The finfish species caught with various fishing gear in Odi River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The finfish species caught with various fishing gear in Odi River was studied 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) to enhance management of its and similar water bodies fishery. Drift gillnet recorded the highest finfish species percentage composition (33.2%) and the least (5.9%), was stakes/fences. Others were: set gillnet (24.6%), cast gillnet (23.9%), basket traps (6.3%) and local fish ponds (6.1%). Alestopetersius smykalai, Arnoldichthys spilopterus, Brycinus nurse, Amphilius rheophilus, Andersonia leptura, Auchenoglanis biscutatus, Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Arius latiscutatus, Bagrus bajad, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Aphyosemion bivittatum, Aphyosemion bualanum, Barbus camptacanthus, Awaous lateristriga, Bostrychus africanus, Chromidotilapia guentheri, Brienomyrus niger and Brienomyrus kingsleyae were caught in all fishing gears recorded. Local fishponds constituted 6.1% of the total harvest. Basket and fences traps, fish shelters, long-lines and fishing spears made up of 12.2% of the total fishing gear.

Key Word: Finfish species, fishing gear, fishery, season, Odi River