MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS, LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF Coptodon zillii, Hepsetus odoe, Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, and Alestes nurse IN UREJE RESERVOIR, ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jaat.2026.1202.10Keywords:
Allometric Growth,, Morphometric measurements,, Growth Pattern,, Standard LengthAbstract
This study aimed to assess the morphometric characteristics, length-weight relationship, and condition factor of fish species in Ureje Reservoir, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Samples of five fish species from the reservoir were collected for 24 months covering the wet and dry seasons, and the weight of each fish sample were taken monthly using top top-loading sensitive weighing balance. Their total length and standard length were taken using a meter rule calibrated in centimetres. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics to determine means and standard deviations on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (20.0). Condition Factor (K) and Length- weight Relationship were calculated. Analysis of fish morphometric revealed seasonal differences in Growth performance and condition factors. Morphometric measurements revealed seasonal variations in the studied fish species. During the dry season, Coptodon zillii had a mean body weight of 85.53 ± 50.64 g, total length (TL) of 16.44 ± 4.72 cm, and standard length (SL) of 13.60 ± 4.66 cm (n = 110), while Hepsetus odoe recorded a mean weight of 258.46 ± 46.53 g, TL of 27.20 ± 3.75 cm, and SL of 24.56 ± 3.73 cm (n = 10). In contrast, Oreochromis niloticus exhibited a higher condition factor in the wet season (K = 2.85) compared with the dry season, while Clarias gariepinus recorded K = 2.43 in the dry season. The length–weight relationships indicated negative allometric growth in most species, with O. niloticus showing b = 2.41 in the wet season and b = 2.17 in the dry season. Overall, the wet season produced better growth performance and condition factor, reflecting improved feeding conditions and environmental suitability.
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