Coptodon Guineensis Research Articles

Short-term in situ Exposure of Guinean Tilapia and Blue Crab Near a Sawmill Wastes-impacted Coastal Ecosystem Reveal Significant Oxidative Stress Effects.

Coastal ecosystems are characterized by various human activities with potential adverse impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential oxidative stress effects in representative aquatic biota deployed in situ at a sawmill wastes dump (test site) and reference site in a coastal ecosystem for a short term (28 days) period. PAHs and OCPs were analysed using GC-FID and GC-MS respectively in surface water and sediments. Oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde, glutathione-s-transferase, reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) were evaluated following standard methods in Coptodon guineensis (Guinean Tilapia) and Callinectes amnicola (Blue crab) over a period of 28 days. Sum PAHs in the test site sediments, oxidative stress indices in C. guineensis liver and C. amnicola haemolymph after 28 days exposure were significantly higher (p < 0.0.5) compared to the reference site. The results showed the adverse impacts to biota of sawmill wastes which are continuously burnt at the test site with potential for long-term effects. Sustainable sawmill wastes management at the test site are recommended to sustain life below water (UNSDG 14).

Occurrence, bioaccumulation and trophic dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in two tropical freshwater lakes

We have investigated the occurrence, distribution, and biomagnification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in two tropical lakes (Asejire and Eleyele) of Southwestern Nigeria, with contrasting urban intensities. Over an 8-month period, we sampled sediment and fish species (Clarias gariepinus: CIG; Oreochromis niloticus: ON; Coptodon guineensis: CG; Sarotherodon melanotheron: SM) across trophic levels, and analyzed various PFAS congeners, in addition to a select group of toxicological responses. While herbivores (SM) and benthic omnivores (CIG) at Asejire exhibited elevated levels of PFBS and PFOS, the pelagic omnivores (ON) showed a dominance of PFOS, PFDA, PFHxDA and EtFOSE in the muscle. At the Eleyele urban lake, PFAS patterns was dominated by PFBS, EtFOSE, PFPeS, PFOcDA and PFOS in the herbivores (SM, CG), EtFOSE, PFOS and PFBS in the pelagic omnivore (ON) and benthic omnivore (ClG). The estimated biomagnification factor (BMF) analysis for both lakes indicated trophic level increase of PFOS, PFUnA and PFDA at the suburban lake, while PFOS and EtFOSE biomagnified at the urban lake. We detected the occurrence of diSAMPAP and 9CL-PF3ONS, novel compounds not commonly reported, in PFAS studies at both lakes. The studied toxicological responses varied across trophic groups in both lakes with probable modulations by environmental conditions, trophic structure, and relative PFAS exposures in the lakes. The present study documents, for the first time in Nigeria, or any other African country, the role of urbanization on contaminant load into the environment and their implications for contaminant dynamics within the ecosystem and for aquatic food safety.

Sharing is caring? Barcoding suggests co-introduction of dactylogyrid monogeneans with Nile tilapia and transfer towards native tilapias in sub-Saharan Africa

Invasive Nile tilapias negatively impact native tilapia species through hybridisation and competition. However, the co-introduction of parasites with Nile tilapia, and subsequent changes in parasite communities, are scarcely documented. Monogeneans are known pathogens of cultured Nile tilapia, although little is known about their fate once Nile tilapias establish in new ecosystems. We investigate the parasitological consequences of Nile tilapia introduction on native tilapias in basins in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Zimbabwe, focusing on ectoparasitic dactylogyrids (Monogenea). Using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and nuclear 18S-internal transcribed spacer 1 (18S-ITS1) rDNA region of 128 and 166 worms, respectively, we evaluated transmission of several dactylogyrid species. Parasite spillover from Nile tilapia was detected for Cichlidogyrus tilapiae to Coptodon guineensis in Cameroon, Cichlidogyrus thurstonae to Oreochromis macrochir in the DRC, and Cichlidogyrus halli and C. tilapiae to Coptodon rendalli in Zimbabwe. Parasite spillback to Nile tilapia was detected for Cichlidogyrus papernastrema and Scutogyrus gravivaginus from Tilapia sparrmanii and Cichlidogyrus dossoui from C. rendalli or T. sparrmanii in the DRC, and Cichlidogyrus chloeae from Oreochromis cf. mortimeri and S. gravivaginus from O. macrochir in Zimbabwe. ‘Hidden’ transmissions (i.e. transmission of certain parasite lineages of species that are naturally present on both alien and native hosts) were detected for C. tilapiae and Scutogyrus longicornis between Nile tilapia and Oreochromis aureus and C. tilapiae between Nile tilapia and Oreochromis mweruensis in the DRC, and Cichlidogyrus sclerosus and C. tilapiae between Nile tilapia and O. cf. mortimeri in Zimbabwe. A high density of Nile tilapia occurring together with native tilapias, and the broad host range and/or environmental tolerance of the transmitted parasites, are proposed as factors behind parasite transmission through ecological fitting. However, continuous monitoring and the inclusion of environmental variables are necessary to understand the long-term consequences of these transmissions on native tilapias and to elucidate other underlying factors influencing these transmissions.

