It is a research analysis of the Phenotypic Variability of Sampled Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Population from Selected Sources of Benue and Donga River, Nigeria.
Phenotypic variability of sampled Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) population from Benue and Donga River, Nigeria, was assessed. Thirty matured samples of Clarias gariepinus of different sizes were bought from artisanal fisherfolk, and morphometric and meristic attributes were characterized. Phenotypic heterogeneity (coefficient of variability, CV, > 10%) and multiple modes in meristic and morphometric values were assessed to imply plasticity and taxonomic complications, respectively. Twenty morphometric and nine meristic attributes were measured in all the collected individuals to the nearest 0.01 cm, using Vernier calipers. Coefficient of variability of the Benue population varied from 8.36 in dorsal fin rays counts (DFR) to 46.33 in possession of anteriorly serrated spine on the right side (PESES-R), while that of the Donga populations varied from 6.77 in caudal fin rays count (CFR) to 61.76 in possession of anteriorly serrated spine on the left side (PESES-L). A total of 88.8% of meristic attributes of the Benue strains were heterogeneous (CV > 10%), while 29.6% of Donga strains were heterogeneous (CV > 10%). A total of 94.1% and 58.8% of morphometric attributes of Benue and Donga populations, respectively, were heterogeneous (CV > 10%). Multiple modes were recorded in both Benue and Donga populations at 58.8% and 52.9% of the attributes, respectively. Pectoral fin length of left side fin (PECFL-L) and maximum body depth (BD-MAX) were the most varied morphometric attributes in the Benue population, while caudal fin width (CFW) and pectoral spine length of left side fin (PECSL-L) were most varied in the Donga population. The Benue population had significantly higher values at head length (HL), BD-MAX, dorsal fin length (DFL), anal fin length (AFL), pre-pectoral (PPEL), and pre-pelvic (PPL), when compared with Donga population, while Donga population had significantly higher values at CFW, pre-dorsal (PDL), and pre-anal (PAL) when compared with Benue population. The studied C. gariepinus population was characterized by heterogeneity of phenotypic values, and the population can be taxonomically discriminated by meristic and morpho types.
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