IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RJPST )

E-ISSN 2579-0536
P-ISSN 2695-2696
VOL. 7 NO. 3 2024
DOI: 10.56201/rjpst.v7.no3.2024.pg33.46

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Community Structure of Mochokidae (Jordan,1923) Species from the Lower Benue River, Nigeria

Iorchor, S. I, Deekae, S.N, Otene B. B.

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Abstract

The community structure of mochokidae (Jordan,1923) species from the Lower Benue River, Nigeria was studied between January to December 2023. Fish samples (Mochokidae) were sampled monthly from four sampling locations with the help of fishers following the standard method. The obtained data were subjected to the software, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for the descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, standard deviation and the inferential statistics for the determination of significant difference at probability level of 5%. A total of 1103 individual from the three species (Synodontis membranaceus, S. courteti, S. batensoda) were encountered. S. membraneceus dominated the species while fishes were most abundant in station 2 (394) but least in station 4(232). Diversity indices varied across the stations with Simpson Dominance index highest in stations 4 and 2 respectively for all the species studied. Shannon Wienner values showed that the area is moderately polluted. A systematic management approach like comprehensive rational planning, precautionary and adaptive approaches toward management and development of Riverine areas is hereby recommended. Furthermore, government should take immediate action through public awareness and education to regulate fishing activities.

keywords:

Community structure, Mochokid species, Lower Benue River, Nigeria

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