Miscel·lània Zoològica. Volume 22.2 (1999) Pages: 11-19

Aspects of the population dynamics of Clarias agboyiensis (Osteichthyes, Clariidae) from a West African river basin

Ezenwaji, H. M. G.

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Abstract

The parameters of population dynamics of the West African catfish, Clarias agboyiensis, were estimated for the first time based on the length-frequency data of samples from the Anambra River basin, Nigeria. Length-weight relationship with a b-value of 2.9502 showed no significant difference from isometric growth. Maximum size (I,) and longevity (t,) were 29 cm TL and 4 yr respectively. Estimated Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were: L4 = 39.1 cm TL, W4 = 403.4 g, K = 0.8 yr-1 and t0 = – 0.19 yr. The length growth performance index (N’ = 3.09) indica:ed high growth impetus, showing that the catfish has a high aquacultural potential. Sexual maturity occurred at between 22.2 and 24.1 cm TL as the fish attained 1.2 yr. Mortality estimates were: Z = 10.79 yr-1, M = 1.50 yr-1 and F = 9.29 yr-1. The high fishing mortality coefficient (F) and exploitation ratio (E = 0.86) indicated over-exploitation of C. agboyiensis. Management and conservation strategies have been designed and established to avoid a possible collapse of the fishery.

Keywords

Clarias agboyiensis, Growth, Mortality, Exploitation, Management, Nigeria

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Ezenwaji, H. M. G., 1999. Aspects of the population dynamics of Clarias agboyiensis (Osteichthyes, Clariidae) from a West African river basin. Miscel·lània Zoològica, 22: 11-19

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