Growth, reproduction and feeding biology of Malapterurus electricus (Gmelln,1789) in lower Benue River, Nigeria

The reproductive biology, food and feeding habit and growth pattern of Malapterurus electricus (Gmelin) were investigated using a sample of 50 males and 67 females collected from the River Benue in Makurdi. The mean standard lengths of males and females were 18.9 ~ 1.49cm and 17. 8 ± 0.43 cm respectively, while the mean total weights were 195.7 ± 50.4g for males and 130.1 ± 21.7gfor females. The mean condition factors were 2.32 ± 0.02 (males) and 2.09 ± 0.01 (females). Malapterurus electricus in River Benue exhibited isometric growth and their main food items were fish and arthropod. The species attained sexual maturity at a mean standard length of 16.7 ± 2.3cmin males and 17.4 ± 3.2cm in females. The mean fecundity was 2331 ± 970.2 eggs. The results were discussed in relation to the need for a full understanding of the basic biology of this important ornamental fish