The hypothesis of appearance of an independent population&#x0D; of Guinean tilapia (Coptodon guineensis (Günther)) in the Gulf of Argen (Atlantic Ocean)

The hypothesis of appearance of an independent population&#x0D; of Guinean tilapia (Coptodon guineensis (Günther)) in the Gulf of Argen (Atlantic Ocean)

Reproductive Biology of the Hybrid Coptodon guineensis x Coptodon zillii within Two Marginal Lagoons Invaded by Macrophytes in South Eastern of Côte d`Ivoire

Hybrids of Coptodon guineensis x Coptodon zillii are omnivorous species with a phytophagous tendency found in most of water bodies of Côte d`Ivoire. This study aims to better understand its reproductive biology and possible influence of macrophytes on the breeding season. A total of 608 fish were caught monthly from September 2017 to August 2019. The overall sex-ratio showed significant predominance of females in Ono (1:1.37; χ² = 7.10; P&lt;0.05) and Kodjoboue (1:1.84; χ² = 28.62; P&lt;0.05) lagoons. The sexual maturity recorded in Ono lagoon for males (148.2 mm, SL) and females (145.3 mm) was slightly higher than that of males (144.4 mm, SL) and females (141.8 mm) in Kodjoboue lagoon. March and August–October (Ono lagoon) and February and July–September (Kodjoboue lagoon) were the most intensive spawning months. The absolute fecundity was higher in Ono lagoon (1472–6116 oocytes) than in Kodjoboue lagoon (1676–4210 oocytes), indicating a better food supply due to the high abundance of macrophytes in Ono lagoon. Oocyte size frequency distributions show oocytes of different sizes, indicating more than one spawning within a reproduction season. These findings might facilitate future studies establishing its potential production and its exploitation and management.

The cichlids of Eniong and Cross Rivers, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Taxonomy and biodiversity is an important aspect of fish studies as it gives fish scientists information about the types of fish present, their name and classification based on discrete sets in a given locality. This study is on the taxonomy and bio-diversity of Cichlids collected from the Eniong River and the Lower Cross River in the Niger Delta, Nigeria between January and June 2020. A total of 358 cich-lids were collected from three sampling stations (the Eniong River, the confluence and the lower Cross River). Sampling was conducted with active and passive sampling techniques with the help of local fishermen using various fishing gears including beach net (10 – 15 m length, 2 –3.5 m height, mesh size of 0.5 – 5cm), fixed gill net (40 – 60 m long, mesh size 15 – 57 mm), cast net (2 – 5 m diameter, mesh size 15 – 20 mm) and local traps (made from raffia palm). The sampling du-ration with the fishing gear and methods were approximately the same. Gill nets and traps were set between 1600 h and 1800 h and fishes caught were removed from the gear between 0600 h and 0900 h the next day. Fish were identified using morphological and meristic traits. The species found and percentage abundance were; Coptodon zilli (5.9%), Coptodon dageti (31.2 %), Coptodon guineensis (16. 4%), Hemichromis elongatus (6.4 %), Hemichromis fasciatus (2.2%), Ore-ochromis niloticus (5.3%), Oreochromis aureus (0.8%), Sarotherodon melanotheron (3.6%), Sarotherodon galileus (0.8%), Sarotherodon macrocephala (1.95%), Chromidotilapia guntheri (10.3%), Pelmatolapia mariae (12.3%), Tylochromis sudanensis (1.7%) and the unidentified species(0.8%). There was higher abundance of cichlids in Eniong River (36%) than in the confluence (34%) and lower Cross River (30%). Simpson’s diversity index was 0.97 - 0.98 in the three stations. Shannon-Wiener’s index of diversity was 2.18 in Station 1, 1.76 and 1.68 in stations 2 and 3 respectively. Margalef index of diversity was 2.05 in station 1 and 1.66 and 1.71 in stations 2 and 3 respectively. Some species ap-peared to be specific in their habitat; O.niloticus, O.aureus, S. macrocephala were found in freshwater. S. galileus in the estuarine habitat while all other spe-cies were found in all the stations. A dichotomous key which will serve as a guide for fish scientist in the field was prepared using morphomeristic characters.

