FISH DIVERSITY AND RATE OF THEIR ABUNDANCE IN ITUNLA RIVER IN IGELE, OGUN WATERSIDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Idowu A.A, Adeosun F.I, Tijani I.O, *Nwekoyo V.E
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
Fish is a major source of high quality animal protein, and also provide several socio-economic values for man. Studies on fish diversity, physical and chemical parameters of water in Itunla River was carried between February to July, 2015 to ascertain fish yield and interaction with water quality. The fish were obtained from fishermen using gillnets fleets ranging from 1 inch mesh to 4 inch, sorted into taxonomic categories and weighed. The results showed that 6599 fish species sampled have eighteen fin fish species from twelve families. Bagridae family had the highest contribution (22.4% and 24.0%), Mormyridae (21.7% and 23.7%) and Mochokidae (11.9% and 10.7%) in abundance and weight respectively. Monthly contribution by abundance was highest in May and least in July. Simpson index was highest (0.91) and with low dominance value of (0.09) and evenness value (0.75). The value of physicochemical parameters assessed included temperature (28.87±0.27 oC), dissolved oxygen (6.94±0.I5mg/l), transparency (6.4±0.48m), water pH (7.24±0.22), total dissolved solid (82.42±5.88mg/l), conductivity (161±12.67µs/cm), nitrate (2.92±0.27mg/l) and phosphate (0.08±0.01mg/l) with no significant difference (p>0.05) except in nitrate, phosphate and conductivity. The river contributes highly to the inland fishery of the State due to its high composition of fish species which is an evidence of its high productivity.
Affiliations: Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, College of Environmental Resources Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria
Keywords: Abundance, Itunla, Fishermen, Species Composition, Ogun Waterside
Published date: 2017/12/29
