A catalogue of some finfish species from Odi River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Catalogue of some finfish species from Odi River, Niger Delta, Nigeria was conducted in the Kolokuma/Opokuma axis of River Nun for six months (November – December 2011 and January 2012 for dry season and May, June and July 2012 for wet season) from three sampling stations. A frame survey of fishing communities was done by complete census technique. Fish specimens were obtained from fishermen using gill nets, long lines, traps, stakes and local fishponds. Fish families were identified using monographs, descriptions checklist and keys Thirty-four species (3608 specimen) from thirteen families and six orders were recorded. The orders/families were: Characiformes (Alestidae), Siluriformes (Amphiliidae, Claroteidae, Ariidae, Bagridae and Mochokidae), Cyprinodontiformes (Nothobranchiidae and Poeciliidae), Cypriniformes (Cyprinidae), Perciformes (Gobiidae, Eleotridae and Cichlidae) and Osteoglossiformes (Mormyridae). All finfish species were recorded in all stations except Alestes dentex absent in Station 2, Anaspidoglanis akiri absent in Station 1, Bagrus docmak absent in Stations 2 and 3, Auchenoglanis biscutatus absent in Station 3, Bagrus docmak absent in Stations 2 and 3, Chiloglanis benuensis absent in Station 1 and Barbus aboinensis absent in Station 1. The highest percentage composition of fin fish (36.2%) was recorded in Station 3 and the least 31.2% in Station 1. However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in finfish in the various stations. The study provides a checklist for the identification of finfish species from the area and other similar fresh water bodies. It would also facilitate formulation of development plan in the fishing industry, Odi River, River Nun and similar water bodies.

Key Words: Survey, finfish species, fisheries, fishers, Odi River