management strategies. INTRODUCTION Zooplankton are microscopic invertebrate animals that swim or drift in water. They are at the base of the food chain. Fish prefer to eat the larger and more visible kinds of zooplankton, Therefore zooplankton that coexist with fish are typically small (less than 1 to 1.5 millimeters) and transparent (Anonymous, 2007). Zooplankton are heterotrophic planktonic animals floating in water which constitute an important foodsource for many species of aquatic organism (Guy, 1992). It consists of Protozoan, Cladocera, Copepoda, Rotifera, etc which may serve as indicators of water quality. Tucker (1992) reported zooplankton to be rich in the essential amino and fatty acids, Docosahexacnoic Acid (DHA) and Elcosaptaenoic acid (EPA). Zooplankton provide fish with nutrients since fish require proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts and water in the right proportion (Guy, 1992). Zooplankton study is of necessity in fisheries, aquaculture and limnological research. They are globally recognized as pollution indicator organisms in the aquatic environment (Yakubu et al., 2000).
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Papers by Emmanuel Ude
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from September 2006
to February 2008. A total number of 1,080 fishes were caught during the study period. A total of 39 different
fish species belonging to 14 families were identified. Cichlidae was the largest (24.2%) in terms of percentage
fish family composition. This was followed by family Claridae (20.3%) and the least was family
Malapteruridae with only 0.6% composition. The highest percentage fish species composition recorded in
the study period was Tilapia dageti (8.5%). Macrobrachium vollenhovenii was second highest (6.8%). The least
percentage species composition was the unidentified species of family Amphilidae which recorded 0.2%.
The diversity index show that Tilapia dageti, Clarias gariepinus, Hepsetus odoe, Oreochromis niloticus and
Macrobrachium vollenhovenii each recorded 0.1 which is the highest value recorded during the study period.
It was therefore concluded that the river can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of
the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is maintained through adequate
fisheries environmental management strategies."
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished.
Keywords: inland, freshwater biology, stock assessment
Archive by Emmanuel Ude
A study of the ecology and ichthyo-faunal diversity of Ebonyi River was conducted from September 2006
to February 2008. A total number of 1,080 fishes were caught during the study period. A total of 39 different
fish species belonging to 14 families were identified. Cichlidae was the largest (24.2%) in terms of percentage
fish family composition. This was followed by family Claridae (20.3%) and the least was family
Malapteruridae with only 0.6% composition. The highest percentage fish species composition recorded in
the study period was Tilapia dageti (8.5%). Macrobrachium vollenhovenii was second highest (6.8%). The least
percentage species composition was the unidentified species of family Amphilidae which recorded 0.2%.
The diversity index show that Tilapia dageti, Clarias gariepinus, Hepsetus odoe, Oreochromis niloticus and
Macrobrachium vollenhovenii each recorded 0.1 which is the highest value recorded during the study period.
It was therefore concluded that the river can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of
the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is maintained through adequate
fisheries environmental management strategies."
A study was conducted on the fishes of Ebonyi River to determine their length – weight relationships (LWR). Specimens of various fish species caught from the river were obtained from fishers on a monthly basis for 18 months. The values of the exponent b in the LWR (W=aL b ) varied between 1.4 and 3.5 for Ariid species, 0.9 and 5.3 for Characiid species, 2.4 and 3.4 for Cichlid species, 4.3 and 11.1 for Clariid species, 2.4 and 3.9 for Mormyrid species and between 2.7 and 2.8 for species of the family Schilbeidae. The b values recorded for Oreochromis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Siluranodon auritus, Tilapia dageti and Hemichromis fasciatus were all isometric. Arius heudeloti, Labeo coubie, Alestes chaperi, Tilapia zilli and Mormyrus rume each had b values that are negatively allometric. Similarly, the b values recorded for the remaining species were positively allometric. The values of their various intercepts (a) and correlation coefficients (r) are also presented. In the light of these observations it was concluded that the data generated will form a baseline tool for enhanced fisheries management and utilization of the species that are of aquaculture importance to improve fish production in an economy where majority of the populace are undernourished.
Keywords: inland, freshwater biology, stock assessment