Anticipating the Effects of Increasing Rivers’ Water Salinity for Sustainable Conservation of Tilapia Resources in Rural Coastal Zone of Benin, West Africa

The current research aimed at using the application of multi-factor models to support fisheries management decisions for successful resources’ conservation. The study was based on the tilapia species Coptodon guineensis, which is among the most widely exploited in Benin coastal zone. In an attempt to suggest conservation strategies, the phenotypic variability of 356 accessions of this species was assessed in relation with water salinity, and several interactions. The fish were collected through small-scale experimental fishing using cast nets and gillnets. The findings indicated that the salinity observed in the sampled rivers is due, at proportions ranging from 0.13% to 47%, to the sea surface salinity (SSS) of the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting a leading inland origin of the salinity of these rivers. The evidence also showed that the tilapia populations have been relatively adapted to the increasing water salinity of the sampled rivers. The fish species*river type and fish species*fish sex interactions had significant effects on phenotypic characteristics rather than river type*fish sex interaction. For an efficient conservation of these populations, two conservation areas (Lake Nokoué and Porto-Novo lagoon vs Lake Toho and Grand-Popo lagoon), could be considered for this tilapia species.&#x0D; Keywords: Aquatic salinization, population adaptation, growth parameters, interaction patterns

Reproductive biology of the main fish species in lakes Taabo, Kossou and Faé (Côte d’Ivoire) with a view to rational fishing

This study was carried out in order to find out the sizes of first sexual maturity and the reproduction period of the main fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Hemichromis fasciatus, Pelloluna leonensis, Oreochromis niloticus, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, Coptodon zillii, Coptodon zillii x Coptodon guineensis, Distichodus rostratus, Aucheglanis occidentalis, Hepsetus odoe, Parachanna obscura and Schilbe mandibularis) targeted by the fishery in three lakes (Taabo, Kossou, Fae). The sizes at first maturity recorded in Lake Kossou are larger than those obtained in the other two lakes. However, the sizes at first capture (Lc50) for all species in the three lakes are smaller than the sizes at first sexual maturity (L50). Monthly monitoring of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed that breeding activities took place during two seasons (wet and dry). The breeding activity during the rainy season is longer than during the dry season. For a sustainable supply of fish, the fishery could be closed during the period when most fish spawn (rainy season).

Parasites of Moroccan desert Coptodon guineensis (Pisces, Cichlidae): transition and resilience in a simplified hypersaline ecosystem

