Length-Frequency Distribution and Relative Condition Factor of Brycinus nurse in the New Calabar River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the length-frequency distribution and condition factor of Brycinus nurse from two sampling stations in the New Calabar River. A total of 401 individuals of B. nurse were collected from artisanal fishers and assessed between February 2020 and January 2021.The collected samples were analyzed for growth pattern using FISAT II. The mean values were 11.80±1.59 cm and 9.52±1.28 cm for total length and standard length The mean weight was 20.63±8.38 g. The length-weight relationship revealed an exponent b value of 2.539, showing negative allometric growth. The condition factor ranged from 1.09 to 1.42 indicating that the species is in good growth condition. The size structure of B.nurse recorded indicated that most individuals were relatively medium to small sizes and were not allowed to grow to adults as a result of overfishing. Therefore, proper management and intervention is needed to manage overexploitation of B. nurse in the New Calabar River.