Investigating the Fecundity and Condition Factor of Heterotis niloticus in a Freshwater Ecosystem: A Case Study of Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the fecundity, sex ratio, and condition factor of Heterotis niloticus in Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 99 samples were collected for 6 months between January - June 2023 using castnets, baited hooks, and gill nets in three stations. Gravimetric method was used to calculate fecundity using the equation:  Fecundity = \(\frac{\text { Ovary weight } \mathrm{x} \text { number of eggs in the subsample }}{\text { Sub sample weight }}\), condition factor was determined for 1 year using Tukey's multiple comparisons of the means and ANOVA. Results showed that fecundity varied monthly, with the highest mean value in January (28003.00±37883.24) and lowest in June (2151.00±733.98). The condition factor ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 across stations.  The sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 across seasons and size classes; however, males were slightly more numerous, likely due to differential growth rates between the sexes. The result showed that H. niloticus spawns more during the wet season with the highest egg, and it thrive perfectly well in Epie Creek. These findings provide valuable insights into the breeding potential and reproductive timing of H. niloticus, supporting aquaculture development and sustainable practices.