Sebkha Imlili (Atlantic Sahara) is a salt flat with over 160 permanent holes of hypersaline water generated in the Holocene and inhabited by euryhaline organisms that are considered to be relics of the past, including the cichlid fish Coptodon guineensis. We surveyed the fish parasites four times over one year, to i) identify the parasites, and ii) determine possible seasonality in infection patterns. Over 60% of the fish were infected by one to three helminths: an acanthocephalan in the intestine and two digenean metacercariae in the kidney, spleen, liver, muscle, and mesenteries. The acanthocephalan Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) cf. tilapiae was identified morphologically and molecularly; only one digenean (the heterophyid Pygidiopsis genata) could be identified molecularly. Both identified parasites were present throughout the sampling periods; the unidentified metacercariae were present only in summer and fall. Mean intensities, but not prevalence of infection by the acanthocephalan, reflected a biannual pattern of transmission. Infection accrued with fish size, possibly due to cannibalism. Because the water holes include only a few invertebrates, the intermediate hosts of these parasites can be inferred to be the gastropod Ecrobia ventrosa for the digeneans and either the copepod Cletocamtpus retrogressus or the ostracod Cyprideis torosa for the acanthocephalan. This ecosystem appears stable and provides a window into the past, as the acanthocephalan likely switched from freshwater tilapia to C. guineensis when the Sebkha formed. However, this is a vulnerable environment where the survival of these parasites depends on interactions maintained among only very few hosts.

The discovery of Coptodon guineensis (G&amp;uuml;nther, 1862) (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in the Moulay Bousselham lagoon extends the species&amp;rsquo; range 1000 km northward in Morocco&amp;nbsp;

Two specimens of Coptodon guineensis (G&amp;uuml;nther, 1862) were unexpectedly found in the Canal de Nador, Moulay Bousselham lagoon, almost 1000 km north of the Aabar River the northernmost river previously recorded. To confirm this identification nineteen measurements were recorded from each specimen and compared with other specimens of C. guineensis from Morocco and Mauritania. The COI gene was partially sequenced and compared with formerly published sequences of Coptodon species of the region. Both morphology and DNA revealed no differences with specimens from known populations of C. guineensis in Morocco.

Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Cichlids in Eniong and Lower Cross Rivers, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Length-weight relationship and condition factor are essential parameters used in determination of growth and well-being of fish. The length-weight relationship and condition factor of eight species of cichlids were examined from a total of 358 cichlids belonging to fourteen species and seven genera. Sampling was between January and June, 2020 in Eniong River and lower Cross River in the Niger Delta from three stations: station one in Eniong river, station two at the confluence of Eniong and lower Cross River, and station three at the lower Cross River. The length and weight of each fish was measured to the nearest millimeter and gram, respectively. The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of the species Coptodon dageti, Coptodon guineensis, Coptodon zilli, Chromidotilapia guntheri, Hemichromis elongatus, Oreochromis niloticus, Pelmatolapia mariae and Sarotherodon melanotheron were determined using standard methods. Total length of fish ranged from 12.9 ± 5.01 in H. elongatus to 20.7 ± 3.37cm in C. zilli. Total weight ranged from 24.8 ± 13.80 in H. elongatus to 146.4 ± 68.0 g in C. zilli. The exponent b ranged from 1.54 for H. elongatus to 3.34 in Pelmatolapia mariae. The coefficients of determination (r2) varied between H. elongatus (0.74) and O. niloticus (0.96). Fulton’s condition factor (K) ranged from 1.2 6 ± 0.50 (H. elongatus) to 1.89 ± 0.43 (O. niloticus). Length-weight relationship revealed negative allometry for six species and positive allometry for two species (O. niloticus and P. mariae). Cichlids in this study were observed to be in good condition, as the K values were greater than one.

Fish distribution pattern and environmental influence in the Bandama River estuary (West Africa)

The structure and distribution of the fish population were investigated from March 2019 to February 2020 in relation to environmental variables in the Bandama River estuary. Overall, the estuary showed environmental homogeneity outside of the conductivity and width of the study area. A total of 52 species of fish were recorded, belonging to 48 genera, 28 families and 12 orders. This ichthyofauna was composed of 24 native freshwater species, 27 brackish and marine species and a hybrid (Coptodon guineensis x Coptodon zillii). The species defined a distribution according to their ecological category in the Bandama estuary. Redundancy analysis (ARD) indicated that salinity and bed width are the main variables that influence the fish species distribution in the Bandama River estuary.

