Authors : A. Francis and F.D. Sikoki
Abstract: Total length measurements of 11 scientifically and commercially important fish species from the Andoni River artisanal fishery were analyzed after conversion into constant class length frequency data of 1 cm interval. Sampling was carried out between January and December, 1999 and pooled into one year data. Results revealed that in 64%, (i.e., seven of the fishes) approached asymptotic length L8 (length at affinity) at a relatively rapid rate of K (growth coefficient) of 0.69-1.7 year 1. The fishes with the high K value were Ethmalosa fimbriata, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Ilisha africana, Galeoides decadactylus, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Sarotherodon melanotheron and Tilapia guinensis. Liza grandisquamis, Lutjanus goreensis and Pomadasys jubelini making up the remaining 36% with K range of 0.3-0.39 year 1 took a relatively longer time frame to get to big sizes which is not a favourable criterion in fish selection for aquacultural practices.
A. Francis and F.D. Sikoki , 2007. Growth Coefficient of Fish Species Within the Andoni River, Niger Delta, Nigeria and Their Aquaculture Implications. Journal of Fisheries International, 2: 22-26.