Fish Abundance with Emphasis on the Potentiality of Alestes nurse

The study was conducted to determine fish species abundance and composition after decades of post impoundment of a dam and to evaluate the potentiality of Alestes nurse for aquaculture in Nigeria and Tropical countries. There is paucity of information on the fish and fisheries of Tropical water bodies and broad knowledge especially on the biological status of A. nurse. Assessment of stock status of fish species in water body will guide policy makers to make good management decisions. The following fish species were identified in the dam: Alestes nurse, Barillus senegalensis, Clarias gariepinus, Distinchodus engycephalus, Hemichromis faciatus, Labeo senegalensis, Oreochromis niloticus and Schilbe mystus. Condition factors of the fish species were investigated to determine their well being. Stomach contents, fecundity and stock assessment of A. nurse were evaluated.