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Distribution, reproduction and growth of the catfish, Chrysichthys walkeri (Gunther) in the Lekki Lagoon, Nigeria
Author(s) -
Ikusemiju Kola
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1976.tb03988.x
Subject(s) - catfish , biology , fecundity , reproduction , fishery , zoology , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , population , demography , sociology
An investigation was made on the biology of the catfish, Chrysichthys walkeri (Gunther) occurring in the Lekki Lagoon. The catfish was evenly distributed over the six sampled stations of the lagoon with the sites of the shallow water stations probably serving both as breeding and nursery grounds. Fecundity estimates for this species ranged from 896 to 4168 eggs. The average number of eggs per female was 2084. Laboratory incubated eggs hatched after 3 days with the yolk sac being completely absorbed on the seventh day. The fry averaged 8.6 mm on their first day of life. The catfish attained a maximum total length of 25.7 cm within a period of 2 years. There were no significant differences in the growth pattern of this species during the dry and rainy seasons.