LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR Hydrocinus forskalii AND Brycinus nurse LOWER RIVER BENUE, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Length-weight relationship and changes in the condition factor of Hydrocinus forskalii and Brycinus nurse were analysed from samples collected in Lower River Benue at Makurdi. The mean weight and standard lengths (n = 120) unsexed individuals of Hydrocinus forskalii, were 211.7g±6.4 and 20.66cm±0.30, while Brycinus nurse were 207.7g±6.0 and 18.62cm±0.34 The growth pattern of combined sexes of Hydrocinus forskalii and Brycinus nurse were 2.04 and 2.84 respectively. Both fish species shows that the growth patterns were negatively allometric, The Length-Weight relationship equation for combined sexes of Hydrocinus forskalii and Brycinus nurse were LogW= –0.722 + 2.04LogL and LogW= –1.947 + 2.84LogL respectively. The overall condition factor for combined sexes of Hydrocinus forskalii and Brycinus nurse were 0.95±0.01 and 0.87±0.03 respectively. Hydrocinus forskalii were in better condition compared to Brycinus nurse.