MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND STATE OF WELL BEING OF THREE CICHLID SPECIES (CICHLIFORMES, CICHLIDAE) IN LAKE ALAU, SEMI-ARID ZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish food supply from inland waters are plummeting due to the global environmental changes. Information on growth dynamics of fish populations is key to understanding the status of stock for effective planning and management decision. This study investigated the growth patterns and state of well-being of three cichlid species in Lake Alau, Nigeria. A total of 50 specimens each of Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis aureus and Sarotherodon melanotheron were examined using 9 morphometric parameters. The ‘b’ value for C. zillii, O. aureus and S. melanotheron were 2.069, 1.518 and 1.914, respectively while the regression equation for C. zillii was Log W = 2.069 – 0.291 Log L, Log W = 1.518 + 0.093 Log L for O. aureus and Log W = 1.914 – 0.320 Log L for S. melanotheron. The condition factor was 2.32±0.63, 1.87±0.50 and 1.71±0.20 for C. zillii, O. aureus and S. melanotheron, respectively. The three cichlid species exhibited negative allometric growth pattern, and were all in good physiological condition in Lake Alau. Mean size of all the morphometric parameters show significant higher values in O. aureus compared to C. zillii and S. melanotheron. This study will assist in conservation and sustainable management of these stock in Lake Alau.