Length-weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Feeding Habits of Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

The Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Condition factor (K) and feeding habits of Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) were investigated over a 24 month period from January, 2009 - December, 2010. A total number of 163 specimens comprising of 74 females and 89 males with the size range of 7.60 – 20.00cm and the mean of 12.72± 0.258cm were investigated. The weight ranged from 13.12 – 607.30g with the mean of 65.83± 0.897g. The LWRs for the females, males and combined sexes had the r values of 0. 8415, 0.9463 and 0.8703 respectively. The mean condition factor K was 3.3667, 2.6868 and 2.9954 for the females, males and combined sexes respectively. The regression coefficient b was 1.9408, 1.8799 and 2.1359 for the females, males and combined sexes respectively indicating negative allometric growth pattern for the species. Out of the 163 stomachs examined for food items, 88 (53.99%) were empty while 75 (46.01%) contained a wide range and varying quantities of food items indicating that S.clarias in River Benue is omnivorous.