Aquaculture America 2024

February 18 - 21, 2024

San Antonio, Texas

MORPHOMETRIC AND MERISTIC VARIATION OF CICHLIDS IN ZOBE RESERVOIR, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Hauwau Abubakar Salele*1, Akeem Babatunde Dauda1, Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi1 and Olukayode Amos Sogbesan2 ,

1Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina state, Nigeria.

2Department of Fisheries, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria

*Correspondence: hauwausalele26@gmail.com

 



 Morphomeristic methods are ancient methods of fish taxonomy and is still in use globally. Tilapia are  diverse species with high similarities that needs proper identification, hence, the needs for detailed analysis of morpho-meristics traits. This  study investigates the similarities and differences among the Cichlids species in Zobe reservoir using morphometric characteristics and meristic counts. A total of 100 fish  samples that belongs to the  Cichlidae family were obtained from Zobe reservoir and identified using field guide. Out of the fish collected, 72 were used for the morphomeristic analysis (18 per species identified) using 24 morphometric characteristics and 6 meristic counts .  Morphometric and meristic data were normalized and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysis with PAST Software.  Four species,  Oreochromis niloticus,  Oreochromis  mossambicus, Coptodon zilli and Sarotherodon galilaeus  belonging to three genera were identified in the study area.  The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) resolved 3 components which accounted for 83.32% of the total between species variation but still showed high level of overlaps among the species. The overlap was for  Oreochromis niloticus,  Oreochromis  mossambicus and Sarotherodon galilaeus. 1st and 2nd Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) accounts for 92.34 % and 95.0% in morphometric and meristic counts of among-group total variability respectively. The Discriminant analysis for morphometric data showed partial speciation and overlaps between the species, while meristic counts revealed complete speciation in gill rakers, lateral line scales, number of dorsal and anal rays. Morphomeristic identification of cichlids should be based on meristic counts especially gill rakers, lateral line scale, dorsal and anal rays. Therefore, field guide with meristic counts should be always employed.