RESEARCH ARTICLE

Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Synodontis schall from a lotic freshwater in Nigeria

Ukpamufo Cyril Olowo1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2488-590X, Nkonyeasua Kingsley Egun1,*https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5612-4166, Ijeoma Patience Oboh1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8868-204X
Author Information & Copyright
1Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin 300213, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: Nkonyeasua Kingsley Egun, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin 300213, Nigeria, Tel: +234-07032157045, E-mail:kenegun@yahoo.com

Copyright © 2023 The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: Aug 28, 2022; Revised: Jan 13, 2023; Accepted: Jan 13, 2023

Published Online: Apr 30, 2023

Abstract

The suitability of any fish species for successful aquaculture requires basic information on its reproduction and growth. This study investigated some facets of the reproductive biology of Synodontis shall (Mochokidae) from River Siluko in Nigeria. Fish samples were collected forth-nightly for a duration of fourteen (14) months–March 2015 to April, 2016 with the assistance of artisanal fishermen. Fishes were identified using taxonomic guides and standard techniques were used for determination of sex ratio, gonad maturation and fecundity. Linear regression method was used to define the correlation between fecundity and fish length, body weight and ovary weight. Results showed that sex ratio did not indicate a significant divergence (p < 0.05) from the 1 male to 1 female distribution ratio (1:1.41). Gonad morphology revealed paired gonads. Testes and ovaries were classified into four maturity stages: immature, resting, ripening and ripe. Gonadosomatic index ranged from 0.04 to 5.68 (males) and 0.03 to 20.19 (females). Absolute fecundity ranged from 1,014 to 4,520 eggs (mean = 2,592 eggs) and did not correlate significantly (p < 0.05) to ovary weight. This study has contributed to existing data on the biology of freshwater fish species in Nigeria and provided valuable information for fishery management tools in the conservation and utilization of this valuable freshwater fish species.

Keywords: Fecundity; Maturity stages; Gonadosamatic index; Sex ratio; Synodontis schall; River Siluko

Introduction

Fish reproductive studies include physiological aspects such as, sex ratio, gonadal development, size at first maturity, fecundity, spawning periods and spawning patterns (Adewumi et al., 2014). Increasing studies on induced spawning and hybridization has led to investigations of gonad stages of maturation which is important in fish production (Omotosho, 1993). Synodontis schall belongs to the family Mochokidae. The Mochokidae is a family of African catfishes commonly known as “squeakers” and “upside-down” catfishes. In Nigeria, the family Mochokidae, consists of about 30 species distributed in 5 genera namely; Brachysynodnotis, Chiloglanis, Hemisynodontis, Mochokus and Synodontis. Of these genera, Synodontis is the largest with about 23 species (Synodontis nigrita, Synodontis resupinatus, Synodontis clarias, Synodontis membranaceus and Synodontis eupterus) in Nigerian waters (Idodo-Umeh, 2003). Although investigations on varied aspects of the biology of S. schall and related species exist (Adedeji & Araoye, 2005; Akombo et al., 2011; Akombo et al., 2014; Akombo et al., 2015; Idodo-Umeh, 2003; Lalèyè et al., 2006; Olele & Etim, 2011; Olojo et al., 2003; Olojo et al., 2012; Shinkafi & Daneji, 2011; Shinkafi et al., 2010); there exist a paucity of reported literature on the reproductive biology of S. schall in Nigeria (Araoye, 2001; Lalèyè et al., 2006; Mekkawy & Hassan, 2011; Oboh et al., 2013). Therefore, there is need for detailed studies on their gonad morphology, maturation stages, sex ratio and fecundity. The objective of this study is to examine the reproductive biology of S. schall from River Siluko, to provide recent information needful for the fisheries resources utilization and management in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

