LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF Malapterurus electricus AND Clarias gariepinus

ABTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Malapterurus electricus and Clarias gariepinus in Ikpoba River, Edo state, Nigeria. Ikpoba River is located in Benin in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The sampling was carried out on a monthly basis for 6 months from March 2023 to August 2023. A total of 32 individuals of M.electricus and 62 individuals of C.gariepinus was caught. Fish samples were collected using basket traps, fish traps and hook and line. The fish measurement was carried out in the laboratory with a metre rule to the nearest 0.1cm, while the weight was with a weighing balance to the nearest 0.1g. The length-weight relationship of the fish species was calculated using W꞊ aLb , the values of the regression coefficient (a) and (b) were computed from the log transformed values of length and weight. Log W= Log a + bLogL, via least square linear regression which gives a straight line. The length-weight relationship of the fish species showed that fishes exhibited negative allometric growth. The condition factor showed that the species were in good condition with M.electricus having 1.15 and C.gariepinus having 1.20.