Species abundance, length weight relationships of selected fishes of Mu river, Fiidi-Makurdi-Nigeria

Abstract

Seasonal abundance and length-weight relationships of 25 species of fish inhabiting the fresh water ecosystem of Mu river, - Fiidi-Makurdi were estimated from 441 specimens caught with different kinds of gears (set basket traps, cast nets, lift nets and set nets). The survey lasted for six months (from August 2002 to January 2003). The parameters (a and b) of length -weight relationship of the form (a^* L^b = VV) were estimated. The values of arowih coefficient (b) ranged from 1.40 to 3.94 and intercept (a) between 0.034 to 0.87 and r²of 0.60 to 0.67.The Claridae and Cichlidae were the most abundant species in the River with a percentage abundance of 24.34% and 19.91 % respectively, while the family Hepsetidae, Gymnarchidae and Centropomidae were the least abundant (0.22% respectively).

Key words: Abundance, Length - Weight Relationship, Condition factor, fish species Mu river.