Description of the study area

This study was carried out in River Siluko which rises from the Owena River, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean as a tributary of the Benin River in Edo State, Nigeria (Arimoro et al., 2006). The vegetation along the river is that of forest swamp and consists of trees (Khaya senegalensis, Pycnanthus angolensi, Astonia congoensis and Khaya ivorensis), grasses (Pennisetum purpureum, Megathyrsus maximus and Leersia hexandra), and weeds (Pistia stratiotes, Nymphea lotus and Salvina nymphellula). The river bank is composed of sharp sand, clay as well as alluvium materials with a few collections of allocthonomus materials derived principally from fallen leaves of surrounding vegetation (Fig. 1).

fas-26-4-256-g1
Fig. 1. Map of study area showing fish landing site on River Siluko. Inset: (A) map of Edo State, Nigeria.
Download Original Figure
Collection of fish samples and identification

Fresh samples of S. schall were collected forth-nightly for a duration of fourteen (14) months–March 2015 to April, 2016 at the fish landing site in Siluko town (latitude 06° 17 ′ 20 ″ N and longitude 5° 00 ′ 25 ″ E) in Ovia South-West local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria (Fig. 1). Fish samples were collected with the assistance of artisanal fishermen utilizing fishing traps, cast and gill nets of several mesh sizes. A total of 130 specimens of S. schall were collected throughout the study. The fish samples were immediately stored in an ice chest and transported to the laboratory in the University of Benin were the morphometric measurements were carried out. All fish specimens collected were identified to species level using the taxonomic keys of Idodo-Umeh (2003) and each specimen was tagged and numbered for easy reference and retrieval (Fig. 2).

fas-26-4-256-g2
Fig. 2. Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
Laboratory procedure

After taking routine measurements, each fish was dissected to expose the gonads. The shape, size, colour, texture of the gonads and degree of occupancy of the visceral cavity were recorded. The whole length of the reproductive system was traced out and a diagrammatic representation was made. Testes and ovaries were carefully removed for each fish specimen, and weighed to the near 0.01 g using a Griffin’s top loading balance. Immature testes/ovaries and mature testes were preserved in 4%–5% formalin, while the mature ovaries were split longitudinally and preserved in Gilson’s fluid (Bagenal, 1978). After about a week, the mature ovaries were vigorously shaken at intervals to enable the eggs (oocytes) separate properly from each other and the ovarian tissue. The eggs were then thoroughly cleaned by rinsing with preservative and estimated by direct-count.

Size of first sexual maturity (L50)

Information on the size of first sexual maturity is vital in the management of fisheries resources (Dadebo et al., 2003). To calculate the size at which 50% of individuals are mature, individuals were ranked in size classes and determined by finding the median for the ogive curve for males and females respectively using Excel (Windows 2013). All individuals in maturity stages II, III and IV were taken as mature individuals for both sex (Brown-Peterson et al., 2011).

Sex determination and sex-ratio

After dissection, the sex of each fish specimen was ascertained by macroscopic examination of the fresh gonads. The sexed specimens were categorized into males and females for each species. The total number of each sex for the various species was pooled monthly and the ratio of males to females was determined for each species.

The chi-square analysis was calculated using the equation:

X 2 = ( F i f i ) 2 F i

Where,

fi = Observed frequency

Fi = Expected frequency

Maturity stages

The maturity stages were determined based on macroscopic examination of the fresh gonads of and were classified as one of the following stages according to Nikolsky & Birkett (1963).

I. Immature, II. Resting, III. Ripening, IV. Ripe, V. Spawning, VI. Spent.

Fecundity

Fecundity estimates were made from the matured ovaries in stage IV and V. Only ripe oocytes were estimated by direct-count method. The relationship between fecundity and fish length / body weight / ovary weight was described by the equation (Bagenal, 1978):

F = a X b

Where,

F = Fecundity

X = Body length (cm) or body weight (g) or ovary weight (g)

b = Slope of regression line (regression coefficient)

a = Intercept of regression line with the y-axis (regression constant)

Through logarithmic transformation, the equation becomes

L o g F = L o g a + b L o g X

The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated for each gonad as described by Mbu-oben (1995) using the equation:

GSI = Weight of gonad ( g ) Body weight ( g ) × 100
Data analysis

The Microsoft Excel 2016 and Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 software were used in the evaluation of data. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the monthly and overall sex ratios of the fish population. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized in testing for significant differences. Linear relationships was evaluated using regression analysis.

