The Length-Weight Relationships of Snake-Head (Channa channa) from the Freshwater Swamps of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The length-weight relationships by sexes, combined and condition factor of the snake head, Channa channa from the freshwater swamps of Niger Delta were studied. Two hundred and sixty-four samples ranging from 11.0 cm to 22.0 cm (TL) and weighing between 10.0 g and 140 g collected between June and December 1996 were analyzed. Results show that the male fish were longer than female hence more anguilliform whereas female fish are heavier with higher condition factor than male. Cube law analysis gave an exponent of 3 indicative of an allometric growth. Furthermore, female ovaries show a state of recrudescence indicating that spawning is during the rainy seasons.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 15, April 2000, pp. 12-14



KEY WORDS:

Length-weight relationship, Channa channa, Niger Delta, Nigeria.