Physical and Physiological Status of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) From Lake Alau Maiduguri Nigeria

Clarias gariepinus is undoubtedly a fish of high economic interest in Nigeria. Due to its wide acceptability as food fish, there is a need to monitor the health conditions of the fish in culture and capture environment to guarantee its sustainable production. This study therefore, investigates the physical and heamatological profile of C. gariepinus, captured from Lake Alau. Water and fish samples were collected monthly for three months. Water samples were analysed for nitrate, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and temperature following standard procedures. Samples of C. gariepinus (n=30) were obtained from fishermen catches. Standard Length (SL) and Body Weight (BW) were measured. Length-Weight Relationships and condition factor were also calculated. Red Blood Cells (RBC, 1012l-1), Packed Cell Volume (PCV, %), Protein (g l-1) and Albumin (g l-1) were determined following standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean values obtained for Nitrate (1.05±0.77 mgl-1), DO (6.40±0.36 mgl-1) and temperature (24.37±0.30 oC) were optimum. The SL and BW ranged from 28.2 to 34.5 cm and 210.0 to 350.0 g, respectively. C. gariepinus in Lake Alau exhibit negative allometric growth (1.73), while Condition factor (0.96±0.14) indicates suitability of the environment for this species. RBC, PCV, protein and albumin were 5.92±2.91, 0.35±0.08, 35.14±5.82 and 13.02±2.06, respectively. The haematological profile of C. gariepinus in Lake Alau as documented was optimum and compared well with species from other water bodies.