CATCHABILITY AND DIVERSITY OF FISH SPECIES CAPTURED BY GILL NET IN NEW CALABAR RIVER, NIGERIA

The aim of this study was to analyze fish species caught by gill nets and fish diversity of the New Calabar River. Three sampling stations were set based on the coverage situation of the river and ichthyofauna associated with gill nets were sampled twice monthly from February to July 2018. A total of 3,251 fish specimens, representing 11 orders, 15 families, and 28 species, were captured. The order Perciformes was identified as the most abundant representing five families while the remaining had one family each. The fish family Cichlidae was the most represented with seven species, and other notable families were Alestidae, Clupeidae, and Mugilidae, representing three species each. Prominent among the fish caught monthly included Liza falcipinnis, Mugil cephalus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Coptodon guineensis, and Sardinella maderensis. The mean catch per unit effort (CpUE) ranged from 3.15±0.2 to 4.85±0.2 kg unit-1 day11. Results of diversity indices revealed that Shannon-Wiener index values varied between 2.64 and 2.82, Simpson diversity ranged from 0.07 to 0.10, and Pielou’s evenness index values ranged from 0.85 to 0.95. The values obtained in this study showed that the status of fish diversity in New Calabar River was stable.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Fish Species Caught by Cast Net in New Calabar River, Nigeria

The length -weight relationship and condition factor (K) of fish species caught by cast net were studied from three stations in the New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 1541 specimens of 26 fish species and representing 11 families were randomly collected using cast net with mesh sizes of 1.5 and 2.5 cm. Sample sizes of the different fish species examined in this study ranged from 8.79±0.25 cm (Caranx hippos specie) to 31.48±4.93 cm (Sphyraena barracuda specie) in total length and 15.45±0.40 g (Elops lacerta) to 156.00±39.30 g (Pelmatolapia mariae) in weight. The entire length-weight data in all the three stations were pooled together and the calculated correlation coefficient showed a high positive correlation (1.00) between length and weight of all the fish species except in Caranx hippos (0.18) with low positive correlation. The b value obtained ranged from 2.13 for Ethmalosa fimbriata with negative allomerty to 3.53 for Pelmatolapia mariae with positive allometry. By negative allometry (b &lt; 3), the fish is said to be lighter for its length as it grows and (b&gt;3), the fish gains weight as it grows. The mean condition factor ranged from 0.36 ± 0.03 recorded for Sphyraena barracuda to 2.20 ± 0.02 for Coptodon guineensis and Coptodon zillii. Apart from Sphyraena barracuda general wellbeing of all the fish species were found to be good, as indicated by the values of condition factor, which were nearer to or greater than 1. The results of the present study will provide an effective tool for further studies of population dynamics and stock assessment studies in the study area.

Diversity patterns and community characteristics of the fish assemblage of a West African lagoon

Coastal lagoons are important habitats in West Africa, being also irreplaceable for many species of fish. The community structure and the diversity patterns of their fish assemblages have however been poorly studied so far. In order to evaluate the community structure and diversity metrics of fish assemblages of one of these lagoons (Lake Togo, Togo), we surveyed four stations that were different in terms of morphological and ecological characteristics, from July to September 2017. The fishing gears were recorded and catches of small-scale fisheries were analyzed. A total of 40 species in 37 genera, 24 families and 10 orders were recorded, with Cichlidae (six species), followed by Eleotridae (five species) and Gobiidae (three species) being the most diverse families. The most abundant species in the catches were: Sarotherodon melanotheron, Coptodon guineensis, Chrysischthys nigrodigitatus and Ethmalosa fimbriata. Strict estuarine species (Es) were the most represented forms in the catches. Calculated indices of diversity showed that Lake Togo has moderate diversity and a poor organization of individuals within species.

Intraspecific morphological divergence in two Cichlid species from Benin

Selection on morphological traits can vary across the range of species, inducing a mosaic of phenotypes across populations. Intraspecific morphological divergence had been demonstrated for many fish groups inhabiting environments with varying abiotic or biotic selective pressures. Such intraspecific phenotypic variation can have a strong influence on the ecologies of species. In the current study, we examined patterns of intraspecific morphological divergence between two populations of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Coptodon guineensis in Lake Ahémé and Porto-Novo lagoon, Benin. Using multiple morphological traits, we demonstrated intraspecific morphological divergence between Lake Ahémé and Porto-Novo lagoon for these species. However, evidence for parallel divergence was found for these two species, implying a similar response to selective pressures might have been acting on labile traits. In addition, species specific morphological changes observed in the current study might be because of differing responses to similar selective forces or taxon-specific selective forces acting on labile traits. The intraspecific trait divergence demonstrated in the current study suggests several possible selective pressures acting on these populations, yet the cause of this divergence remains unknown and additional studies are required to test these inferences.

