Comparative analysis of Oreochromis niloticus and a putative hybrid (Wesafu): A Search for morphometric identity

Abstract

Oreochromis nilotics is an important aquaculture species worldwide. Members of the tilapiine family hybridize easily in nature. The present study was conducted to examine the morphometric and meristic characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus from New Calabar River and a putative hybrid called Wesafu found in Epe Laggon. The study was based on the hypothesis that the tilapia hybrid will possess traits which will be intermediate to those of O. niloticus. A total of 24 morphometric measurements and 8 meristic counts were used to generate data which were analyzed using t-test. The total length of Wesafu and O. niloticus fish ranged from 7.00 -24.5cm and 12.00 -15.5cm respectively. Our study rejected the hypothesis of mid-values Additionally, the total length and body weight relationship were found to be a straight line in logarithmic scale expressed Log BW = 2.7724 Log TL - 1.6171 and Log BW = 2.8442 Log TL - 1.7114 for both Wesafu and O. niloticus respectively. The value of regression co-efficient "b" obtained for the length-weight relationship of Wesafu and O. niloticus was 2.7 and 2.8 respectively.