LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP, GROWTH RATE AND CONDITION FACTORS OF FISH SPECIES OF OGUN COASTER WATER, NIGERIA

Sustainable exploitation of freshwater fish species for commercial value is sacrosanct for fishery to continuously play its role in Nigeria socio-economic growth and development. Five commercially available fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Elops saurus, Raiamas senegalensis, Monodactylus sebae and Gobionellus oceanicus) in Ogun coastal water, Iwopin, Ogun State, Nigeria were appraised for the length-weight relationship, growth rate and condition factors. Fifty samples of each fish species were collected from fishermen at the landing sites weekly between January and April, 2023. Length-weight indices showed Elops saurus, H. niloticus and R. senegalensis. Condition factor recorded in the fish species of E. saurus, R senegalensis, H. bebe and G. oceanicus were not significantly different to each other, but showed negative allometric growth. Conclusively, the study provided length-weight relationships for Oreochromis niloticus, Elops saurus, Raiamas senegalensis, Monodactylus sebae and Gobionellus oceanicus exhibited different growth patterns, and showed a strong association between length and weight of the fishes.
Furthermore, the study will be useful for fishery biologist for sustainable fishery management.