FUNAAB Research Examines Silver Catfish Potential for Sustainable Fisheries Management

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has highlighted the importance of scientific research in promoting sustainable fisheries management, as Dr. Mathew Ipadeola examined the biological characteristics and fisheries potential of silver catfish in Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary, Southwest Nigeria.

The research was presented at the October 2026 Monthly Seminar of the University's Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), held on October 28, 2026, at the Institute's Seminar Room.

Titled “Comparative Studies of the Biology and Fisheries Potential of Silver Catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) in Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary, South-West Nigeria,” the study aims to generate scientific evidence to support the sustainable exploitation, conservation and aquaculture development of the species.

The research highlights the importance of fisheries to food security, employment and income generation, while emphasising the need for reliable scientific data to address declining fish production and improve the management of aquatic resources.

The study examined the biological characteristics of silver catfish in freshwater and brackish-water ecosystems, focusing on morphometric and meristic characteristics, length-weight relationships, reproductive biology, feeding habits and the physicochemical properties of the two water bodies.

A total of 200 silver catfish specimens were obtained from local fishers for the investigation, comprising 100 specimens each from Oyan Lake and Badagry Estuary. Sampling covered six stations: Ilakan, Imala Odo and Ibaro around Oyan Lake, as well as Ebute Jegba, Topo and Iworo in Badagry.

The morphometric assessment examined measurable features such as body length, weight, depth and head dimensions, while the meristic analysis focused on countable characteristics, including fin rays, spines, gill rakers and barbels. These assessments are intended to establish possible variations in the physical characteristics and growth patterns of the species across the two aquatic environments.

The reproductive component evaluates fecundity and the gonadosomatic index, which relates gonad weight to body weight to assess reproductive development. The feeding assessment involves examining stomach contents to identify the food items consumed by the fish and determine their frequency of occurrence.

The study also investigated water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, salinity and hardness.

These environmental indicators will be examined alongside the biological characteristics of the fish to establish possible relationships between water conditions, growth and reproductive performance.

The findings are expected to improve scientific understanding of the species' growth, feeding patterns, reproductive biology and environmental adaptations. They are also expected to provide useful information for fisheries resource management, biodiversity conservation and aquaculture development.

The seminar further reflected IFSERAR's commitment to promoting research, knowledge exchange and scientific engagement in support of food security, environmental sustainability and agricultural development.

Ultimately, the research is expected to contribute to the sustainable utilisation of aquatic resources, improved fisheries management and increased fish production, with potential benefits for livelihoods, employment and national food security.