Author(s): Mohammed YS, Jega IS, Wade MA, Ekundayo T, Maradun HF, Abdulsalam I, Yahaya MM and Azeez A

Abstract: This study assessed the morphometric and meristic characteristics of Auchenoglanis occidentalis from Kainji Lake to provide baseline data essential for stock discrimination, population structure analysis, and fisheries management. A total of specimens (insert number) were collected and examined using standard ichthyological procedures. Twenty morphometric traits including total length, standard length, head length, body depth, and fin dimensions were measured to the nearest 0.1 mm, while key meristic counts such as dorsal fin rays, pectoral fin rays, pelvic fin rays, anal fin rays, and lateral line scales were recorded following established protocols. Morphometric traits exhibited significant variation (p<0.05), suggesting intra-population diversity influenced by environmental factors, growth allometry, and possible localized adaptations. Principal component and discriminant analyses identified body depth, head length, and caudal peduncle measurements as the most discriminatory variables. Meristic counts remained relatively stable across specimens, indicating their genetic conservation within the population, consistent with patterns reported for other African catfish species. Overall, the combination of morphometric differentiation and meristic stability suggests that A. occidentalis in Kainji Lake comprises a phenotypically diverse but genetically coherent stock. These findings contribute valuable reference data for future taxonomic studies, conservation planning, and sustainable exploitation of this commercially important species.

DOI: 10.22271/fish.2025.v13.i6b.3187

Pages: 136-141  |  164 Views  103 Downloads

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