The Big Picture: Understanding the reproductive patterns of local fish species is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management in developing regions.
The Study: Researchers examined the fecundity, sex ratio, and condition factor of Heterotis niloticus (African bonytongue) in Epie Creek, Nigeria, over a 6-month period using various fishing methods and statistical analyses.
The Discovery: The study found that H. niloticus has higher fecundity during the wet season, with peak egg production in January. The fish population showed a balanced sex ratio and good condition factors, indicating a healthy and well-adapted population in Epie Creek.
The Takeaway: These findings provide valuable insights into the breeding potential and reproductive timing of H. niloticus, which can support the development of sustainable aquaculture practices and inform fisheries management strategies in the region.