Morphometry and diet of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède) in Epe Lagoon, Nigeria

Abstract

The morphometry and diet of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in Epe lagoon were investigated between January and July 2008. The major fishing methods employed for collecting the 600 specimens were cast netting and set netting. The total lengths ranged from 11.00 to 30.20 cm (mean size 19.67 ± 4.56 cm) while the standard lengths ranged from 8.30 to 24.50 cm (mean size 15.09 ± 3.39 cm).The length-weight relationship was described by the equation: Log W = 1.5389 + 2.8168 Log L. The value of the coefficient of regression ‘b’ for this species was nearly 3 thus, indicating isometric growth. The mean condition factors ranged from 1.68 to 1.76. The food organisms consisted of phytoplankton, crustaceans, molluscs, plant materials and fish parts. The population of males was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than females in the lagoon.

Keywords: Growth pattern, food, feeding habit, sex ratio, Epe lagoon, Nigeria