Results

Results from this study focuses on determination of some reproductive parameters of S. schall, based on the gonad morphology, sex-ratio, macroscopic stages of gonad maturity and fecundity.

The male reproductive system

It consists of a pair of lobulate, enlongated, and partially fused (posteriorly) testes (Fig. 3). They are attached by mesenteries to the dorsal abdominal wall and situated alongside the swim bladder. They are connected posteriorly to the sperm duct which opens to the exterior via the genital pore. They are smooth, with finger-like projections arising from its central axis. The paired testes may be of equal or varied lengths and sizes, but this follows no particular pattern (it may be the left or right testes).

fas-26-4-256-g3
Fig. 3. Paired testes of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
Female reproductive system

It consists of a pair of sac-like, cystovarian and partially fused ovaries (Fig. 4). They are attached and suspended by mesenteries to the dorsal abdominal wall and situated alongside the swim bladder. They may be of equal or varied length and size, taking no particular defined order (left or right ovary may be larger or longer).

fas-26-4-256-g4
Fig. 4. Paired ovaries of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
Size at first sexual maturity (L50)

Table 1 shows the size and weight class for the sexed fishes used to ascertain size at sexual maturity. The proportion of mature individuals increased between 6.70 and 13.00 cm SL for both males and female (Table 1). The smallest size at which mature specimens were observed for males was 6.70 cm and 7.20 cm for females. The first maturity sizes observed for S. Schall were (L50 = 10.05 cm) for males and (L50 = 9.05 cm) for females (Figs. 5 and 6).

Table 1. Size and weight class of sexed fishes
Male Female
Size class Weight class Size class Weight class
7.00–8.00 cm (4) 7.00–10.00 cm (1) 7.00–8.00 cm (8) 7.00–10.00 cm (0)
8.10–9.00 cm (6) 10.10–20.00 cm (11) 8.10–9.00 cm (22) 10.10–20.00 cm (29)
9.10–10.00 cm (3) 20.10–30.00 cm (2) 9.10–10.00 cm (16) 20.10–30.00 cm (24)
10.10–11.00 cm (6) 30.10–40.00 cm (6) 10.10–11.00 cm (14) 30.10–40.00 cm (7)
11.10–12.00 cm (7) 40.10–50.00 cm (7) 11.10–12.00 cm (4) 40.10–50.00 cm (7)
12.10–13.00 cm (2) 50.10–60.00 cm (2) 12.10–13.00 cm (3) 50.10–60.00 cm (1)
13.10–14.00 cm (1)
Download Excel Table
fas-26-4-256-g5
Fig. 5. Male ogive for size at first maturity.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g6
Fig. 6. Female ogive for size at first maturity.
Download Original Figure
Sex ratio

An overall of 130 specimens of S. schall were sexed. Of this number 54 males and 76 females were identified, which gave a sex ratio of 1:1.41. In the month of April (1:0.36), males significantly (p < 0.01) outnumbered females, while in August (1:2.09) females occurred in significantly higher proportions (p < 0.01) than males. Almost equal proportions of males and females were observed in July. The overall sex ratio (1:1.41) of the population when tested statistically showed no significant difference (χ2 = 3.723, df = 1, p > 0.05) from the anticipated 1:1 male to female ratio (Table 2).

Table 2. Monthly and overall sex ratio of Synodontis schall from River Siluko
Month No. of fish sexed No. of males No. of females Sex ratio (M:F) Chi-square (χ2)
March 2015 5 0 5 0:5 1.667
April 15 11 4 1:0.36* 3.267
May 1 0 1 0:1 0.091
June 0 0 0 0:0 0
July 41 21 20 1:0.95 0.024
August 68 22 46 1:2.09* 8.471
September 0 0 0 0:0 0
October 0 0 0 0:0 0
November 0 0 0 0:0 0
December 2015 0 0 0 0:0 0
January 2016 0 0 0 0:0 0
February 0 0 0 0:0 0
March 0 0 0 0:0 0
April 2016 0 0 0 0:0 0
Total 130 54 76 1:1.41 3.723

χ2 = 3.723.

