Growth pattern and condition factor in relation to salinity of the grey mullet from Lagos Lagoon

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and condition factor in relation to the salinity, of Mugil cephalus from the Lagos Lagoon were investigated for 24 months (February 2004 – January 2006). The size of the 2661 specimens ranged from 1.7 – 29.5 cm standard length (total length: 1.9 – 39.0 cm); weight (0.02 to 450.00 g) indicating the suitability of the lagoon as nursery and feeding ground. The growth pattern showed a positive allometric growth for all sexes, with a significantly high b (P < 0.05) ranged between 3.21 – 3.60 (r = 0.9003 and 0.9784). The mean condition factor (K) values ranged from 1.39 to 2.30. Salinity, the principal hydro-meteorological force operating in the lagoon ranged from 0.0 to 23.5% (mean: 9.8 + 9.13%) and the fish condition varied directly with salinity fluctuations in the lagoon, with higher condition factor in dry season than in wet season. The present utilization by the coastal communities needs to be improved upon to cater for a maximum sustainable yield of the species.