Some Aspects of the Biology of Protopterus annectens (Owen) in Jachi Dam near Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

Some aspects of the biology of Protopterus annectens (Owen) were studied using 176 specimens purchased from fishermen in Jachi dam, near Katsina, northern Nigeria, from August to October 2005. The fish length ranged from 19.30 to 39.60 cm while the weight ranged from 13.0 to 420 g. The regression coefficient (b) was 3.17, indicating positive allometric growth pattern. The mean condition factor (k) was 0.47, but individual k-values ranged from 0.20 to 0.73. The pectoral-pelvic fins' length relationships showed high proportionate growth rate (b = 0.99). The correlation coefficient (r) of pectoral and pelvic fins relationships with total length of fish was 0.64 and 0.73, respectively. Analysis of the gut content showed that the fish consumed more plant material (86.81%) than insects (7.24%), molluscs (4.97%) and fish remains (0.97%).