Preliminary study on the aspects of the biology of snakehead Parachanna obscura, in a Nigerian wetland
Between October 2000 and March 2001, a preliminary study on the aspects of the biology of <i>Parachanna obscura</i>, was investigated. Sex ratio revealed female preponderance [X<sup>2</sup>=4,7338, df =1, p<0.05]. There was a seasonality in sex ratio during the wet season whereas there was seasonality increase in number of females over males [x<sup>2</sup> = 4.735, df = 1, p = < 0.05]. A curvilinear plot was obtained in the regression of the total length and total weight TW = 0.018621 TL<sup>2697</sup>,n= 408, r = 0.869, [p<0.001]. Trophic spectrum of <i>C. obscura</i> [size range 9.0 18.0 cm comprises food items. The items were re-classified into seven major groups consisting of detritus [coarse fine detritus], fish juvenile and remains of fish], Insecta [un-identified adult and remains of insects, macrophyte materials, mud, Oligochoetes [earth-worm], and abiogenic sand. Fish, insects Oligochoetes were eaten as primary foods items. There was a complete ingestion of the array the dietaries by both sexes. Exception of one item [coarse detritus] during the wet season,<i> P. obscura</i> consumed all the dietaries during the seasons. Nevertheless, the later season increased in the ingestion of 9 out of the 10 items in conformity with optimal foraging theory. <i>Parachal obscura</i> is considered as piscivore-insectivore-invertivore in feeding habits. In the wake of doubts about the viability and prospects of aquaculture, farming of <i>P. obscura</i> is a possibility. This species possesses a number of positive attributes with regards to aquaculture. It is likely that efforts to culture this hardy carnivorous and fast-growing fish will spread in the coming years in Nigeria, breeders and fish farmers will likely give it a chance.
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | conference_item biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Fisheries Society of Nigeria
2007
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| Subjects: | Biology, Fisheries, Parachanna obscura, Nigeria, Akwa Ibom, Snakehead Fish, freshwater environment, Fishery biology, Length-weight relationships, Feeding behaviour, Stomach content, Seasonal variations, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/37734 |
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