Occurrence and dissolution of rigor-mortis in Bagrus bayad macropterus and Mormyrus rume from River Rima Sokoto

A total of eighty nine samples comprising 45 B. bayad and 44 M.rume from River. Rima were subjected to evaluation of rigor-mortis occurrence and dissolution; Total weight and total length of the species were measured using electric top loading balance (16000gm) and measuring board, respectively. Stop watch and calibrated thermometer were used for recording time and temperature to determine rigor mortis duration and temperature effect. The results showed that the duration from capture to dissolution of rigor was higher in M.rume than B. bayad, despite the fact that temperature ranges were similar. Factors such as size distribution and level of exhaustion might have contributed to the variations. In the light of the above, it is recommended that factors resulting to rapid exhaustion of B. bayad be looked into with a view to lowering it and subsequent elongation of the rigor period