The status of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1975) in Lughu reservoir, Michika, Adamawa state, Nigeria.

Abstract

176 (129 Males and 47 females) O. niloticus were sampled fortnightly from April to August, 2008, in Lughu reservoir Michika Adamawa State to investigate the length-weight relationship, condition factor, fecundity and feeding intensity of the fish. The 'b' values of the regression coefficient obtained for the length-weight relationship for male was 2.80, while that for female was 1.67 and for the combined sexes; 3.42. This indicates an isometric growth form in males and combined sexes, while the females had allometric growth form. The condition factor computed for male ranged from 3.5-4.0, while for females it ranged from 3.5-3.9 and for combined sexes it ranged from 3.5-4.0, which means that the fish were in stable condition. The values of fecundity obtained ranged from 189-897 eggs. This alludes that the fecundity is low. The values of feeding intensity for male ranged from 1.25%-1.60% while that for females ranged from 1.15%-1.96% and for the combined sexes ranged from 1.21% -1.58%. This suggests that the feeding intensity is generally low.

Key Words: Lughu Reservoir, growth, Oreochromis niloticus Condition factor, fecundity, feeding intensity