Author(s): FV Oluwale, Ugwumba AAA and OA Ugwumba

Abstract: Gymnarchus niloticus is a commercial and socio-cultural important fish in Nigeria. Nevertheless, its fishery is largely based on the seed catch from the wild. Hitherto, diet preference, feeding strategy, relative gut length, length – weight relationship and Condition Factor (K) of G. niloticus juveniles were investigated. Fish samples (n = 222) were collected monthly between June and November 2017 from artisanal fishermen at Epe Lagoon. Stomach content analysis revealed that juvenile G. niloticus are carnivorous on fish, insects and crustaceans. Juveniles exhibited specialist feeding strategy on insects. Overall relative gut length was 0.65 (<1) re-enforcing carnivorous feeding. Total length and body weight of juveniles were extremely significantly correlated, r = 0.52 (p< 0.001), and showed isometric growth. Mean K was <1 during the study. The predilection for insects by juveniles suggested suitability of insect protein during culture. Poor condition factor indicated vulnerability of the species; hence the need for its conservation.

Pages: 267-274  |  899 Views  255 Downloads

Download Full Article: Click Here