Health assessment of Silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus): hydrodynamic and growth performance in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Status of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, an economic important fish of the Gulf of Guinea was investigated over 24 months in Lagos Lagoon to know the state of well-being of the fish; for fisheries management, public health and food security. Ecological tools employed to determine some hydrodynamic status. Water analysis: temperature (°C), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg l-1), conductivity (μЅcm), depth (m), turbidity (m), and salinity (%0) were determined. Fish with mean standard length 18.90 ± 1.35 (cm) and mean weight range (201.59 ± 38.29) (g) were randomly collected and separated into sexes. Condition factor and regression analysis determined. Some heavy metal concentrations (Lead, Iron, Zinc Copper, and Chromium) levels were determined in fish tissues. No significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) occurred in water parameters from normal range using ANOVA. Sex ratio indicated higher male to female (40:32) which is nature specific. Morphometric measurement indicated female samples revealed negative allometric, but better condition factor (K) (2.86); while male revealed positive allometric and lower condition factor (K) (0.44) which is sex, reproduction and food availability specific; as robustness indicate state of well-being of the fish. Heavy metal values revealed slight accumulations. Results connoted fish species is relatively safe and of public health value.