Author(s): Asuquo Idopiseabasi Ekpe and Essien-Ibok Mandu Asikpo

Abstract: Erpetoichthys calabaricus is a near threatened species in the West African fresh waters, and a low density of the fish is noted at surveys. However, no record exist about important aspects of its ecology and biology in order to assist in efficient conservation and management of the species. The objective of this study was to evaluate some aspects of the ecology and biology of E. calabaricus with regards to sex ratio, size structure, and condition factor. A total of 634 specimens were collected between April 2013 and March 2014 by means of non-return valve basket traps (baited with palm fruits) set on the flood plains at Ibikpe creek, Nigeria. The overall sex ratio was 1: 0.79 (males: females) which shows significant deviation from the expected 1:1 (p < 0.05). Dominance of males over the females was observed. Length frequency distribution of females and males of E. calabaricus showed no marked difference as both sexes occurred over the entire range of body size. The largest fish (TL_max) examined was 39.9 cm TL female, while the smallest fish (TL_min) was 21 cm TL male. Body condition index ranged between 0.078 and 1.1 (mean = 0.1546 ± 0.0444) suggesting that E. calabaricus in Ibikpe creek has poor body condition. This study presents baseline data on basic aspects of the natural history of E. calabaricus on a first hand in-depth attempt. The results may assist in the management strategies and conservation of this special ornamental species in Ibikpe creek and elsewhere.

Pages: 205-209  |  594 Views  17 Downloads

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