Aspects of the Biology of <i>Periophthalmus barbarus </i>(Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James

doi:doi:10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James

Published in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 6, Issue 1)

Received: 28 December 2020 Accepted: 9 January 2021 Published: 10 March 2021

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Abstract

The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.

Published in	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 6, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
Page(s)	15-22
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Length Weight Relationship, Sex Ratio, Gonads, Dimorphism, Spawning

References

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Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. (2021). Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 6(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2021, 6(1), 15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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AMA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol Evol Biol. 2021;6(1):15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14,
  author = {Nsikak Okon Abiaobo and IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo and Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu and Etimfon Joseph James},
  title = {Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {6},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-22},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20210601.14},
  abstract = {The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
AU  - Nsikak Okon Abiaobo
AU  - IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo
AU  - Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu
AU  - Etimfon Joseph James
Y1  - 2021/03/10
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 15
EP  - 22
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
AB  - The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.
VL  - 6
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo

Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria
IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa, Nigeria
Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu

Department of Aquaculture, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Nigeria
Etimfon Joseph James

Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria

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Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. (2021). Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 6(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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ACS Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo; IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo; Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu; Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2021, 6(1), 15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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AMA Style

Nsikak Okon Abiaobo, IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo, Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu, Etimfon Joseph James. Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ecol Evol Biol. 2021;6(1):15-22. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14

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@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14,
  author = {Nsikak Okon Abiaobo and IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo and Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu and Etimfon Joseph James},
  title = {Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {6},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-22},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20210601.14},
  abstract = {The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aspects of the Biology of Periophthalmus barbarus (Mudskipper), from Jaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
AU  - Nsikak Okon Abiaobo
AU  - IdopiseAbasi Ekpe Asuquo
AU  - Ifeanyi Ntasiobi Ejiogu
AU  - Etimfon Joseph James
Y1  - 2021/03/10
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 15
EP  - 22
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20210601.14
AB  - The mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus is reported to be a good delicacy for human consumption as well as for use in traditional medicinal preparations where aphrodisiac properties are attributed to its flesh. They are investigated for their biological and eco-toxicological studies, to determine its potential use as a bio-indicator in environmental assessments of coastal waters, tropical or subtropical soft bottom intertidal systems, and despite this; there is lacuna of scientific report on its biology and ecology. This research was undertaken to provide information on the aspects of the biology of the species, with reference to sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, size composition, gonad morphology and morphogenesis, length weight relationship and condition index. Monthly samples were collected at Jaja creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria and preserved in 10% formalin for further analysis. Length and weight of each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.001 g respectively; the specimens were later dissected to examine the gonads. Ovaries and testes from each specimen were measured and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and 0.1 cm respectively. Paired comparison by the observation of the genital papilla on the postero-ventral surface of the abdominal region was used to determine sexual dimorphism in weight in similarly-sized females and males. The proportion of the two sexes relative to one another was used to calculate the sex ratio. Each specimen was measured using a fish measuring board to the nearest centimeter and weighed using a meter balance to nearest gram and recorded to obtain size composition. The length-weight (L-W) relationship was computed using empirical allometric equation. Findings reveal that the presence of spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of development was an indication that this species belongs to the fish with prolonged and fractional spawning season and therefore, may spawn more than once during the spawning season. The mean condition index of 1.06 proved that the fish fed well and was in a good condition. The pattern of length-weight relationship revealed positive allometric growth.
VL  - 6
IS  - 1
ER  -

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