African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6900

Full Length Research Paper

Preliminary study of growth pattern and condition factor of bobo croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) in obolo area Nigeria

Akpan, I. I.
  • Akpan, I. I.
  • Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
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Okoko, A. C.
  • Okoko, A. C.
  • Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
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Udo, I. U.
  • Udo, I. U.
  • Department Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
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Enin, U. I.
  • Enin, U. I.
  • Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 28 September 2023
  •  Accepted: 30 January 2024
  •  Published: 31 March 2024

Abstract

The preliminary study of the growth pattern and condition factor of Bobo Croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) in the Obolo Area, Nigeria, was conducted over a six-month period. Samples were collected from the catches of artisanal and local fishers, and the length and weight of the samples were measured in situ using appropriate tools. The parameters "a" and "b" of the Length-Weight relationship were estimated using the equation prescribed by Ricker (W = aLb), while the Condition Factor was calculated using Fulton’s equation (K = 100W/L3). The combined Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) for both sexes indicated that the values for "a," "b," and R2 were 0.0166, 2.8176 and 0.9321, respectively. The obtained R2 values demonstrated a strong linear relationship between the length and weight of the species. The length-weight relationship revealed a negative allometric growth pattern for both males and females. The Condition Factor (K) values ranged from 0.783 to 0.812 with a mean value of 0.827 for males and from 0.809 to 0.892 with a mean value of 0.847 for females. The length-weight relationships and Condition Factor of the study indicated that the species are conducive to various biological activities. However, sustainable management practices that are environmentally friendly should be adopted to protect the aquatic habitat against anthropogenic activities that may adversely affect the species.

Key words: Negative allometry, growth, male, female, correlation.