SUMMARY

This study aims to provide information on the length-weight relationship and condition factor of this valuable fish species which will aid in its management in the lake. Length-weight relationship and changes in the condition factor of B. docmac were analyzed from samples collected between May 2008-April 2009, in Lake Akata an ox-bow Lake of River Katsina-Ala, a tributary of River Benue. The mean weight and standard lengths of (n = 510) unsexed individuals of B. docmac, were 388.2(g) ±12.9 and 26.14(cm) ±0.54. The growth pattern of both male and female B. docmac was determined to be approximately allometric. The Length-Weight relationship equation for male and female B. docmac were LogW= - 1.5935 + 2.8367 Logl and LogW= - 1.2606 + 2.6093 Logl, respectively. The combined length weight relationship for both sexes was Log W = – 1.5314 + 2.7942 Log L. The overall condition factor was 1.62±0.02 for males and females combined but individually, female B. docmac were in better condition (1.62±0.04) compared to the males (1.61±0.03). The variation in physiological, condition could be associated with sex ratio and reproductive activity. There was a higher correlation coefficient value in the length-weight for both sexes of B. docmac. Both sexes exhibited negative allometric growth pattern. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the mean condition factor of male and female B. docmac (p>0.05). The condition factor for B. docmac observed in dry season (1.62±0.03) was statistically same with the mean value of wet season (1.61±0.04) (p>0.05).