* p < 0.01.

Download Excel Table
Maturity stages of gonads

Table 3 show the testes and ovaries classification based on the macroscopic appearance of the fresh gonads, using the maturation scheme by Nikolsky & Birkett (1963).

Table 3. Gonadal maturity stages in Synodontis schall
Maturity stage Male Female
I. IMMATURE Testes are small, elongated with smooth, tiny finger-like projections of almost equal sizes arising from the central axis. They are whitish in colour and occupies ¼ the VC length. GSI ranged from 0.35 to 1.24 (mean = 0.64) (Fig. 7). Ovaries are small, smooth, oval, translucent and pale white in colour with no visible occytes. Occupies ¼ the VC length. GSI varied from 0.27 to 1.44 with a mean of 0.60 (Fig. 10).
II. RESTING Testes are small, whitish and occuping ¼ the VC length. GSI varied from 0.40 to 3.51 with a mean of 1.34 (Fig. 8). Ovaries increases in size, creamy-yellow, with no visible oocytes. Occupies about ½ the VC length. GSI ranged from 1.13 to 12.32 (mean = 6.34) (Fig. 11).
III. RIPENING Testes increases in size, with finger-like projections becoming more conspicuous and larger as they progress to the anterior end. They are creamy-white in colour and occupies ½ the VC length. GSI ranged from 0.71 to 1.43 (mean = 1.03) (Fig. 9). Ovaries increases in size, creamy-yellow, with visible oocytes. Occupies about ½ the VC length. GSI range from 1.13 to 12.32 (mean 6.34) (Fig. 12).
IV. RIPE Not represented. Ovaries are enlarged, yellowish in colour with large number of ova distinctly visible. Occupies ¾ or the entire VC length. GSI ranged from 5.21 to 20.19 (mean = 12.35) (Fig. 13).
V. SPAWNING Not represented. Not represented.
VI. SPENT Not represented. Not represented.

GSI, gonadosomatic index.

Download Excel Table
Fecundity

For the twenty-eight (28) ripe females observed, fecundity varied from 1,020 to 4,520 eggs with a mean of 2,480.54 ± 970.24 and was determined in fish of total lengths of 9.20 to 19.00 cm, standard lengths of 7.50 to 13.00 cm, body weights of 12.11 to 52.78 g and ovary weights of 2.07 to 4.43 g. Eggs were observed to be oval, yellowish and of almost uniform size. Regression analysis of fecundity–standard length, fecundity–ovary weight and fecundity–body weight showed a positive relationship with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.347, 0.021 and 0.036 respectively with no significant correlation and regression (p > 0.05).

These are described by the equation
F = 1.0658 S L + 4.4347
(Fig. 14A)
F = 0.026 W + 3.3501
(Fig. 14B)
F = 0.0651 B W + 3.3565
(Fig. 14C)

Discussion

Size at first sexual maturity (L50)

The size and age at sexual maturity have been intensely related with growth, maximum size and longevity (Froese & Binohlan, 2000). The size at maturity of S. schall was 10.05 cm for males and 9.05 cm for females. When compared with the values of 16.0 and 15.0 cm for females and males of S. schall by Lalèyè et al. (2006), 28.2 and 29.4 cm by Mekkawy & Hassan (2011), and 26.4 and 23.1 cm for females and males respectively by Dadebo (2016) from studies in Benin, Egypt and Ethiopia, this showed a huge contrast. Environmental conditions have been known to induce phenotypic flexibility in fishes with changes in age and size at maturity (Wertheimer et al., 2004). Thus it can be inferred that size at first maturity varies within species and its bio-geographical zone (Sossoukpe et al., 2013).