Species composition and diversity of cast net fisheries in New Calabar River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

A study on the catch composition and diversity of cast net fisheries was conducted between May and August, 2017 in the New Calabar River, Rivers state, using cast net of varying mesh sizes (1.5mm and 2.5mm). Fish samples were collected from three sampling stations, viz. Station1- Aluu, Station 2- Choba and Station 3- Iwofe. The fish species recorded comprised of 26 species under 11 families, and one decapod crustacean. The three most abundant species were; Coptodon guineensis (25.11%), Coptodon zilli (18.56%) both from the Cichlidae family, and Penaeus nitialis (10.90%) from the Penaeidae family, while the least abundant species was Liza grandisquamis (0.13%) from the Mugilidae family. The diversity indices showed that station 2 recorded the highest number of species (21) while station 1 recorded the lowest with (12) species. Simpson’s indexes of diversity, Simpson’s reciprocal index, Shannon- weiner index, and Pielou’s evenness index, were estimated. This study serves as a base line data which will assist relevant bodies in the management and conservation of fisheries resources in the New Calabar River. It is therefore recommended that for an improved and sustainable exploitation and management of fisheries resources of the New Calabar River, proper monitoring and management for fish stock must be done.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2018, 4(1): 19-26

Distribution and abundance of cichlids in the New Calabar River, Nigeria

This study was conducted to study the distribution, abundance and diversity of the cichlids in the New Calabar River, Nigeria. A total of 1073 cichlids belonging to ten species and seven genera (Coptodon guineensis, C. zillii, C. dageti, Pelmatolapia mariae, Hemichromis fasciatus, Pelvicachromis taeniatus, Chomidotilapia guntheri, Tylochromis sudanensis, Sarotherodon galilaeus and S. melanotheron) were collected from three sampling stations between February and July, 2017. The most abundant species, in terms of number, was C. guineensis comprising 33.3% of all the number of species recorded followed by C. zillii (19%) and S. galilaeus (16.7%) while in terms of weight the dominant cichlids were C. guineensi (38.4%), C. zillii (19.6%) and S. melanotheron (12.9%). Five species, C. guineensis, S. melanotheron, S. galilaeus, C. dageti and C. zillii were recorded throughout the months of study. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was found the highest (1.5) at Station 1 and the lowest (0.93) at Station 3 while Pielou’s evenness index was the highest (0.77) at Station 1.

Length Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Guinean Tilapia Coptodon guineensis (Gunther, 1862) from the New Calabar River and Buguma Creek, Nigeria

Length Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Guinean Tilapia Coptodon guineensis (Gunther, 1862) from the New Calabar River and Buguma Creek, Nigeria

Length frequency distribution, length-weight relationship and condition factor of cichlid fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the New Calabar River, Nigeria

This research was conducted to study length frequency distribution, length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of 10 cichlid fishes, viz. Coptodon guineensis , Coptodon zillii , Coptodon dageti , Pelmatolapia mariae , Hemichromis fasciatus , Pelvicachromis taeniatus , Chomidotilapia guntheri , Tylochromis sudanensis, Sarotherodon galilaeus and Sarotherodon melanotheron from New Calabar River. Samples were collected on monthly basis during February to July, 2017. A total of 1073 specimens ranging from 13.12±0.82 to 17.07±0.94cm in total length and 45.00±8.00 to 103.01±25.81g in total weight were collected. The LWR regressions showed that the exponent b value ranged from 2.38 ( Coptodon guineensis ) to 3.00 ( Sarotherodon galilaeus ). The coefficients of determination ( r 2 ) of the LWR regressions ranged between 0.82 for Coptodon guineensis and 0.98 for Sarotherodon galilaeus indicating strong LWR relationships. The Fulton condition factor ranged from 1.95±0.06 ( Pelvicachromis taeniatus ) to 2.22±0.11 ( Pelmatolapia mariae ) , indicating good conditions for the studied species.