The migration status of silver catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Siluriformes: Claroteidae) of the cross river, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the migration pattern of the Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus of the Cross River, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the migration status and route, if any, and to proffer conservation advice. A total of 908 specimens of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus were tagged and released from January to July 2017 at two sites separated by a distance of 88km, in the Cross River. Tagging was done using nylon monofilament and monitoring was conducted with the help of artisanal fishers and fish mammies. A total of 61 specimens were recaptured, representing 6.7% of the total fish tagged. Recaptured fish were either around the point of release or some distance far away from the point of release. There was however no evidence of movement to and fro the upstream and downstream sites. The study shows that Chrysichthys engages in local wanderings within the freshwater during the breeding season conveying on the species the potamodromous status.