Sex ratio

The overall sex ratios observed for the fish population in this study, showed a balanced population; since it was not substantially different from the anticipated 1:1 ratio. An overall sex ratio of 1:1.41 observed for S. schall, is similar to reported sex ratios for same species of 1:1.1 (Lalèyè et al., 2006), 1:1.04 (Mekkawy & Hassan, 2011), 1:1 (Akombo et al., 2011), 1:0.9 (Oboh et al., 2013), 1:1.35 (Akombo et al., 2015) and 1:1.39 (Dadebo, 2016). While Ebochuo et al. (2019) recorded a ratio of 2:1 for Synodontis omias were males outnumbered females. In all of these investigations almost equal proportions of males and females were obtained. This is also same for some related species, S. eupterus (0.96:1), S. clarias (1:1) and S. nigrita (1:1.47) by Shinkafi & Daneji (2011), Akombo et al. (2011) and Olojo et al. (2012) respectively. But in other related species, S. nigrita (1:2.5), S. membranaceus (1:2), S. resupinatus (1:8) and S. nigrita (1:3) females significantly outnumbered males (Akombo et al., 2011; Lalèyè et al., 2006; Olele & Etim, 2011). Differences in sex ratios among same and related fish may be due to the types of fishing gear used during sampling, mortality and survival rate among species, migration of different sexes during feeding and spawning, age difference and sex present during sampling (Oboh et al., 2014). Also, adult sex ratios influences pairing behaviors which include male to female, male to male and female to female interfaces (Alonzo & Sheldon, 2010).

fas-26-4-256-g7
Fig. 7. Immature testes of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g8
Fig. 8. Resting testes of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g9
Fig. 9. Ripening testes of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g10
Fig. 10. Immature ovaries of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g11
Fig. 11. Resting ovaries of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g12
Fig. 12. Ripening ovaries of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
fas-26-4-256-g13
Fig. 13. Ripe ovaries of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure
Gonad morphology and maturation

The presence of paired gonads is typical for most bony fishes. The possession of genital papilla in adult males is a distinguishing feature of most catfishes (Holden & Reed, 1972), with females generally bigger and weightier than males, with the largest gonads being the ripening and ripe in males and females respectively (Shinkafi & Daneji, 2011) which is evident of sexual dimorphism. This has similarly been reported for S. schall and S. nigrita in Oueme River (Lalèyè et al., 2006) and S. eupterus in River Rima (Shinkafi & Daneji, 2011). Maturity stages I, II, III and IV were observed for females and I, II and III for males. Spawning (stage V) and spent (stage VI) stages were not encountered during the course of study. Gonad development was observed to be closely associated with development and increase in visceral weight of the fish from the immature to mature stages. The absence of spawning and spent males and females may be due to seasonality, gear selectivity, time of sampling and human factors. Changes in water level may also change the course of fishing route and areas of coverage, since shallow areas become deeper and are avoided by fishermen.

Fecundity

For fecundity to be properly estimated attributes such as size at first sexual maturity (Hossain, 2010; Lambert, 2008), duration of spawning season, daily spawning behaviour and spawning fraction (Murua et al., 2003) are to be considered, but this was not the case for this study, as it was limited by female specimens being at various stages of ovarian-maturation, but other factors such as condition factor, GSI and ovary weight were considered. Absolute fecundity is the total number of eggs that are likely to be spawned in one spawning season (Kant et al., 2016) and ranged from 1,020 to 4,520 eggs (mean = 2,480 eggs). From the results of the study it was shown that fecundity was independent of standard length, ovary weight and body weight ovary, while information on the size at first sexual maturity for fecundity estimation for S. schall is almost none existent, thus its absence from this study. This indicates that an increase in the number of eggs in the ovaries does not necessitate a corresponding increase in the proportion of body length, body weight and gonad weight of the fish species (Hossain et al., 2012).

