Spatial Distribution, Frequency Patterns and Condition Factor of Five Species of Sciaenid Trawled from Nigeria Coastal Water

The spatial distribution, frequency patterns and condition factor of family sciaenid trawled from Nigeria coastal water were investigated. A total of 1945 specimens of fish were analyzed. The sampling areas started from Nigeria/Benin boader to the Western part of Ondo state, Nigeria. Eleven stations were sampled with seven stations on each transect line. The stations selected were based on the depth ranged; 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 100m. The distance between transects waa 5 nautical miles (9.26km) apart and the total distance between the first and last transect was 50 nautical miles (92.6km). The total length and weight were measured using standard method and computed from linear regression. The highest frequency of occurrence was within 16cm to 20cm of their class size interval with the exception of Pteriscion peli that was within 11cm and 15cm. Pseudotolitus senegalensis was distributed in all the depth from 10cn till 100m while P. epipercus was present at 10m and 20m only. Pseudotolitus typus and P mbizi were highest distributed 60cm depth and above while P peli was not found at 70cm depth above. The condition factor ranged from 0.69+0.27 (P typus) to 2.34+2.28 (P senegalensis) while relative factors were above 1. The best condition factors were recorded for individual within the lowest size groups. Most of the species studied were in good condition (K>).