Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bowdish, 1825) and Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Coastal Waters of Ondo State

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) and Condition factor of M. cephalus and E. fimbriata. 240 fish specimens were collected from November 2021 to April 2022 from Obi, Idiegbin, Okesiri and Araromi following standard methodologies subjected to length-weight relationship and condition factor analysis. The results showed that the mean total length of M. cephalus ranged from 30.96 ± 0.56cm (Araromi) to 23.80 ± 1.16cm (Okesiri) and weight ranged from 118.86 ± 9.36g (Araromi) to 71.32 ± 18.12g (Okesiri). E. fimbriata total length ranged from 21.04 ± 0.74cm (Araromi) to 13.96± 0.38cm (Okesiri) and weight ranged from 150.90 ± 1.14g (Araromi) to 70.54 ± 5.76g (Okesiri). The regression coefficient (b) revealed that both M. cephalus (2.19-1.97) and E. fimbriata (2.06-1.05) sampled in Araromi, Okesiri, Idiegbin and Obi respectively exhibited negative allometric growth. Condition factor range (2.41-1.50) recorded for E. fimbriata was higher than (0.50-0.45) range value recorded for M. cephalus. The study concluded that the two species exhibited negative allometric growth pattern and the environment was for conducive for E. fimbriata than for M. cephalus. The variations in growth of the species could be attributed to prevailing ecological conditions of the environment. Therefore, sustainable fish stock management should be carried out.