GROWTH PATTERN AND CONDITION FACTOR IN RELATION TO SALINITY OF THE GREY MULLET FROM LAGOS LAGOON

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and condition factor in relation to the salinity, of Mugil cephalus from the Lagos
Lagoon were investigated for 24 months (February 2004 – January 2006). The size of the 2661 specimens ranged
from 1.7 – 29.5 cm standard length (total length: 1.9 – 39.0 cm); weight (0.02 to 450.00 g) indicating the suitability
of the lagoon as nursery and feeding ground. The growth pattern showed a positive allometric growth for all sexes,
with a significantly high b (P < 0.05) ranged between 3.21 – 3.60 (r = 0.9003 and 0.9784). The mean condition
factor (K) values ranged from 1.39 to 2.30. Salinity, the principal hydro-meteorological force operating in the
lagoon ranged from 0.0 to 23.5% (mean: 9.8 + 9.13%) and the fish condition varied directly with salinity
fluctuations in the lagoon, with higher condition factor in dry season than in wet season. The present utilization by
the coastal communities needs to be improved upon to cater for a maximum sustainable yield of the species.