SOME ASPECTS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis (GUNTHER) IN ZARIA DAM, NIGERIA
Keywords:
gill net, morphometric measurement, Gilson’s fluid, ovarian tissueAbstract
Studies were conducted on the reproductive cycle of Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis in Zaria dam. Fish were
captured by using nets of various mesh sizes for 24 months. Sex ratio of female to male was 1:1.084. Fully
matured gonads were observed from July to October (rainy season). Fish with spent gonads were found from
December to February, virgin or immature gonads (stage I and II) were found in February to May, with the
peak in March in female fish and January in male .The estimated fecundity ranged from 2025 to 4192 eggs per
female with mean of 2822.4 ± SD 781.43 eggs that had standard length range of 24.20 cm to 35.50 cm. The
gonadosomatic index (GSI) ranged from 1.63% to 3.31%. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.873, P >
0.05) between the weight of the fish and fecundity and insignificant correlation (r = 0.497, P < 0.05) between
the standard length and fecundity.
