Fecundity Estimation of Atlantic mudskipperPeriophthalmus barbarusin Ogbo-Okolo mangrove Forest of Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

RationaleFecundity estimation and reproductive biology of Atlantic mudskippers(Periophthalmus barbarus)in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria needs to be studied.ObjectivesTo estimate fecundity, gonadosomatic index, and condition factor ofP. barbarusand describe its reproductive biology.MethodsP. barbarusspecimens were collected from Ogbo-Okolo mangrove forest in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Length, weight, and gonad weight measurements were taken. Fecundity was estimated by the gravimetric method. Length-weight relationship, condition factor, and gonadosomatic index were calculated. Ovarian developmental stages were identified.ResultsHighest mean fecundity of 9612.7 eggs was observed in females of 10.1-12.0 cm standard length and 20.0-27.9 g weight. Length-weight relationship showed specimens were in good condition. Gonadosomatic index was higher in smaller individuals. Four ovarian developmental stages were identified.ConclusionP. barbarusexhibits high fecundity. Reproductive potential is greater in intermediate sized individuals compared to smaller or larger fish.RecommendationsSustainable management practices should be implemented to conserveP. barbarusstocks in the Niger Delta region. Further research into reproductive behavior and ecology is needed.

The Niger Delta is Under a Pollution Warning: Hydrocarbon profiles in crude oil polluted soil remediated withPleurotus ostreatusandEisenia fitida

“…Environmental pollution emerges as a prominent concern among the multifaceted impacts stemming from human technological progress (Abaya et al, 2023a, b; Erezina et al, 2023a, b; Samuel et al, 2023). This pollution, stemming from various industrial activities and anthropogenic sources, exerts detrimental effects on ecosystems, endangering the well-being of humans, animals, microorganisms, and plants alike (Cook et al, 2016; Morufu and Clinton, 2017; Raimi and Sabinus, 2017a, b; Olalekan et al, 2017b; Raimi et al, 2017; Premoboere and Raimi, 2018; Raimi et al, 2018; Olalekan et al, 2018a, b; Odipe et al, 2018; Raimi et al, 2019a, b, c, d; Suleiman et al, 2019; Raimi, 2019; Olalekan et al, 2019a; Henry et al, 2019a, b; Olalekan et al, 2020; Okoyen et al, 2020; Raimi et al, 2020; Deinkuro et al, 2021a, b; Morufu et al, 2021a, b, c; Afolabi and Morufu, 2021; Koleayo et al, 2021; Olalekan et al, 2021; Afolabi and Raimi, 2021; Raimi et al, 2021a, b; Olalekan et al, 2022a, b; Raimi et al, 2022a, b, c, d, e; Raimi and Sawyerr, 2022; Omoyajowo et al, 2022; Raimi and Odubo, 2022; Digha et al, 2022; Ifeanyichukwu et al, 2022; Clinton-Ezekwe et al, 2022; Stephen et al, 2022; Awogbami et al, 2022; Rauf and Raimi, 2023; Kader et al, 2023; Raheem et al, 2023; Olalekan et al, 2023; Jacob et al, 2023; Raimi et al, 2023; Yusuf et al, 2023; Kader et al, 2023a, b; Glory et al, 2023; Stephen et al, 2023; Sylvester et al, 2023; Saliu et al, 2023; Ayibatonyo et al, 2024a, b; Omoyajowo et al, 2024; Kwen et al, 2024).…”