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Research Article Volume 14 Issue 3
Comparative analysis of somatic and otolith parameters in wild and cultured clarias gariepinus from Katsina state, Nigeria
Taofik Ademola Babatunde, Dada Ajoke Taofeekat
Received: November 14, 2025 | Published: December 1, 2025
Citation: Babatunde TA, Taofeekat DA. Comparative analysis of somatic and otolith parameters in wild and cultured clarias gariepinus from Katsina state, Nigeria. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2025;14(3):120-122. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2025.14.00431
Abstract
Fish are valuable bioindicators for monitoring aquatic environments, with somatic indices reflecting nutritional and reproductive status, while otoliths provide insights into life history traits. This study compared somatic and otolith parameters of wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus in Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 150 specimens were collected from Zobe Dam (wild) and the biological garden of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (cultured). Total length ranged from 18.3–33.5cm (wild) and 16.9–40.0cm (cultured), with no significant difference (t = 1.98; p >0.05). Wet weight varied between 10.7–100.5g (wild) and 25.5– 450.0g (cultured), showing significant differences (t = 13.87; p <0.05). Otolith dimensions (length and width) were significantly greater in cultured fish (p<0.05). Length–weight relationships revealed positive allometric growth in cultured specimens (b = 3.125) and negative allometric growth in wild specimens (b = 1.231). Water quality parameters were within tolerance limits for catfish, although dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in the wild (6.67mg L⁻¹; p<0.05), while ammonia nitrogen was elevated in the cultured system (p<0.05). These findings demonstrate that otolith morphometrics can effectively discriminate between wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus, highlighting their potential as markers of rearing origin.
Keywords: Otolith, catfish, cultured and wild environmnt, Katsina
©2025 Babatunde, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.