Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Clarotes laticeps (RUPPEL, 1829) from Lake Akata, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of 505 specimens of Clarotes laticeps were collected and analyzed in May 2012 - April 2013 from Lake Akata. The Length-Weight relationship equation for male and female of Clarotes laticeps was described by the equation: LogW= –1.9219 + 3.1203 Logl and LogW= –1.7068 + 2.9733 Logl, respectively. The combined length weight relationship for both sexes was Log W = –1.9599 + 3.1530 Logl. The growth exponent (b) of both male and female Clarotes laticeps in Lake Akata exhibited isometric growth pattern. Condition factor (k) of Clarotes laticeps for each season was greater than one. The mean condition factor for Clarotes laticeps in dry season months pooled together (1.79±0.03) was significantly lower than that (1.81±0.03) in wet season months (p>0.05). The correlation coefficients were all positive and highly significant in both male and female Clarotes laticeps in Lake Akata.