International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 275-286 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 277 different environments in Nigeria. For instance, Adewumi et al. (2021) found that E. fimbriata from Lagos Lagoon exhibited predominantly negative allometric growth, attributed to seasonal shifts in food availability. High K values were recorded during the wet season, suggesting improved feeding conditions, while lower values in the dry season reflected ecological stress. Catfishes such as Chrysichthys macropogon and Clarias gariepinus are economically important demersal species in Nigeria. They are highly valued for their commercial significance and nutritional content. Udo et al. (2019) examined LWR and condition factor of Chrysichthys species in Cross River estuary, reporting both positive and negative allometric growth patterns depending on habitat conditions. Similarly, Akintade et al. (2023) documented spatial variations in K values of C. macropogon, noting that fish from less disturbed sites exhibited better body condition. For Clarias gariepinus, one of the most widely cultured species in aquaculture, studies have shown that environmental factors such as water quality and feeding regimes strongly influence LWR and K. Ibrahim et al. (2022) observed that wild C. gariepinus populations in northern Nigerian rivers generally had lower condition factors compared to cultured populations, indicating the influence of ecological stressors on wild stocks. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a major freshwater fish with both ecological and commercial relevance in Nigeria. It supports aquaculture ventures and local capture fisheries. Studies have reported that its growth patterns are highly variable across ecosystems. Nwani et al. (2020) found positive allometric growth in tilapia populations from less disturbed rivers, while populations from polluted streams exhibited negative allometric growth. The condition factor was lower in stressed environments, pointing to reduced fitness and reproductive potential. Since tilapia is both a commercial aquaculture species and a staple in capture fisheries, monitoring its LWR and K is crucial for food security and economic planning. Other freshwater species such as mormyrids (Mormyrus rume), cichlids, and various cyprinids have also been studied in Nigerian waters. Akinyemi et al. (2021) assessed LWR and K of several freshwater species in River Ogun and concluded that environmental variability, coupled with artisanal fishing intensity, accounted for differences in growth patterns. The findings underscore the importance of LWR and K as reliable indicators of ecological health and stress in freshwater systems. 1.2 Ecological and economic importance of LWR and condition factor studies Investigating LWR and K in Nigerian fish species provides more than just biological data—it has both ecological and economic implications. Ecologically, these parameters help identify habitats under stress, monitor seasonal changes in stock health, and detect early warning signals of overfishing or environmental degradation (Olanrewaju et al., 2023). Economically, they guide fisheries managers and policymakers in developing sustainable harvesting strategies, aquaculture practices, and conservation programs that protect livelihoods dependent on fisheries resources. Moreover, by comparing variations in growth and condition across species and locations, researchers can prioritize management interventions in critical ecosystems such as the Niger Delta, where artisanal fisheries are under mounting pressure from industrial activities and climate change. This study investigates the length–weight relationship and condition factor of E. fimbriata and C. macropogon across four coastal fishing communities in Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria. By establishing baseline information on their growth dynamics and health status, the study provides valuable input for sustainable fisheries management, conservation planning, and ecosystem monitoring in Nigeria’s coastal waters. 2 Materials and Method 2.1 Study area The study was carried out in four coastal fishing communities; Ayetoro, Bijimi, Idiogba, and Asumogha which are located in the Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Ilaje lies between latitude 6°05′N and 6°30′N and longitude 4°30′E and 5°15′E, stretching along the Atlantic coastline that forms part of the western fringe of the Niger Delta coastal ecosystem (Olawusi-Peters and Ajibare, 2022).
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