The fecundity of S. schall (1,020 to 4,520 eggs) in this study was observed to be much lower than those reported for same species; 7,910 to 64,450 eggs (Araoye, 2001), 1,841 to 15,076 eggs (Lalèyè et al., 2006), 1,440 to 102,600 eggs (Mekkawy & Hassan, 2011), 1,530 to 13,965 eggs (Oboh et al., 2013) and 983 to 3,797 eggs (Dadebo, 2016). It however, compares with that of S. nigrita (675 to 3,642 eggs) by Olele & Etim (2011). And was lower than the range of 11,014 to 16,903 eggs reported by Ebochuo et al. (2019) for S. omias. Fish fecundity is best estimated accurately using two morphometric variables taken together with less accuracy for length than weight variables (body weight and ovary weight) (Bhatt et al., 1977), with gonad weight being more accurate for estimating fish fecundity than the use of body length and weight (Hossain et al., 2012). But in reality this is not possible under field conditions for live specimens (Bhatt et al., 1977). The linear relationship between fecundity and standard length, fecundity and body weight as well as fecundity and ovary weight has previously been reported by various authors whom have worked on fish reproductive biology. Similarly the straight-line relationship reported for absolute fecundity with body parameters such as standard length, ovary weight and body weight were observed by the authors listed above. The changes in absolute fecundity recorded can be ascribed to changes in food availability, ecological conditions, density-dependent mechanisms, and fish size (Bagenal, 1978; Nikolsky, 1969; Sztramko & Teleki, 1977; Treasure, 1981).

Among members of the same species, variation in fecundity is an outcome of diverse adjustments to environmental surroundings like water temperature, changes in water level due to seasonality and pollution load (Witthames et al., 1995). Also within the same stock, variation in fecundity have been shown to vary annually, exhibit long-term change, proportionate to fish size and condition (Kjesbu et al., 1998; Murua et al., 2003; Rijnsdorp, 1991). Bagenal (1978) emphasized that there exists a wide fluctuations in fecundity among fishes of the same species, age and size. Females with the highest number of eggs did not have the highest standard lengths and body weights.

fas-26-4-256-g14
Fig. 14. Relationship between fecundity and standard length (A), body weight (B) and ovary weight (C) of Synodontis schall.
Download Original Figure

The presence of almost uniform sized eggs in S. shall is an indication that is a total spawner. This corroborates with previous studies of Lalèyè et al. (2006) and Oboh et al. (2013) for S. schall. This study has contributed to the existing data on the reproductive biology of S. shall in Nigeria. Also, findings from this study will serve as important fishery management tools in the conservation and utilization of this valuable freshwater fish species.

Competing interests

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Funding sources

Not applicable.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Ehigiator Aisosa Precious (Miss.) and the laboratory technicians of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin for their support in this work.

Availability of data and materials

Upon reasonable request, the datasets of this study can be available from the corresponding author.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study conformed to the guidance of animal ethical treatment for the care and use of experimental animals.

References

1.

Adedeji RA, Araoye PA. Study and characterization in the growth of body parts of Synodontis schall (Pisces: Mochokidae) from Asa Dam, Ilorin, Nigeria. Niger J Fish. 2005; 2:219-44.

2.

Adewumi AA, Idowu OE, Bamisile ST. Food and feeding habits of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Egbe reservoir, Ekiti state, Nigeria. Anim Res Int. 2014; 11:2041-7.

3.

Akombo PM, Akange ET, Atile JI. Age and growth of catfish Synodontis schall, (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the lower Benue river, at Makurdi, Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud. 2015; 2:184-90.

4.

Akombo PM, Akange ET, Adikwu IA, Araoye PA. Length-weight relationship, condition factor and feeding habits of Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the river Benue, at Makurdi, Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud. 2014; 1:42-8.

5.

Akombo PM, Atile JI, Adikwu IA, Araoye PA. Morphometric measurements and growth patterns of four species of the genus Synodontis (Cuvier, 1816) from lower Benue river, Makurdi, Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquac. 2011; 3:263-70

6.

Alonzo SH, Sheldon BC. Population density, social behaviour and sex allocation.In In: Székely T, Moore AJ, Komdeur J, editors.editors Social behaviour: genes, ecology and evolution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2010; p p. 474-88

7.

