Inside the Lab: My Dissection Journey with the Bonga Shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata).

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Today, I’m excited to share the behind-the-scenes story of how I conducted my research project on one of West Africa’s most economically and ecologically important fish species — Ethmalosa fimbriata, commonly known as the bonga shad.

This project was a deeply enriching experience, from field sampling to lab analysis, and I hope this post gives you insight into the process and passion behind fisheries research.

Studying the Length-weight Relationship and condition factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata are importance aspect of biology. It is a crucial knowledge needed for its mass cultivation by fish farmer and also its implication for its management in the wild.

The aim of this study was to investigate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata from Jaja Creek, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Nigeria.

Specimens were collected from fisher folks at landing point and transported in a formalin container to Zoology Department Laboratory, Akwa Ibom State University for Laboratory analyses. The specimens were measured by means of measuring board to the nearest 0.01cm. The body weight were taken using a top loading electronic metler balance to the nearest 0.1g. Length-weight was determined using Pauly’s allometric equation, W = ATL3 while the condition factor K was computed using the Fulton equation, K= TW/TL3. Length-weight relationship 'bvalues of males, females and combined sexes were 2.622, 2.7057 and 3.1426 respectively depicting allometric growth. This shows that the environment was not favourable to the fish as they were slim as they grow. The 'k value in this experiment was 1.478 indicate that the fish was in a good condition. Proper monitoring of the aquatic ecosystem is advocated to forestall the degeneration of the aquatic habitat.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate Lightweight relationship and condition factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata from Jaja Creek with the following specific objectives.
To determin growth pattern of E. fimbriata using length-weight relationship
To determine the wellbeing (k) of E. fimbriata using condition factor

JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
The growth pattern and condition factor of fishes has been extensively documented. However, In Jaja Creek, few or no extensive research has been carried out on the growth pattern and condition index of E. fimbriata, hence this research on the growth pattern and wellbeing of E. fimbriata is necessary

Findings gotten from this research would add to the information on the growth and wellbeing of E. fimbriata in Jaja Creek and boost the scientific knowledge of this specie in the Niger Delta in particular, in Nigeria generally and the world as a whole.

Thank you.