Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Challawa-Gorge Reservoir and River Hadejia, Nigeria

Abstract

Length-Weight relationship and condition factor of Oreochromis niloticus from Challawa-Gorge reservoir and River Hadejia, Nigeria, were evaluated from July 2022 to March 2023. A total of one thousand, two hundred and forty-four (2244) of Oreochromis niloticus fish samples were purchased at the landing site of the two water bodies, were immediately transported in a cold bag to the laboratory for identification using field guide and morphometric measurements were done using measuring board to the nearest 0.1cm for length and digital weighting balance to the nearest 0.01g for weight. The length-weight relationship of fish can be used to assess the wellbeing of individuals and to determine possible difference between separate unit stocks of the same species. The result for the length-weight relationship of Oreochromis niloticus showed a positive allometry growth pattern from both water bodies b = 3.51 and 3.11 for Challawa-Gorge and River Hadejia, respectively. The mean condition factor of 1.84 (Challawa-Gorge Reservoir) and 2.22 (River Hadejia). Moreover, the result obtained from this study showed a general positive allometric growth pattern and a well-being of Oreochromis niloticus from Challawa-Gorge reservoir and River Hadejia.