DOCSLIB.ORG

Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Feeding Habits of Synodontis Clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Feeding Habits of Synodontis Clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria ure an P d of Ap l p a l n i r e d u o S J c i n e n a i c r e e s g i N NJPAS Length-weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Feeding Habits of Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria Akombo,P. M1 , Akange,E. T2 ., Amali, B. O 1. and Shima, J. N.1 1Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, PMB 102119 Makurdi, Nigeria. 2Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, PMB 2373, Corresponding Author: Akombo, P.M.: [email protected]; Abstract The Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Condition factor (K) and feeding habits of Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) were investigated over a 24 month period from January, 2009 - December, 2010. A total number of 163 specimens comprising of 74 females and 89 males with the size range of 7.60 – 20.00cm and the mean of 12.72± 0.258cm were investigated. The weight ranged from 13.12 – 607.30g with the mean of 65.83± 0.897g. The LWRs for the females, males and combined sexes had the r values of 0. 8415, 0.9463 and 0.8703 respectively. The mean condition factor K was 3.3667, 2.6868 and 2.9954 for the females, males and combined sexes respectively. The regression coefficient b was 1.9408, 1.8799 and 2.1359 for the females, males and combined sexes respectively indicating negative allometric growth pattern for the species. Out of the 163 stomachs examined for food items, 88 (53.99%) were empty while 75 (46.01%) contained a wide range and varying quantities of food items indicating that S.clarias in River Benue is omnivorous. Key words: Synodontis clarias, length–weight relationship, condition factor, feeding habits. Introduction Olaosebikan and Raji (1998) recorded the The red-tailed catfish Synodontis maximum size of 36.0cm standard length. clarias is a fish with good aquaculture Synodontis clarias is one of the species attributes and well priced ornamental qualities of Synodontis that are found in river Benue (Offem et al., 2013). Paugy and Roberts though at the period of this study, they were (1992) reported that the native range of the not very common. Agbozu et al., (2007) species covered Chad, Niger (including the described it as an important fish with bio- Benue River), Senegal, Gambia, the Volta economic value to the inhabitants of the basins and the Nile. Reide (2004) reported that Taylor Creek in the Niger Delta area of the fish was a bentho-pelagic and Nigeria while Odo et al., (2009) reported that potamodromous freshwater fish with a pH Tilapia niloticus and Synodontis clarias were range of 6.5 - 9.5. Willoughby (1974) the most preponderant species of fish found in classified it as an omnivore feeding mainly on the Anambra River, and constitute the main insect larvae, molluscs and detritus. diet for over one million rural dwellers living © Nigerian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences ISSN: 0795 - 25070 Vol. 6, 2014, pp. 59-67 60 Length-weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Feeding Habits of Synodontis Clarias ... along the river banks. being flooded during the rainy season and There are few works on the biology of forms breeding grounds for many fish species S.clarias, particularly in this area. Most of the (Banks et al., 1985). When its banks are full, works done on this species are in other places the area of the Lower Benue is 129,000 ha, but in Nigeria. They include those of Akinsanya et when flooded, it rises to about 310,000 ha al., (2008) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, (Welcomme, 1971). Nigeria; Odo et al., (2009) on Tilapia nilotica and Synodontis clarias in Anambra River; Fish Sampling Agbozu et al., (2007) in the Taylor Creek of A total number of 163 specimens were the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, Hassan et al., purchased from fish sellers at Wadata and (2007, 2010) from Lekki Lagoon Lagos, Wurukum markets, Makurdi. The samples Nigeria; Offem et al., (2013) in Cross river, purchased fortnightly were transported in an Nigeria and Wangboje and Omonsaye (2013) ice-chest with ice cubes (to reduce from Ikpoba Reservoir Benin city, Nigeria. posthumous digestion of the stomach The only works on this species in river Benue