Abstract:
Hepsetus odoe is a commercially valuable fish and is considered as endemic to Nigeria. The growth patterns and
condition factor of Hepsetus odoe from Lake Eleyele, Oyo State were investigated as an aspect of its biology
essential for bringing it to culture. A Total of 205 specimens (55 and 150, males and females, respectively) were
collected between June, 2012 and August, 2012. The morphometric indices such as Total Length (TL), Standard
Length (SL), Body Weight (BW) and Stomach Weight (SW) were assessed using standard methods. Also, the
length-weight relationship (W=aLb) and Condition factor (100W/L3) were calculated. Sex ratio of 1:3 (Males and
Females) was obtained which shows a female dominated population. The Standard length (SL) and body weight
(BW) ranged from 16.60-30.50 cm and 51.0-250.0 g respectively. Length-weight relationship equations were
calculated as:
Log BW=2.051+3.105log SL (r=0.93)
This analysis showed significant relationship between the standard length, body weight and stomach weight. The
relative condition factor (Kn) calculated ranged from 0.99-2.14 while the mean K value was 1.24. The condition
factor fall within the range recommended for freshwater fish species in the tropics. The growth pattern indicates that
the fish follows cube law and exhibited positive
