Aspects of the growth and reproductive characteristics of Labeo coubie (Ruppell 1832) in Upper Benue River, Nigeria

Abstract

Labio coubie is an ecologically and economically important fish of River Benue, thus the length-weight relationship, condition factor and fecundity of the fish were investigated in order to provide information essential for its sustainable management. Fish specimens were collected monthly from sampling stations at Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State between September, 2017 and February, 2019. A total of 849 specimens were collected and their standard length, body weight and fecundity measured. Regression analysis of the length-weight relationship produced positive allometric growth coefficient, the values of regression coefficient (b) in males, females and combined sexes were 4.02, 3.52 and 3.34, respectively. Condition factor obtained ranged from 2.35-3.38 (mean=2.54±0.22), 2.36-2.78 (mean=2.52±0.11) and 2.36-3.00 (mean=2.53±0.14) for males, females and combined sexes, respectively. Fish condition factor was generally not significantly different (p˃0.05) between seasons. The fecundity of L. coubie ranged between 33,331eggs and 596,250 eggs (mean 78,017±165,667eggs). The mean values of condition factor showed that L. coubie was in a good state of wellbeing in the habitat during the period of study. These results confirm the suitability of upper River Benue for survival of Labeo coubie. There is however need for a systematic closed fishing regime to be employed in order to make way for sustainable growth of L. coubie fisheries in the river.