contents). are those of Akombo et al., (2010, 2011) who The standard length (SL) of each worked on the Intestine to Standard length and specimen was measured in centimeters (cm) food habits of Synodontis species from the from the tip of the snout to the base of the Lower Benue River, Makurdi, Nigeria and caudal fin using a measuring board. The body Morphometric measurements and growth weights were measured in grammes (g) using patterns of four species of the genus a digital weighing balance (Adam AFP Synodontis from Lower Benue River, 4100L). This was read to the nearest 0.1 Makurdi, Nigeria respectively in which gramme. These parameters were used to S.clarias was included and Omeji (2012) who obtain data on the Length-Weight studied the gastrointestinal helminth parasites Relationship (LWR) and Condition factor (K) of Auchenoglanis occidentalis and using the equations below: Synodontis clarias from lower River Benue, Makurdi, Nigeria. This work is therefore, Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) aimed at providing information on the length- The LWR of the fishes was calculated weight relationship, feeding habits and using the equation condition factor of Synodontis clarias in River W = aLb Benue at Makurdi. Where W = the observed total weights of the fishes, L = the observed standard lengths, a Materials and Methods and b are constants, b is the slope usually Study Area between 2 and 4 and a is the intercept on the The study was carried out in the Lower length axis (Bagenal, 1978). The logarithmic Benue River at Makurdi. The Lower Benue as transformation of the equation above gives a described by Reid and Sydenham (1979) is the straight line relationship. portion of the Benue River contained within LogW = Log a + bLog L the Benue State of Nigeria. It is located When Log10 W is plotted against Log10 L, between latitude 70 30' and 7 0 45'N and the regression coefficient is b, and Log a is the longitudes 80 30' and 8 0 35E (Denga, 1995). intercept on the Y axis. River Benue originates mainly in the Condition Factor (K) Adamawa mountains of Cameroun, some The condition factor (K) was computed 500km beyond the Nigerian frontier and flows from the equation: West across East-central Nigeria (Nedeco, K= 100W 1959). The Lower Benue has the features of a L3 mature River with the extensive alluvial plain Where K is the condition factor, W is the Nigerian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences Vol. 6, 2014. 61 total weight of the fish and L, is the standard then opened and the content emptied in a petri length of each specimens. dish. Some food items such as grains and insect parts were identified with the naked Sex determination: eye, while others were identified with the aid The specimens were dissected using a of a microscope. Slide preparation were made pair of dissecting scissors. This was done from and examined under the light microscope the anal opening to the part of the body below using the X10 and X40 objectives. The the operculum to expose the gonads for sex stomach contents were analysed using: identification using a key prepared by Nikolsky (1963). In the young males, testes i. Frequency of Occurrence method. % of Food Sample were thin, thread-like with very small = No. of stomachs with a food sample X 100 projections, whitish in colour and extend to Total No. of stomachs with food about 1/3 of the abdominal cavity. In adult males, the testes were creamy in colour with ii. Point Method. very conspicuous granules. The young % Points females had thin, pink to white tubular = Points allotted to a food sample X 100 structures occupying about 1/5 of the Total Points allotted abdominal cavity. In adult females, that were about to spawn eggs were readily discernable Results in the ovaries which increased in size and Table 1 below shows the Morphometric filled most of the abdominal cavity (Bagenal, Parameters of S.clarias in the Lower River 1978; Halim and Guma'a, 1989). Benue at Makurdi while Figures 1-3 show the log-transformed Length–Weight relationship Stomach Analysis: of S. clarias females, males and combined The stomachs of the dissected fishes sexes respectively. All the three relationships were removed and immediately preserved in were positively correlated at 0.05% level 4% formalin in sterile bottles for subsequent (p<0.05%) with the r values of 0.8415, 0.9463 food items examination and analysis. The and 0.8703 for the females, males and stomachs were scored 0, ¼, ½, ¾, or full combined sexes respectively. according to their fullness as described by Olatunde (1978). Each stomach sample was Table 1: Morphometric Parameters of S.clarias in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi. Sex Parameter Female Male Combined Sex Number 74 89 163 Length Range (cm) 8.20 – 17.50 7.60 – 20.00 7.60 – 20.00 Mean Length (cm) ±SE 12.95± 0.344 12.53±0. 