LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS AND CONDITION FACTORS OF SYNODONTIS SPECIES IN THE LOWER BENUE RIVER, NIGERIA

Length-weight relationships (LWRs) and conditions factors of selected Synodontis species from the Lower Benue River, Makurdi, Nigeria was studied from January -December 2023. A total of one thousand, one hundred and three (1,103) individuals from three species S. membranaceus, S. courteti and S. batensoda were obtained monthly from four sampling locations with the help of fishers. The length and weight measurements were taken using a measuring board and an electronic balance respectively to determine Fulton's growth patterns and condition factors. The length ranged between 5 and 42.5cm (S.batensoda), 5-47 and 510cm(S.courteti) and 10 and 65.4cm (S. membranaceus). The weight ranged from 70 to 489g (S.batensoda), 98 to 776g (S.courteti) and 150-1500g (S. membranaceus). The growth coefficient (K) were respectively 1.902 ± 0.0388, 2.100±0.065 and 2.235 ±0.051 for S. batensoda, S. courteti and S.membranaceus showing that all the fish species exhibited negative allometry since the values were less than 3 (<3) such that the growth favours length against the weight. The coefficient of determination/regression (r2) showed strong and positive correlation with S. batensoda but weak correlation with both S. membranaceus and S. courteti. These findings suggest that conservation measures need to be taken to improve the fish health and physiological condition in the area