Length-weight Relationship, Growth Pattern and Condition Factor of the Silver Catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepède, 1803) from Lower River Benue, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the length-weight relationship, growth pattern and condition factor of the Silver catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from the Lower River Benue Makurdi, Nigeria. A total of 200 freshly caught specimens of C. nigrodigitatus were collected between July 2013 and September 2013 from the catches of the artisanal fisheries at landing points in Wadata Market, Makurdi. Results obtained showed that the “b” value for the males was 1.6067 while that of the females was 1.6791 and combined sexes 1.7371, indicating a negative allometric growth for this species. Correlation coefficient (r) obtained for males (0.9651), 0.9517 (females) and 0.9329 (pooled sexes) showed a positive significant relationship between length and weight of C. nigrodigitatus. Monthly mean condition factor (K), indicate that C. nigrodigitatus were in good physiological health condition. In conclusion, the baseline data on the length-weight relationship, condition factor of C. nigrodigitatus from the lower River Benue provided in this study is crucial in the sustainable management of this species in the River. Also, these findings will be useful in evaluating the population dynamics, stock and the aquaculture potential of C. nigrodigitatus for future purpose.