COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GROWTH PATTERN AND CONDITION FACTOR OF CICHLIDS FROM AJIWA, MAIRUWA, AND SABKE RESERVOIRS KATSINA STATE, NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

The growth pattern and condition factor of five Tilapia species found in Ajiwa, Sabke, and Mairuwa Reservoirs were studied over 12 months (July 2024 to June 2025). One thousand, one hundred and seventy Cichlids were randomly sampled from three (3) major landing sites of each reservoir. Morphometric measurements were done using a ruler for length (cm) and a sensitive weighing scale for weight (g). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and an independent sample t-test were performed on the data at a 5% significance level. While the length-weight relationship was analysed using Microsoft Excel. The results showed that, Oreochromis niloticus from Ajiwa reservoir had significantly higher mean total length (13.33cm±0.31), weight (51.44g±3.73), and condition factor (1.86±0.21) compared to those in Mairuwa (1.65±0.025) and Sabke (1.71±0.019) reservoirs, respectively. The mean total length (16.47cm±0.22) and weight (80.18g±2.81) of Sarotherodon galilaeus were significantly higher in Mairuwa than in Sabke reservoir. The results showed no significant differences in Coptodon zillii and Hemichromis fasciatus found in all three water bodies. The results of this study indicated a positive allometric growth pattern for O. niloticus in Ajiwa and Mairuwa reservoirs while the population in Sabke exhibited a negative allometric growth pattern. Conversely, Chromidotilapia guntheri from Ajiwa reservoir showed negative allometric growth, whereas those found in Sabke and Mairuwa displayed a positive allometric growth pattern. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the biological conditions of cichlids across the three studied locations and emphasizes the importance of habitat-specific management strategies.