Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Chrysichthys longidorsalis (Risch & Thys Van Den Audenaerde, 1981) Landed at the Sanaga River Basin, Cameroon

Abstract

Given the lack of adequate information on morphometric characteristics of wild fish in Cameroon, the present research was carried out from November 2019 to October 2020 to analyse length - weight relationship and Fulton’s condition factor of Chrysichthys longidorsalis (Risch & Thys van den Audenaerde, 1981) to provide baseline information for its fishery management and aquaculture development. A total of 451 sampled C. longidorsalis captured from Sanaga River basin of the Centre Region in Cameroon were identified and lengths and weights measured. Mean standard length, total length and total weight of samples were 18.13 ± 7.32 cm, 23.91 ± 9.37 cm and 305.15 ± 315.66 g respectively. The males were longer and heavier than females (p<0.05). High correlation coefficient (>0.9) and coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9516) revealed strong positive relationship (>95%) between fish standard length and total weight. The growth coefficient (b) values, were less than 3 (2.7234) suggesting a negative allometric growth pattern. Though the condition factor was higher (p<0.05) in males and during the dry season than in females and during the rainy season, the overall value was 5.85 ± 11.44, indicating that the fish had good adaptation to conditions of the Sanaga River basin. This study serves as useful reference for sustainable management and conservation of fish resources in Cameroonian waters.