Abstract

Recently, quarry products have been extensively mined and transported around the cities of Southwestern part of Nigeria. The research was aimed to assess the length-weight relationship, growth rate and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus exposed to quarry particles. Two hundred (200) juveniles of Clarias gariepinus were acclimatized for 14 days in a calibrated tank of 100 × 35 × 50 cm (L x W x H) with 50 L of distilled water. The fish were randomly assembled into four treatments: control (no quarry particles) T1 and three treatments groups of 150g (T2), 65g (T3) and 250g (T4) of quarry dust particles for twelve weeks. Their growth pattern and physical condition were constantly monitored weekly. The length-weight relationship, growth pattern, condition factors of the fishes exposed were established using recommended procedures and formula. Simple linear regression slope (b) of the fish species fell within 0.048 and 0.068, which means negative allometric growth pattern. Significant negative allometric growth recorded suggested poor growth rate in both length and weight of the fishes which might have been hindered due to introduced quarry particles. Therefore, quarry particles are growth inhibitors to fish and its mining especially close to water bodies should be restrained.

Key words: Allometric growth, Clarias gariepinus, Condition factor, Growth pattern, Quarry particles