Some Aspects of the Biology of Parachanna Obscura in Kiri Reservoir, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Some aspects of the biology of Parachanna obscura obtained from Kiri Reservoir Adamawa State Nigeria, were studied. Samples were collected from July-December, 2014. A total of 64 Parachanna obscura were collected from fishermen catch and transported to the Laboratory for analysis. Identification of fish was done using Babatunde and Raji (2004). Length-Weight relationship and Condition factor was calculated using Froeze (2006). Stomach contents were analysed using frequency of occurrence Ogbeibu and Ezeunara, (2002). Food materials were identified using keys by Mellanby, (1975). Presence of ovary with or without eggs represent female and testis represent male. Mahmoud, (2009) was used to identify Stages of Gonads Development. Indirect Gravimetric Sub sampling was used in estimating the number of eggs of every female specimen. The Length-Weight analyses showed that the entire fishes exhibited negative allometric growth pattern, with regression exponent values less than 3. Condition factor of Parachannaobscura was approximately 1.  The Stomach content revealed the species are carnivores. There were more females than males, with ratio 1.4:1. Immature fish dominated the catch with Stages of Gonad Development II and III. Fecundity ranged from 1333 to 3000.