0.374 12.72±0.258 Weight Range (g) 15.17 – 607.30 13.12 – 198.43 13.12 – 607.30 Mean Weight (g) ±SE 77.35±0.458 56.26± 0.500 65.83± 0.897 a -0.3573 -0.3505 -0.6029 b 1.9408 1.8799 2.1359 r 0.8415 0.9463 0.8703 K 3.3667 2.6868 2.9954 a = intercept on x -axis, b = slope, r = Coefficient of Regression, K = Condition Factor.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • §4-71-6.5 LIST of CONDITIONALLY APPROVED ANIMALS November
    §4-71-6.5 LIST OF CONDITIONALLY APPROVED ANIMALS November 28, 2006 SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME INVERTEBRATES PHYLUM Annelida CLASS Oligochaeta ORDER Plesiopora FAMILY Tubificidae Tubifex (all species in genus) worm, tubifex PHYLUM Arthropoda CLASS Crustacea ORDER Anostraca FAMILY Artemiidae Artemia (all species in genus) shrimp, brine ORDER Cladocera FAMILY Daphnidae Daphnia (all species in genus) flea, water ORDER Decapoda FAMILY Atelecyclidae Erimacrus isenbeckii crab, horsehair FAMILY Cancridae Cancer antennarius crab, California rock Cancer anthonyi crab, yellowstone Cancer borealis crab, Jonah Cancer magister crab, dungeness Cancer productus crab, rock (red) FAMILY Geryonidae Geryon affinis crab, golden FAMILY Lithodidae Paralithodes camtschatica crab, Alaskan king FAMILY Majidae Chionocetes bairdi crab, snow Chionocetes opilio crab, snow 1 CONDITIONAL ANIMAL LIST §4-71-6.5 SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Chionocetes tanneri crab, snow FAMILY Nephropidae Homarus (all species in genus) lobster, true FAMILY Palaemonidae Macrobrachium lar shrimp, freshwater Macrobrachium rosenbergi prawn, giant long-legged FAMILY Palinuridae Jasus (all species in genus) crayfish, saltwater; lobster Panulirus argus lobster, Atlantic spiny Panulirus longipes femoristriga crayfish, saltwater Panulirus pencillatus lobster, spiny FAMILY Portunidae Callinectes sapidus crab, blue Scylla serrata crab, Samoan; serrate, swimming FAMILY Raninidae Ranina ranina crab, spanner; red frog, Hawaiian CLASS Insecta ORDER Coleoptera FAMILY Tenebrionidae Tenebrio molitor mealworm,
    [Show full text]
  • Continental J. Animal & Veterinay Research
    Continental J. Animal and Veterinary Research 1: 18 - 24, 2009. © Wilolud Online Journals, 2009. FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF Synodontis batensoda IN LAKE GBEDIKERE, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA. Adeyemi, S.O, Okpanachi, M.A And Toluhi, O.O Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi. ABSTRACT The food and feeding adaptations of Synodontis batensoda in Gbedikere Lake, Bassa, Kogi State Nigeria were studied. Fish samples were collected from July to December 2008; the stomach contents were analyzed using frequency of occurrence method. The fish is an omnivore, feeding mainly on plant parts (25.06%), fish parts (10.09%), insect part (9.8%), crustaceans (9.91%), mollusk (10.1%) detritus (10.49%) and sand particles (16.8%), unidentified particles (7.75%).The length-weight relationship implied that adult male fish had the highest standard length (23.9cm) followed by the adult female (22.5cm) and the juveniles (9.0cm). KEYWORDS: Synodontis batensoda , stomach content, feeding adaptations, Gbedikere Lake. INTRODUCTION The fish family Mochokidae is presented mainly by genus Synodontis commonly known as catfish. Reed et al, (1967) described twenty Synodontis species found in Northern Nigeria, while Holden and Reed (1972) indicated that at least twenty one species have been identified in the Niger. The different Synodontis species vary in commercial status in different locations, many are important food fishes and some have attractive hues and exhibit behavioral characteristics that make them potential ornamental candidates. Synodontis accounts for important parts of the commercial catches in Northern Nigeria and, according to Reed et al (1967), they are available throughout the year. In the River Niger, Synodontis accounted for 18.00% by number and 18.68% by weight of the total fish caught (Mortwani and Kanwai 1970).
