Journal Article

Fish Diversity and Some Aspects of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Gurara Water Fall, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Study on the fishery diversity and physico - chemical parameters of Gurara waterfall, Niger State was conducted between June and September, 2015. Six different species belonging to four families were recorded during the period of study. Family Clariidae was the most diverse with three species, including Clarias anguillaris, Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis. Tilapia zillii and Heterobranchus longifilis recorded the highest and lowest number of fishes caught respectively. There was difference in fish number across the stations during the period of study, which did not differ significantly (P<0.05). There was also difference in fish diversity at the stations and months. Diversity indices showed differences in fish diversity at different location in the waterfall. The diversity of the fish species in the waterfall is low. There were fluctuations in the physico – chemical parameters recorded during the study period. Dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved matter, BOD, Phosphate - phosphorus and Nitrate – nitrogen were significant at(P<0.05), while transparency and temperature did not show any significant difference (P<0.05). The range of this parameters fall within the acceptable values for fish survival. There should be routine monitoring of water quality and continuous assessment of the fish caught from the waterfall to ensure better safety of consumers.

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