Last Updated on November 1, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Makinde Durodola
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has reaffirmed the importance of scientific research in advancing sustainable fisheries management, as Dr. Mathew Ipadeola explored the biological characteristics and fisheries potential of silver catfish in Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary, Southwest Nigeria.
The research was presented at the October 2026 Monthly Seminar of the University’s Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), held today, October 28, 2026, at the Institute’s Seminar Room.
Titled “Comparative Studies of the Biology and Fisheries Potential of Silver Catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) in Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary, South-West Nigeria,” the study seeks to generate scientific evidence to support the sustainable exploitation, conservation and aquaculture development of the species.
The research highlights the critical role of fisheries in food security, employment and income generation, while underscoring the need for reliable scientific data to address declining fish production and promote the effective management of aquatic resources.
The study examined the biological characteristics of silver catfish across freshwater and brackish-water ecosystems, focusing on morphometric and meristic characteristics, length-weight relationships, reproductive biology, feeding habits and the physicochemical properties of the two water bodies.
For the investigation, 200 silver catfish specimens were obtained from local fishers, comprising 100 specimens each from Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary. Sampling covered six stations: Ilakan, Imala Odo and Ibaro around Oyan Lake, as well as Ebute Jegba, Topo and Iworo in Badagry.
The morphometric assessment examined measurable features, including body length, weight, depth and head dimensions, while the meristic analysis focused on countable characteristics such as fin rays, spines, gill rakers and barbels. These assessments are designed to establish possible variations in the species’ physical characteristics and growth patterns across the two aquatic environments.
The reproductive component evaluates fecundity and the gonadosomatic index, which relates gonad weight to body weight to assess reproductive development. The feeding assessment, meanwhile, involves examining stomach contents to identify food items consumed by the fish and determine their frequency of occurrence.
The study also investigated water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, salinity and hardness. These environmental indicators would be examined alongside the biological characteristics of the fish to establish possible relationships between water conditions, growth and reproductive performance.
The findings are expected to deepen scientific understanding of the species’ growth, feeding patterns, reproductive biology and environmental adaptations, providing valuable information for fisheries resource management, biodiversity conservation and aquaculture development.
The seminar reflected IFSERAR’s commitment to promoting research, knowledge exchange and scientific engagement in support of food security, environmental sustainability and agricultural development.
Ultimately, the research is expected to contribute to the sustainable utilisation of aquatic resources, improved fisheries management and increased fish production, with potential benefits for livelihoods, employment and national food security.
#SDG2, #SDG8, #SDG12, #SDG14