    [Show full text]
  • Morphometric Measurements and Growth Patterns of Four Species of the Genus Synodontis (Cuvier,1816) from Lower Benue River, Makurdi, Nigeria
    International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Vol. 3 (15), pp. 263-270, 23 December, 2011 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/IJFA DOI: 10.5897/IJFA11.111 ISSN 2006-9839 ©2011 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper Morphometric measurements and growth patterns of four species of the genus Synodontis (cuvier,1816) from Lower Benue River, Makurdi, Nigeria Akombo P. M., Atile J. I., Adikwu I. A. and Araoye P. A.* Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria. Accepted 3 of November, 2011 Relationship between basic morphometric measurements and growth pattern of four species of Synodontis from Lower Benue River was investigated bi-monthly from February to October, 2009 to determine variations and differences in the growth pattern of the different populations. Morphometric parameters of a total number of 195 specimens of Synodontis clarias , Synodontis membranaceus , Synodontis resupinatus and Synodontis schall were measured and evaluated by linear regression and correlation. There was a strong positive correlation between body weight and body girth, standard length and body weight, standard length and head length, standard length and body depth, standard length and snout length, standard length and eye diameter and body weight and eye diameter in S. clarias , S. membranaceus , S. resupinatus , and S. schall but the correlation between standard length and eye diameter and body weight and eye diameter in S. resupinatus were low. The growth pattern analysis depicts allometric growth in these species with their ‘b’ values less than 3. Key words: Synodontis , morphometric, Lower Benue River. INTRODUCTION The genus Synodontis (Cuvier, 1816), commonly known et al., 1967).
    [Show full text]
  • HELMINTH PARASITES of MOCHOKID Synodontis Resupinatus in a FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM in the LOWER NIGER RIVER, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA *ADEYEMI, O
    G.J.B.A.H.S.,Vol.3(2):141-143 (April –June, 2014) ISSN: 2319 – 5584 HELMINTH PARASITES OF MOCHOKID Synodontis resupinatus IN A FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM IN THE LOWER NIGER RIVER, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA *ADEYEMI, O. O1. & TOLUHI, O.O2 1Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba 2Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, Ayingba Abstract The isolation and identification of helminth parasites of Synodontis resupinatus and; Length – weight relationship of the fish in the lower Niger (Idah), Nigeria were carried out in order to describe the pattern of occurrence of the helminth and to establish the well-being of the host fish. 112 randomly fish samples were obtained from fishermen and transported to the Biological Science Laboratory, Kogi State University, Anyigba for analysis. Fish skin, fins, eyes, anus, intestinal organs, buccal and opercula cavities were cut open and placed in 0.9% physiological saline and examined under a dissection microscope. Helminthes recovered were counted and preserved in 0.9% saline solution and kept overnight in the refrigerator to enable them stretch and relax. Five genera of helminthes were isolated and identified namely, Capillaria (11.6%), Camallanus (17.7%), Contracaecum (11.6%) and Posthodiplostomum (59.1%) with prevalence rate of 26.4% respectively. The standard length and weight were taken to ascertain the general wellbeing of the fish in the water body. The length weight relationship of the fish revealed that the specie exhibit positive allometric growth. The need for seeds from the wild to be evaluated for the presence of helminth parasites prior to use and periodically during culture practice is also stressed.
    [Show full text]
  • SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE on Regulatory Relief
    Small Business Regulatory Review Board Meeting Wednesday, August 15, 2018 10:00 a.m. No. 1 Capitol District Building 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI Conference Room 436 SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW BOARD Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) Tel 808 586-2594 No. 1 Capitol District Bldg., 250 South Hotel St. 5th Fl., Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 Email: [email protected] Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov/sbrrb AGENDA Wednesday, August 15, 2018 10:00 a.m. David Y. Ige Governor No. 1 Capitol District Building 250 South Hotel Street - Conference Room 436 Luis P. Salaveria DBEDT Director I. Call to Order Members II. Approval of July 18, 2018 Meeting Minutes Anthony Borge Chairperson III. New Business Oahu Robert Cundiff A. Discussion and Action on Proposed New Rules and Regulations for Kauai Vice Chairperson County Code Section 18-5.3, Revocable Permits to Vend within County Oahu Right-of-Ways, promulgated by Department of Parks and Recreation / Garth Yamanaka nd County of Kauai – Discussion Leader – Will Lydgate 2 Vice Chairperson Hawaii IV. Old Business Harris Nakamoto Oahu A. Discussion and Action on the Small Business Statement After Public Hearing Nancy Atmospera-Walch and Proposed Amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) of Oahu Chapter 162, Food Safety Certification Costs Grant Program, Reg Baker promulgated by Department of Agriculture (DOA) – Discussion Leader – Oahu Robert Cundiff / Will Lydgate Mary Albitz Maui B. Discussion and Action on the Small Business Statement After Public Hearing William Lydgate and Proposed Amendments of HAR Title 4 Chapter 71, Plant and Non- Kauai Domestic Animal Quarantine, Non-Domestic Animal Import Rules, Director, DBEDT promulgated by DOA – Discussion Leader – Robert Cundiff / Will Lydgate Voting Ex Officio V.
