FISH FAUNA OF TAGWAI RESERVOIR IN RELATION TO GEAR SELECTIVITY IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish species abundance in Tagwai Reservoir, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, was studied from February – May (2016). Fish sampling was carried out biweekly during the day using different gears (different types of fishing equipment). A total of 1,669 fish specimens were sampled. This consisted of 8 species in 7 genera and 6 families. Variation in the mesh size used greatly influenced catch in the reservoir. Cast net recorded the highest amount of catch (1,435), while gill net recorded the highest amount of fish species (6). Two Cichlid species, Tilapia zilli and Sarotherodon galilaeus were the most abundant in the catch, amounting to 33.01 and 26.06%, respectively. The families of Cichlidae and Mormyridae were the most abundant, constituting 59.18 and 29.95% of the total catch respectively. Fish abundance showed low catches during the rainy season (33.01%) and daytime.