GROWTH PATTERN AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF NILE PERCH (Lates niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) IN KANYE DAM, KANO STATE

KURFI, A.R.*, B.I USMAN, M.A. NASIR, M.K. ALHABIB, M.H. SUDAWA AND A.M. IBRAHIM

Abstract

Lates niloticus is widely spread in most African waters and despite the wide geographic distribution of this
species, only few studies have been conducted on its growth pattern and morphological characters within
localized environments in Nigeria. This study examined the growth pattern and morphological features of Nile
perch (L. niloticus) in Kanye Dam, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 60 specimens were randomly collected and
analyzed using standard morphometric techniques. Measurements include total length (TL), standard length (SL),
head length, body depth, and body weight. The length-weight relationship was established using the power
regression model, while the condition factor (K) was determined to assess the well-being of the fish population.
Males exhibited negative allometric growth (b < 3), females showed positive allometric growth (b > 3), and
combined sexes displayed negative allometric growth. The condition factor (K) varied between 0.923 and 3.375,
with males having significantly higher mean K value than females and the combined sexes. Regression analyses
showed strong linear relationships (R² > 0.90) between total length and most morphometric traits, indicating
proportional body development. Male specimens had total length ranging from 6.70 cm to 51.20 cm, while females
ranged from 13.30 cm to 25.50 cm. Findings indicate that L. niloticus in Kanye Dam is apredominantly young,
actively recruiting, in good condition and exhibiting sex-related growth differences showing ecological
influences. This study has broadened knowledge on growth patterns and morphological features of L. niloticus in
Kanye Dam, informing fisheries management in similar African reservoirs.