    [Show full text]
  • Essien Ibok Et Al
    Studies on the aspect of the biology of Mochokidae in the lower Cross River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science (DRJAFS) Vol.3 (11), pp. 193-205, November 2015 Available online at http://directresearchpublisher.org/journal/drjafs ISSN 2354-4147 ©2015 Direct Research Journals Publisher Research Paper ESSIEN-IBOK, M. A., EKPO, I. E.* and BASSEY, H. E. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management, University of Uyo, P. M. B 1017, Uyo – 520001, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. *Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected] Received 3 October 2015; Accepted 4 November, 2015 Some aspects of the biology of Mochokidae in the values’ ranges of 1.36 and 2.02 for Synodontis omias artisanal fishers’ landings in the lower Cross River, and S. waterlofti (P<0.05). Gut contents revealed that Nigeria were studied between May and December, 11 food items were ingested (sediments, detritus, 2014. A total of 360 specimens comprising 3 genera insect, algae, macrophytes, crustaceans, annelids, and 14 species with 6-29.50 cm total length (mean: molluscs, nematodes and unidentified food); hence 12.80 cm TL) and 0.16-268.21 g total weight (mean: they were euryphagus. The present study revealed 30.65 g TW) were examined. The largest sample size that Mochokidae is an omnivore-detritivore with was recorded in Synodontis schall (61 specimens; highest body condition factor of (1.46) for S. obesus 16.94%) while Mochokus niloticus and S. clarias with and lowest (0.96) for C. batesii ; with mean K value of one specimen (0.28%) were the least.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Food and Feeding Habits of Synodontis Fishes in African Freshwaters
    Review Article Oceanogr Fish Open Access J Volume 10 Issue 2 - July 2019 Copyright © All rights are reserved by Edwine Yongo DOI: 10.19080/OFOAJ.2019.10.555781 Review of Food and Feeding Habits of Some Synodontis Fishes in African Freshwaters Edwine Yongo*, Jacob Iteba and Simon Agembe Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya Submission: June 11, 2019; Published: July 01, 2019 Corresponding author: Edwine Yongo, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.o Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya Abstract This paper reviewed food and feeding habits of six Synodontis species in the African freshwaters and determined diet with respect to size (ontogenetic shift) and season. The variety of food substances found in the stomach of various Synodontis species from different African waters showed that the species are omnivorous feeders as the diet covers a wide spectrum of food ranging from various types of plankton to Synodontis bothinvertebrates, the months plants of wet and and small dry fish.seasons. The Theimportance high diversity of phytoplankton, of the food composition zooplankton in and the insectsstomachs declined of Synodontis steadily with size of fish while the importance of macrophytes, fish fry and fish scales increased with size of fish. This review showed abundance of food for fish in for understanding of the trophic position of the Synodontis fish species indicates a wide Africanadaptability freshwaters. to the food and feeding habit in the water bodies in which they live. The scientific information obtained in this review is important fish species in order to maintain proper balance and dynamics of the species in the Keywords: Synodontis; Feeding; Diet shift Introduction Fishes of the genus Synodontis (family Mochokidae) are Synodontis resupinatus Boulenger 1904, occur throughout most species that can be seen in the fish markets throughout the year.
