the Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) of six populations of Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) from Cameroon Rivers

Authors

  • Djouatsa Tonfack J 1Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, FASA, University of Dschang, PO Box. 188, Dschang-Cameroon.
  • Meutchieye F 1Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, FASA, University of Dschang, PO Box. 188, Dschang-Cameroon.
  • Zango P Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Douala at Yabassi, PO Box. 7236, Douala-Cameroon
  • Nana Towa A 3 Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, FASA, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
  • Nkongho Ojong G 4 Division of Fisheries and Animal Production, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Nkolbisson, P.O Box 2123, Yaounde, Cameroon.
  • Mwangomb Kapep D 1Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, FASA, University of Dschang, PO Box. 188, Dschang-Cameroon..
  • Efole Ewoukem T 3 Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, FASA, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46325/gabj.v9i1.429

Keywords:

Growth, condition factor, Clarias jaensis, Cameroon

Abstract

 The metric and weight growth performance of fish in the wild is often difficult to assess. However, there are some formulae, especially length-weight relationship and condition factor that can be used to assess the morphological aspects of these fish with environmental conditions. The study of length-weight relationship and condition factor of Clarias jaensis was carried out in six rivers in Cameroon with the aim to contribute to a better understanding of strains for domestication. A total of 269 individuals, including 139 males and 130 females, were sampled from 6 rivers in Cameroon. For each fish, the total length (TL) and standard length (SL) were measured with an ichthyometer after sexing, while the total weight (TW) in grams was measured to the nearest 0.5 g using an electronic balance with a capacity of 10 kg. Length-weight relationships were calculated using the equation TW = a TLb and their condition factors using the equation K = 100 (TW / TL3); with weight in gram and length in centimeter. The main results show that the different physico-chemical parameters of the water (temperature, pH, total hardness and transparency) varied significantly (p<0.05) among the different Rivers. Largest fish (39.91±4.68cm) were found in the Nyong River and smallest fish in the Magam River (38.86±4.54cm). The coefficient b varied from 0.91 to 2.54, indicating negative allometric growth (b < 3). The condition factor varied significantly (p <0.05) according to sex with an average of 0.85±0.26. It was highest (K=1.03±0.18) in individuals from the Mfouri River and lowest (K=0.77±0.23) in those from the Nyong River. This factor remained comparable according to sex (p>0.05).  

Keywords: growth, condition factor, Clarias jaensis, Cameroon.   

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Published

01/13/2025

How to Cite

Djouatsa Tonfack J, Meutchieye F, Zango P, Nana Towa A, Nkongho Ojong G, Mwangomb Kapep D, & Efole Ewoukem T. (2025). the Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) of six populations of Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) from Cameroon Rivers. Genetics & Biodiversity Journal, 9(1), 56–64. https://doi.org/10.46325/gabj.v9i1.429

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2025): V9.N1.2025

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Original Article

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