Olufeagba SO, Okomoda VT* and Benny
This study investigated some aspect of the biology of Labeo coubie Ruppell, 1832 and Labeo senegalensis Valenciennes, 1842 from lower River Benue (between June and September 2013). The length-weight relationship, condition factor, and feeding habits of fish samples were determined. Result obtained revealed higher biometric parameters for male specimen compared to the female in both species (P<0.05), sex ratio was approximately 1:1. Length-weight relationship revealed isometric growth in both sexes of L. senegalensis and in male L. coubie (b=3), while female L. coubie had negative allometric growth (b=2.63). Condition factor analysis indicates the suitability of the environment for the species. Feeding habit for both species revealed an omnivorous pattern and the spectrum of food isolated in the stomach includes detritus, algae, insect parts, plant material, mud/sand, and some unidentified food items. While Algae dominated the feed of male (39%) and female (34) L. coubie, detritus was most significant in the diet of L. senegalensis (42 and 32% for male and female). Nutritional trials should be conducted using wild fingerlings to evaluate domestication potentials of these fish.
