Aspects of the Growth and Reproductive Biology of the Guinean Tilapia, Tilapia guineensis (Bleeker, 1862) in a Tropical Freshwater Lake, Nigeria

Abstract

Aspects of the growth and reproductive biology of the Guinean Tilapia, Tilapia guineensis from Asejire Lake was investigated from January, 2013 to December, 2013. Significant relationships(r> 0.89) occurred between the length and weight of T.guineensis for the combined, male, female and every month.  The values of the parameter slope (b) in the length-weight relationship being less than 3 indicated negative allometric growth. The mean condition factor (2.023 ± 0.01) being greater than one showed the fish is in good condition in the freshwater environment.  The multiple peaks observed in the gonadosomatic index signify the species is a multiple spawner. Fecundity of Tilapia guineensis ranged from 3418 – 9852 eggs for a fish with total length 18.9 cm to 29.7 cm respectively

Keywords: Tilapia guineensis, length weight relationship, gonad maturity stages, fecundity, freshwater environment