Species Composition, Dominance and Similarity Index of Macrobrachium vollehovenii and M. Felicinum in Akor River, Ibere, Ikwuano, Nigeria

Abstract

Occurrence and abundance of Macrobrachium vollehovenii and Macrobrachium felicinum were studied in Akor river, Ibere, Ikwuano, Nigeria. The area density method of sample collection was employed. The river was delineated into three stations: A, B and C and prawn specimen were collected fortnightly. Sample collection lasted for 24 months. Species composition, dominance and similarity index were calculated using standard methods. Chi square test was used to compare the dominance of both species in the River. Results showed that station A had a total catch composition of 1,407 (29.4%), station B recorded 1,689 (34.73%) and the highest catch was obtained in station C having 1,763 (36.2%). The overall total catch of 4,859 was recorded. Results also showed that M. vollehovenii dominated the river with a total number of 3,620 (75%) while M. felicinum had a total catch of 1,239 (25%). Ponderal index was 53.7 and 44.7 for M. vollehovenii and M. felicinum respectively and a similarity index of 1 for both species was observed. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) between dominance of these species in Akor river. Inference from the results showed that these species are present as non-target organism in this river. Keywords: Occurrence, abundance, Macrobrachium species, fresh water, crustacean