Effect of Season on Catch rate, Diet and Aspects of Reproduction of Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei: Clariidae) in a Tropical Waterfalls

The African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) are highly valued food-fish and are among the dominant fishes of commercial catches in major rivers in Africa. The aim of the present study was to provide data on reproductive biology, diet habits, length–weight relationship and condition factor that can be useful for conservation and propagation of this species. The study was carried out over 24 months in the three reaches of the 200 km- long of Agbokum waterfalls, Nigeria. The influence of season on catch rate, reproduction and diet was determined from catch samples. There was a significant difference in the catch rate between the dry and wet seasons. Peak catch occurred during the early and late rains. The peak breeding period was June - July. The fish were omnivorous, with trophic flexibility being related to food availability. The condition of the fish was better downstream of the waterfalls than the other two reaches, but declined during dry season and improved during early and late rains. Therefore downstream reaches during wet season are significant in the fisheries studies of waterfalls