Length - weight relationship and the condition factor of Tilapia zilli (Gervais) in Lapai – Agaie Reservoir, Niger state, Nigeria

Abstract

The length – weight relationship and condition factors of Tilapia zilli (Gervais), in Lapai - Agaie Reservoir of Niger state, were studied. One hundred fish samples comprising of 42 males and 58 females were investigated, with the total length ranging from 9.1cm to 16.2cm and the weight ranging from 31g to 172g. The parameters a, b and r of the length –weight relationship were -20.092, 3.268 and 0.756 for male, while the corresponding females values were -8.012, 2.476 and 0.560 respectively. The male species exhibited positive allometric growth while the female growth was negative allometric. The condition factor (K) for the male and female were found to be 2.192 to 2.087 respectively. Male species were in a better condition than the females. Lapai - Agaie reservoir is a good environment for the growth, reproduction and survival of Tilapia zilli (Gervais).