International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 275-286 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 281 For C. macropogon, the lowest K was 0.74 (Idiogba, April) and the highest 1.70 (Idiogba, May). Ayetoro recorded values between 1.10 (June) and 1.58 (May), while Bijimi ranged from 1.20 (June) to 1.49 (April/July). Asumogha values remained fairly stable (1.32~1.66). Overall, both species exhibited allometric growth patterns, with condition factor values reflecting differences in habitat quality and ecological stress across stations. Table 3 Length-weight relationship for E. fimbriata - AYETORO BIJIMI IDIOGBA ASUMOGHA - A b a b A B a B APRIL,2015 1.25 1.09 -3.18 2.61 -1.30 2.03 -3.15 2.58 MAY, 2015 -0.96 1.82 -0.38 1.63 -0.16 1.57 -1.96 2.21 JUNE, 2015 -0.16 1.50 -2.77 2.63 -3.32 2.68 -1.29 1.94 JULY, 2015 -1.40 1.96 -1.69 2.15 -1.97 2.26 -2.50 2.36 Note: Where a = constant of proportionality throughout the months across the four stations and b = allometry coefficient of the growth of fish Table 4 Length-weight relationship for C. macropogon - AYETORO BIJIMI IDIOGBA ASUMOGHA - A b a b A B a B APRIL, 2015 -3.41 2.75 -4.44 3.18 -0.98 1.56 -3.14 2.61 MAY, 2015 -1.66 2.12 -0.38 1.63 -1.47 2.04 -0.43 1.64 JUNE, 2015 -0.79 1.82 -2.38 2.35 -2.54 2.50 -1.37 1.92 JULY, 2015 -3.92 2.92 -2.37 2.42 -2.59 2.47 -3.17 2.65 Note: Where a = constant of proportionality throughout the months across the four stations and b = allometry coefficient of the growth of fish The mean length and weight of Ethmalosa fimbriata and Chrysichthys macropogon varied significantly across the four sampling stations, demonstrating how habitat quality strongly influenced fish growth in Ilaje LGA. The length– weight relationship (LWR) indicated allometric growth in both species, with growth exponent (b) values diverging from the isometric standard of 3. For E. fimbriata, positive allometric growth was observed at some sites, where weight increased faster than length. By contrast, C. macropogon showed negative allometry at certain stations, reflecting slower weight gain relative to length (Etim et al., 2020; Agboola et al., 2022). Stations with lower b values, particularly Bijimi and Asumogha, overlapped with areas experiencing intense artisanal activity and effluent inputs, suggesting that anthropogenic pressure and habitat degradation suppressed growth performance. This observation supports previous research linking pollution with reduced fish growth in tropical lagoons (Ekelemu and Udo, 2021; Adepoju et al., 2023). In comparison, Idiogba recorded higher b values, indicating more favorable ecological conditions, such as greater prey availability and lower contamination. 3.3 Condition factor (K) Condition factor (K) values also revealed differences in fish well-being among sites. For E. fimbriata (Figure 1), K ranged from 0.92 to 1.56, while C. macropogon (Figure 2) ranged from 0.74 to 1.70. Populations at Ayetoro and Idiogba recorded the highest K values, reflecting healthier fish in less degraded environments. Conversely, the lowest values occurred at Idiogba (April) and Bijimi, pointing to possible sublethal stress linked to food scarcity and pollutant exposure. Such findings are consistent with earlier evidence showing that fish from disturbed West African estuaries exhibit diminished condition and altered growth trajectories due to heavy metal inputs and high organic load (Olawusi-Peters and Ajibare, 2022; Ibrahim et al., 2024). Overall, the spatial variability in both LWR and K highlights the sensitivity of fish populations to localized environmental stressors. Stations with higher anthropogenic impact—Bijimi and Asumogha—consistently supported smaller and less robust individuals, while Idiogba and Ayetoro provided conditions for enhanced growth
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