Morphological Characteristics and Meristic Count of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis Strains from Kano, Nigeria

Suleiman, I.O.; Kabir M.; Bolorunduro, P.I.; Akinola, O.M.

Suleiman, I.O. Department of Animal Science, Bayero University Kano; Nigeria
Kabir M. Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Bolorunduro, P.I. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahnadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Akinola, O.M. Department of Theriogenology and Production, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

Keywords: Fish, Morphological characteristics, meristic counts, kano, sex

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological characteristics and meristic counts of two strains of Clariid fish species in Kano State in relation to location and sex. One hundred and seventy seven (177) Clariid fish samples (143 Clarias gariepinus and 34 Heterobranchus longifilis) were collected from six water bodies (Thomas, Ghari, Tiga dam, Duddurun Gaya, Karaye and Bagwai) in Kano state. Body weight, twenty-two (22) morphometric characteristics and four (4) meristic counts were taken on each fish sample to determine the influence of location, strain and sex. Body weight was measured in grams using sensitive scale, (GT4100 model), the morphometric characters were measured in centimetres using fish measuring board while meristic counts were by visual appraisal. Data obtained were analysed using GLM procedures of SAS 9.4, Duncan multiple range test was used for mean separation. Body weight, morphometric measurements and meristic counts were significantly (P<0.01) affected by location and strain while sex had effect (P<0.01) only on total length, standard length, dorsal fin length, dorso-caudal length, caudal peduncle depth, anal fin length, head length, inter-orbital distance, eye diameter and length of occipital fontanelle. The study indicated that location and species of fish had a significant influence on Clariid fish morphometric characters and meristic counts

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