Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Clarias gariepinus, Mormyrus rume and Synodontis budgetti in Dadin Kowa Reservoir, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus, Mormyrus rume rume and Synodondis budgetti were carried out for a period of eighteen month, (October 2022 to March 2024) in Dadin Kowa Reservoir. A total of 189 specimens of C. gariepinus, 81 specimens of M. rume and 272 specimens of S. budgetti were purchased from the local fishermen as soon as they returned from their catch and were brought immediately to the laboratory for analysis. The objective of the study is to determine the physiological well-being of the fishes in Dadin-Kowa reservoir. The length weight relationship of these species were calculated using the equation: W = aLb. Condition factor were calculated using the formula, K= 100W/L3. Regression gained of value b shows the growth patterns of C. gariepinus as negative allometric growth and isometric growth with values ranging from 2.430908 to 3.203496. M. rume as negative allometric growth, isometric growth and positive allometric growth with values ranging from 0.155529 to 4.409502 and S budgetti as negative allometric growth, isometric growth and positive allometric growth with values ranging from 2.465982 to 4.174956. The condition factor of C. gariepinus ranges from 0.05-10.26, M. rume, 0.03- 9.61 and S. budgetti from 0.02- 6.67 indicating that some are in good physiological condition while others are not.