    [Show full text]
  • Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater Fishes in Oguta Lake, Southeast Nigeria
    Advances in Life Science and Technology www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-7181 (Paper) ISSN 2225-062X (Online) Vol.46, 2016 Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater Fishes in Oguta Lake, Southeast Nigeria Godwin Simeon Adaka 1* Anthony Ajuzieogu Nlewadim 2 James Philip Udoh 3 1.Department of Fisheries Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria 2.Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria 3.Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria Abstract The ichthyofaunal composition of the largest natural lake in Nigeria - the Oguta Lake, was investigated from January, 2012 to December, 2013. Bi-monthly random samples of fish catches of artisanal fishers employing hook and line, gill net, cast net, bagnet and local traps were analysed. A total of 1,989 fishes were sampled comprising 6 orders, 22 genera, and 32 species spread into 18 families. The Perciformes, Cichlidae and Tilapia zill were the most abundant fish order, family and species, respectively. The study reveals that species diversity was highest at station 4 (Osemotor) though no significant spatial differences were detected. The lake is of ecological significance in accommodating some threatened species like Erpetoichthys calabaricus and serving as a source of broodstock of Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture. A seriation analysis of species presence/absence matrix in the lake reveals Tilapia mariae, Synodotis schall, Mormyrus rume, Synodontis nigrita and Petrocephalus banebane are important fish species to ecosystem health of the lake. The fish abundance and diversity values in present study are lower than the findings of previous studies in the same water body, suggesting need for proper and articulated management.
    [Show full text]
  • Monthly Occurrence of Nematode Parasites of Synodontis Species
    International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2016; 4(5): 36-40 ISSN: 2347-5129 (ICV-Poland) Impact Value: 5.62 (GIF) Impact Factor: 0.549 Monthly occurrence of nematode parasites of IJFAS 2016; 4(5): 36-40 © 2016 IJFAS Synodontis species from rivers Niger-Benue confluence www.fisheriesjournal.com at Lokoja, Nigeria Received: 08-07-2016 Accepted: 09-08-2016 Florence Oyibo Iyaji Florence Oyibo Iyaji and Clement Ameh Yaro Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, Abstract Anyigba, Nigeria This study was carried out to evaluate the monthly distribution of nematode parasites of Synodontis Fish species between March 2014 and February 2015. A total of 484 fish hosts were examined for nematode Clement Ameh Yaro parasites microscopically using sedimentation method. A total of 326 (67.4%) were infected by nematode Department of Biological parasites. Five species of nematodes were encountered: Procamallanus laevionchus (37.81%, 183 Sciences, Kogi State University, fishes), Rhabdochona congolensis (15.08%, 73 fishes), Spinitectus guntheri (19.42%, 94 fishes), Anyigba, Nigeria Camallanus spp (31.20%, 151 fishes) and Contracaecum spp (14.05%, 68 fishes) and larval nematodes (1.65%, 8 fishes). The highest prevalence of 57.9% and mean abundance of 11 ware recorded by Camallanus spp in October and August respectively. Monthly variation in prevalence revealed that P. laevionchus was highest in July. There was significant difference in infections of nematode parasites between rainy and dry seasons (P<0.05). The nematode parasites of Synodontis fish species are of high prevalence at the confluence of River and Benue. Keywords: Synodontis species, nematodes, monthly occurrence, rivers Niger-Benue confluence Introduction Synodontis species (catfish), with the highest number of species among Mochokid fish family, occur throughout the Afro-tropical region [1].
    [Show full text]
  • 11 Diet of Synodontis Victoriae (Mochokidae) from Kunya Beach
    International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research ISSN: 2456-7248 www.fishjournals.com Volume 1; Issue 1; November 2016; Page No. 11-15 Diet of synodontis victoriae (mochokidae) from Kunya beach lake Victoria, Kenya Wanyanga Aquiline, Yongo Edwine, Mwangudza Petronilla University of Eldoret, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya Abstract Studies on the diet of Synodontis victoriae were conducted from Kunya beach Lake Victoria, Kenya. Sampling was done four times: twice during rainy period (December, 2015) and twice during dry spell (January, 2016). The fish were caught using beach seine of mesh size 1.5-3.0 inches, length 350m and width 3m. Each specimen was measured in centimeter Fork length (FL, cm) and sex determined. The guts were then removed and preserved in 4% formalin prior to laboratory analysis. A total of 173 stomachs were examined, and the diet constituted of 9 food items out of which plant detritus, chironomids and copepods formed the major components. Spearman test revealed significant similarities in diet with respect to sex, season and size classes (p<0.05). However, the fish fed more on plant detritus (index of preponderance: Ip = 24.0%)) during the dry season and more on chironomids (Ip = 24.0%) in the rainy season. In terms of size, smaller fish 8.0-9.9 cm FL fed more on zooplankton copepods (Ip = 22.4.0%), while plant detritus (Ip = 32.0%) dominated the diet of adults in the length group 14.0-15.9 cm FL. Synodontis victoriae was considered to be omnivorous from the nature of the food items eaten.
