Authors : O.T. Agbebi, S.O. Olufeagba, I.G. Mbagwu, M.O. Ozoje and A. Aremu
Abstract: Thirty-one morphometric features and 11 meristic counts were carried out in each of 62 parental Heterobranchus bidorsalis broodstock collected from different ecological zones in Nigeria-Onitsha, Gboko and Jos. Thirty landmark references were used to characterize the collection and a correlation point for proper identification of the species. Correlation existed between many body parameters and this revealed association among traits to their level of comparison and similarities. The distance between the posterior end of the dorsal fin and the anterior end of the adipose tissue (gap) was a distinguishing factor in separating the different strains of H. bidorsalis from the different ecological zones. The collection with the widest gap was from Onitsha zone. The relationship between the dorsal fin and adipose fin was broader (0.6) in Gboko zone (D = 40-44, A = 48-57), while Onitsha zone (D = 31-44, A = 42-58) was 0.5 and also 0.5 in Jos zone (D = 41-44, A = 47-54). The anal fin ray for the three locations decreased with increasing latitude. Gboko strain was distinct among the three strains.
O.T. Agbebi, S.O. Olufeagba, I.G. Mbagwu, M.O. Ozoje and A. Aremu, 2009. Morphological Characteristics and Body Indices of Heterobranchus bidorsalis from Three Geographical Locations in Nigeria. Journal of Fisheries International, 4: 68-72.