ABSTRACT
Length-weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K) and stomach content of three cichlid fishes (Hemichromis bimaculatus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, and Chromidotilapia guentheri) were calculated at Eleiyele reservoir, Nigeria, Africa. The fish were collected monthly from fishermen during the dry season (January-March 2001) and the rainy season (April, May, June 2001). Gill nets of mesh sizes 50-55 mm were used. The LWR had a significant correlation for the three species and the growth exponent (b) for H. bimaculatus indicates a negative allometric growth (S. melanotheron and C. guentheri had isometric growth). Condition factor values were higher than one in the three species, and varied with size and season. Stomach contents revealed that the three species are omnivorous and that diet composition varies seasonally. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 969-977. Epub 2007 December, 28.
Se investigó la relación de peso-longitud (LWR), factor de condición (K) y contenidos estomacales de tres peces cíclidos (Hemichromis bimaculatus, Sarotherodon melanotheron y Chromidotilapia guentheri) en la reserva de Eleiyele, Nigeria, África. El LWR muestra una correlación significativa para las tres especies y el crecimiento exponencial (b) indica que H. Bimaculatus tiene crecimiento alométrico negativo, mientras S. melanotheron y C. guentheri tienen un crecimiento alométrico isométrico. El factor de condición para las tres especies fue mayor a uno, y varía con el tamaño y la época. El análisis de los contenidos estomacales reveló que las tres especies son omnívoras, variando la composición relativa de cada tipo de alimento con la estación del año.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cichlids/anatomy & histology , Biometry , Body Weight , Cichlids/classification , Cichlids/physiology , Feeding Behavior/physiology , Gastrointestinal Contents , Nigeria , SeasonsABSTRACT
Length-weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K) and stomach content of three cichlid fishes (Hemichromis bimaculatus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, and Chromidotilapia guentheri) were calculated at Eleiyele reservoir, Nigeria, Africa. The fish were collected monthly from fishermen during the dry season (January-March 2001) and the rainy season (April, May, June 2001). Gill nets of mesh sizes 50-55 mm were used. The LWR had a significant correlation for the three species and the growth exponent (b) for H. bimaculatus indicates a negative allometric growth (S. melanotheron and C. guentheri had isometric growth). Condition factor values were higher than one in the three species, and varied with size and season. Stomach contents revealed that the three species are omnivorous and that diet composition varies seasonally.
