LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS AND CONDITION FACTOR OF Citharinus citharus AND Alestes baremoze FROM ANAMBRA RIVER BASIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The length-weight relationships and conditions of Citharinus citharus and Alestes baremoze from Anambra River were investigated from September 2007- March 2008. Analysis of the size ranges of the two fishes showed that C. citharinus was heavier than A. baremoze but A. baremoze was long than C. citharus. Both fishes showed only one peak each in their size distribution indicating that they belonged to the same size or year class. There was highly significant relationship between the body weights and standard lengths of C. citharinus and A. baremoze (P < 0.001). The Kn values for the two fishes were fairly equal but the mean K. values showed that C. citharinus was more robust and in a better state of “well being” than A. baremoze. The results were discussed of similar studies, particularly the importance of the condition factor in the study of the biology of the fish population.