Influence of indices of reproduction on condition factor and some morphometric features of Tilapia guineensis

The influence of indices of reproduction (Gonadosomatic index-GSI-and Hepatosomatic index -HSI-) on condition factor and morphometric features of Tilapia guineensis were examined using 160 fish comprising 70 females and 90 males. Total length, standard length and body depth were measured to the nearest 1cm, while each fish was weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. The gonads and liver were removed and weighed separatdy to the nearest 0.00lg. Gonadosomatic index, Hepatosomatic index and condition factor were calculated. Correlation analysis between the reproductive indices and the external features of the fish were carried out. Results revealed positive correlation between gonadosomatic index and body depth and between GSI and standard length in both sexes, indicating the dependence of gonadal development on body depth and standard length in both sexes. However, the relationship between the reproductive indices and total length was significant only in the female. The relationship between HSI and Standard length was also significant in female (P<0.01, r = 0.707) and male (P<0.05, r = -0.216), but in positive and negative direction-respectively. The correlation between the reproductive indices and condition factor were not significant in both sexes. The correlation of GSI and HSI in male (r = 0.062) was not significant, while the positive correlation of GSI and HSI in female (r= 0.300) was significant (P