Preliminary investigation of length–weight relationships and condition factors of two commercially important fish species (Mullet, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus 1758) and Sardine, Sardinella maderensis (Lowe 1838)) in Okrika creeks (Niger-Delta) of Nigeria

Abstract

Assessment of length–weight relationships and condition factors of two commercially important fish species, Mullet, Mugil cephalus and Sardine, Sardinella maderensis, from Okrika estuary was conducted from October, 2015 to February, 2016. A total of 60 samples of the two fish species were caught by fishermen using various gears. The results obtained showed that the two fish species had isometric growth patterns with the growth exponents, b values of 2.86 and 2.91 for Mullet, Mugil cephalus and Sardine, Sardinella maderensis, respectively. These values were isometric because they were not significantly (p>0.05) different from 3 when t-test was carried out. The condition factors, K of both species were 1.2 and 1.3 which indicated that they were in good condition during the sampling period. This study was necessary to fill the new knowledge gap and provide baseline and first-hand information for management and conservation of the two investigated species in Okrika estuary.This study recommended that further research needs to be conducted because the sample size of the two fish species collected and sampling duration (4 months) might be too small to make a valid, rigid and concrete conclusion.