Araoye PA. Morphology of the gonads in the reproductive cycle of Synodontis schall (Pisces: Mochokidae) in Asa Lake Ilorin, Nigeria. J Aquat Sci. 2001; 16:105-10

8.

Arimoro FO, Ikomi RB, Osalor EC. The impact of sawmill wood wastes on the water quality and fish communities of Benin river, Niger Delta area, Nigeria. World J Zool. 2006; 1:94-102.

9.

Bagenal TB. Aspects of fish fecundity.In In: Gerking SD, editor.editor Ecology of freshwater fish production. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publication. 1978; p p. 75-101.

10.

Bhatt VS, Dalal SG, Abidi SAH. Fecundity of the freshwater catfishes Mystus seenghala (Sykes), Mystus cavasius (Ham), Wallagonia attu (Bloch) and Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) from the plains of northern India. Hydrobiologia. 1977; 54:219-24

11.

Brown-Peterson NJ, Wyanski DM, Saborido-Rey F, Macewicz BJ, Lowerre-Barbieri SK. A standardized terminology for describing reproductive development in fishes. Mar Coast Fish. 2011; 3:52-70

12.

Dadebo E. Length-weight relationship, breeding season, sex ratio, maturity and fecundity of the Nile catfish Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Pisces: Mochokidae) in lake Chamo, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Sci Technol. 2016; 9:87-102

13.

Dadebo E, Ahlgren G, Ahlgren I. Aspects of reproductive biology of Labeo horie Heckel (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in lake Chamo, Ethiopia. Afr J Ecol. 2003; 41:31-8

14.

Ebochuo VC, Asika M, Onwuka CN, Anyaegbu F. Analysis on fecundity, gonadosamatic index and sex ratio of Synodontisomias (Gunther, 1864) from Otamiri river, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria. J Microbiol Immunol Biotechnol. 2019; 6:5-7.

15.

Froese R, Binohlan C. Empirical relationships to estimate asymptotic length, length at first maturity and length at maximum yield per recruit in fishes, with a simple method to evaluate length frequency data. J Fish Biol. 2000; 56:758-73

16.

Holden M, Reed W. West African nature handbook: West African freshwater fish. London: Longman. 1972.

17.

Hossain MY. Morphometric relationships of length-weight and length-length of four Cyprinid small indigenous fish species from the Padma river (NW Bangladesh). Turk J Fish Aquat Sci. 2010; 10:131-4

18.

Hossain MY, Rahman MM, Abdallah EM. Relationships between body size, weight, condition and fecundity of the threatened fish Puntius ticto (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges river, northwestern Bangladesh. Sains Malays. 2012; 41:803-14.

19.

Idodo-Umeh G. Freshwater fishes of Nigeria: taxonomy, ecological notes, diet and utilization. Benin City: Idodo Umeh. 2003.

20.

Kant KR, Gupta K, Langer S. Fecundity in fish Puntius sophore and relationship of fecundity with fish length, fish weight and ovary weight from Jammu water bodies J and K (India). Int J Fish Aquac Sci. 2016; 6:99-110.

21.

Kjesbu OS, Witthames PR, Solemdal P, Greer Walker M. Temporal variations in the fecundity of Arcto-Norwegian cod (Gadus morhua) in response to natural changes in food and temperature. J Sea Res. 1998; 40:303-32

22.

Lalèyè P, Chikou A, Gnohossou P, Vandewalle P, Philippart JC, Teugels G. Studies on the biology of two species of catfish Synodontis schall and Synodontis nigrita (Ostariophysi: Mochokidae) from the Ouémé river, Bénin. Belg J Zool. 2006; 136:193-201.

23.

Lambert Y. Why should we closely monitor fecundity in marine fish populations?. J Northwest Atl Fish Sci. 2008; 41:93-106

24.

Mbu-oben P. Age, growth and reproductive biology of some Mormyrid species in Lekki lagoon, Nigeria. [Ph.D. Thesis]University of Ibadan. 1995.