    [Show full text]
  • Zootaxa, Checklist of Catfishes, Recent and Fossil
    MALAPTERURUS La Cepède, 1803 Malapterurus La Cepède, 1803: 90. Type species: Silurus electricus Gmelin, 1789. Type by designation under ple- nary powers; placed on Official List (ICZN Opinion 93, Direction 56). Gender: Masculine. Anacanthus Minding 1832: 117. Type species: Silurus electricus Gmelin, 1789. Type by monotypy. Preoccupied by Anacanthus Gray, 1830, in fishes. Gender: Masculine. Malopterurus Agassiz, 1846: 223. Type species: Silurus electricus Gmelin, 1789. Type by being a replacement name. Unjustified emendation of Malapterurus La Cepède, 1803. Gender: Masculine. Remarks: Malapterus Jarocki, 1822, Malapturus Swainson, 1838, and Malacopterurus Gill, 1890, are considered to be incorrect subsequent spellings, and therefore unavailable names, in ICZN Direction 56. Forsskål (1775: 16) applied the generic name of the electric ray, Torpedo, to his account of the electric catfish of the Nile. Malapterurus barbatus Norris, 2002 Malapterurus barbatus Norris, 2002: 88, fig. 49. Type locality: Sierra Leone, Sewa River system, Bagbe River at Yfin, 8º42'N, 11º05'W. Holotype: MNHN 1990-100. Distribution: Western Guinean rivers from the Kolente River, Sierra Leone, to the Borlor River, Liberia (Norris, 2002). Malapterurus beninensis Murray, 1855 Malapterurus Beninensis Murray, 1855: 20, pl. Type locality: Old Calabar. Syntypes: BMNH 1856.1.16.1 (2), possi- bly NMSZ 1855.27 (2). ? Malapterurus affinis Günther, 1864: 220. Type locality: Old Calabar. Syntypes: BMNH 1859.11.20.1 (1), BMNH 1864.7.9.1 (1). Distribution: Coastal plains of west central Africa, from the Volta River, Ghana, to the Shiloango River, Angola (Norris, 2002). Remarks: Synonymy of Malapterurus affinis with M. beninensis considered tentative by Norris (2002). Malapterurus cavalliensis Roberts, 2000 Malapterurus cavalliensis Roberts, 2000: 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf 684.21 K
    Archives of Razi Institute, Vol. 76, No. 2 (2021) 303-309 Copyright © 2021 by Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute DOI: 10.22092/ari.2020.128858.1424 Original Article Morphological Re-description of Camallanus polypteri (Nematoda: Camallanidae) Infecting the African Sharptooth Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) Abdel-Gaber, R1, Maher, S2, Abdel-Gaber, R1, 3 * 1. Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt 2. Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Egypt 3. Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Received 22 December 2019; Accepted 17 February 2020 Corresponding Author: [email protected] Abstract Fish represents one of the major sources of animal proteins, and different species of fish are susceptible to infections with parasites which cause severe tissue damage and cell destruction of the infected organ. Therefore, in 2019, this parasitological study was conducted to assess the helminth parasites infecting the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus that were collected from Lake Manzala, Egypt. Only nematode parasite was reported as a prevalent infection from the fish stomach with an infection rate of 7.5%. Depending on the seasonal prevalence, the extent of the infection was analyzed. It was indicated that parasite infection was only reported as 15% in the winter season. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the present parasite species revealed that it possesses all the characteristics of the Camallanus genus, whereas it is closely related to Camallanus polypteri described previously. It is characterized by the presence of a buccal capsule with longitudinal internal ridges, some of which are very short and ranged from 8-14 in males and 8-9 in females.
    [Show full text]