Certain reproductive characteristics of the Electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus, Gmelin, 1789) in Ovia River, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The sex composition, gonad morphology and maturation, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity of Malapterurus electricus were studied for a period of six months (May to October, 2014) in Ovia River, Nigeria. Three hundred and thirty-two (332) fish specimens comprising of 147 males and 185 females were examined giving a male to female ratio of 1:1.26. Paired gonads were revealed in both sexes; and four and five gonad maturation stages were observed for males and females respectively. Mean GSI was 0.27±0.24 SD in males and 5.92±6.82 SD in females. Fully matured ovaries were observed from May to September with GSI varying from 7.85 to 15.52. Fecundity varied between 218 and 3216 eggs with an average of 705.42±411.09 SD and it correlated significantly (P<0.001) only with ovary weight. The mean condition factor index (1.39) of the fish population of M. electricus showed that the fishes were in good condition to grow and reproduce.