LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSIS OF AFRICAN CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) IN AJIWA RESERVOIR KATSINA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Length-weight relationship and stomach content analysis of Clarias gariepinus from Ajiwa Reservoir were studied. C. gariepinus were obtained and physico-chemical parameters were measured monthly, from Ajiwa Reservoir from January to December, 2018. Morphometric parameters of 255 fishes were examined. Frequency of occurrence method was used for the stomach content analysis. The weight of C.  gariepinus sampled range from 65.30-825 g, the largest male weight 666.0 g while the female was 825.0  The length-weight relationship of C. gariepinus in Ajiwa showed positive correlation (r=0.95) in both sexes. The regression exponent (b>3) for both sexes showed positive allometric growth pattern. The mean condition factor (0.72-1.18) varied during the different months and appeared to be associated with seasons, feeding and breeding activities. The stomach content analysis of C. gariepinus in Ajiwa showed high fish parts (65.88%), detritus content (60.39%), whole fish (31.76%), Plant parts (31.37%) and empty stomach (7.84%). In both sexes, mean condition factor increased with increase in length, which was attributed to the ability of the fish to obtain food and increase in size. Conclusively, C. gariepinus is in good condition in Ajiwa. Aquaculture of C. gariepinus should be encouraged in Ajiwa Reservoir for contribution towards securing animal agriculture in Nigeria amidst global challenges