25.

Mekkawy IAA, Hassan AA. Some reproductive parameters of Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) from the River Nile, Egypt. J Fish Aquat Sci. 2011; 6:456-71

26.

Murua H, Kraus G, Saborido-Rey F, Witthames PR, Thorsen A, Junquera S. Procedures to estimate fecundity of marine fish species in relation to their reproductive strategy. J Northwest Atl Fish Sci. 2003; 33:33-54

27.

Nikolsky GV. The ecology of fishes. London: Academic Press. 1963.

28.

Nikolsky GV. Theory of fish population dynamics: as the biological background for rational exploitation and management of fishery resources. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd. 1969.

29.

Oboh IP, Ogbeibu AE, Ogoanah SO. Gonadal development, fecundity and spawning pattern of Synodontis schall (Pisces: Mochokidae) from Jamieson river, Nigeria. Res Rev J Zool Sci. 2013; 1:13-23.

30.

Oboh IP, Omoigberale MO, Mbaka EG. Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Elephant-nose fish, Gnathonemus petersii Gunther, 1862 (Osteichthytes: Mormyridae) in Ovia River, Edo State, Nigeria. Biol Environ Sci J Trop. 2014; 11:321-8.

31.

Olaosebikan BD, Raji A. Field guide to Nigerian freshwater fishes. New Bussa: Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology. 1998.

32.

Olele NF, Etim L. Some aspects of the biology of Synodontis nigrita (Curvier and Valencienes, 1864) in Onah lake, Asaba, Nigeria. J Agric Biol Sci. 2011; 6:56-63.

33.

Olojo EAA, Dosumu AO, Olurin KB. Fecundity and gonadosomatic index of Synodontis nigrita from River Osun southwest Nigeria. J Fish Int. 2012; 7:26-9

34.

Olojo EAA, Olurin KB, Osikoya OJ. Food and feeding habits of Synodontis nigrita from the Osun River, SW Nigeria. NAGA World Fish Cent Q. 2003; 26:21-4.

35.

Omotosho JS. Analysis of fish species composition of Oyun mini-dam, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. J West Afr Sci Assoc. 1993; 36:37-48.

36.

Rijnsdorp AD. Changes in fecundity of female North sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) between three periods since 1900. ICES J Mar Sci. 1991; 48:253-80

37.

Shinkafi BA, Argungu LA, Akanbi HS. Food and feeding habits of catfish (Synodontis nigrita Cuvier and Valenciennes) in river Rima, Sokoto, Nigeria. Niger J Basic Appl Sci. 2010; 18:304-7

38.

Shinkafi BA, Daneji AI. Morphology of the gonads of Synodontis eupterus (Boulenger) from river Rima, north-western Nigeria. Int J Zool Res. 2011; 7:382-92

39.

Sossoukpe E, Nunoo FKE, Dankwa HR. Population structure and reproductive parameters of the Longneck croaker, Pseudotolithus typus (Pisces, Bleeker, 1863) in nearshore waters of Benin (West Africa) and their implications for management. Agric Sci. 2013; 4:9-18

40.

Sztramko L, Teleki GC. Annual variations in the fecundity of yellow perch from Long Point Bay, Lake Erie. Trans Am Fish Soc. 1977; 106:578-82

41.

Treasure JW. Some aspects of the reproductive biology of perch Perca fluviatilis L. Fecundity, maturation and spawning behaviour. J Fish Biol. 1981; 18:729-40

42.

Wertheimer AC, Heard WR, Maselko JM, Smoker WW. Relationship of size at return with environmental variation, hatchery production, and productivity of wild pink salmon in Prince William Sound, Alaska: does size matter?. Rev Fish Biol Fish. 2004; 14:321-34

43.

Witthames PR, Walker MG, Dinis MT, Whiting CL. The geographical variation in the potential annual fecundity of dover sole Solea solea (L.) from European shelf waters during 1991. Neth J Sea Res. 1995; 34:45-58