Differences in meristic counts of the genus Clarias (pisces: clariidae) in Anambra river, Nigeria

Abstract

Specific differences in meristic counts were exhibited in both the anal fin ray count and the vertebral count in the clariids of Anambra rver, Nigeria. There was a close numerical relationship between the number of anal fin rays and the number of vertebrae. The present study further justifies the taxonomic importance of anal fin ray count in differentiating Clarias species.

Keywords: Meristic Counts, Clarias, Clariidae, Anambra River

Animal Research International Vol. 1 (1) 2004: pp. 31-35