Survey of Iced Fishes Sold in Makurdi Metropolitan

Abstract

Ogbu Chukwuemeka Princewill, P A Annune, Udeh Sylv and J C Ogbu

This research was carried out to determine the morphometric, meristic and market price of iced fishes sold in makurdi metropolis. Twenty samples of each specie were randomly selected from three major markets and analyzed. Price of each fish species collected was recorded to determine the average price of each fish species. The data obtained from this study was subjected to descriptive statistics. The total weight (543.39g) was highest in Hake, and lowest in Horse mackerel (429.16g) sold in the markets. Total length was highest in Hake (39.08cm) followed by 38.39cm recorded in Sardine and 38.20cm in Croaker. Total length was lowest in the Horse mackerel (34.81cm). Standard length was highest in Hake (32.91cm). Standard length was lowest in Horse mackerel (28.53cm). Other morphometric characteristic showed significant difference across the different species of fish analysed. Croaker had the highest market price of N1200. The study concluded that fish species sold in the markets within Makurdi are small, which is an indication of over fishing resulting to the depletion of the fish species. The study recommends that relevant authorities in the Federal Department of Fisheries do everything possible to control the size of fishes harvested within coastal waters through regulation of mesh sizes of trawlers and small fishing vessels, and enforce laws guiding harvesting of fishes at sustainable rate.

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