FECUNDITY AND LENGTH WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF SCHILBE MYSTUS (AFRICAN BUTTER CATFISH) IN MAI RUWA DAM FUNTUA KATSINA
Abstract
This study investigates the fecundity, condition factor, and length-weight relationship of Schilbe mystus from the Mai Ruwa Dam. Fecundity ranged from 2,340 to 6,600 eggs, with an average of 3,525 eggs, showing variability influenced by fish size, age, and environmental factors. The majority of values fell between 3,000 and 5,000 eggs, with higher fecundity observed in larger or older individuals. The condition factor (K) was recorded at 0.750, indicating a suboptimal state compared to other water bodies, which may affect growth and reproductive potential. The length-weight relationship demonstrated a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.9574), confirming allometric growth patterns. While length and weight parameters exhibited strong correlations, fecundity showed weaker associations, suggesting additional environmental and nutritional influences. These findings enhance the understanding of reproductive and growth dynamics in S. mystus, providing comparative insights into habitat-driven variability.
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