Some Aspects of Ecology of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede) in River Niger, Nigeria

A study on the food and feeding habit of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede) was conducted in River Niger within the region of Oshimili local government area of Delta State Nigeria. A total of 90 specimens were collected with the help of fishermen using gill net, cast net and traps. The fish samples were immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. Morphometric characteristics such as weight, length, condition factor, egg weight, Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) and sex ratio were determined. The stomach content was analyzed using numerical method to determine the food content. The total length of the fish sampled ranged from 14.40-44.60 cm, while the standard length varied from 11.00 cm to 47.00 cm and the fish body weight ranged between 19.00 g to 503.20 g. Sex ratio 1 female to 1 male was observed. The mean condition factor for both male and female obtained was 1.67. Of all the 90 fishes sampled, none had empty gut representing 100%. The major food items were phytoplankton, plant part and Detritus. Out of 41 females sampled, only 17 had eggs and the eggs were matured at stage IV.