PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Population increase, indiscriminate fishing, and others, threatening extinction of wild fish species is a major problems in Nigeria fishery. Hence, the food and feeding habits and quality of Parachanna obscura from Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Reservoir were investigated between the months of March and August, 2015. Food materials in fish stomach were analyzed using standard methods, while length and weight were obtained using standard measures. A total of 11 food categories were observed in the stomach of fish sample during the study period 2%, 28%, 9%, 32%, and 29% were empty, one-quarter full, half full, three-quarter full and full, respectively. 8.33% and 5.71% vacuity was experienced in the months of July and August, respectively. Total lengths of P. obscura ranged from 12 27 cm with a mean of 17.62 ± 0.27 cm while the weights ranged from 43 198 g with a mean of 102.63 ± 4.32 g. The highest abundance of specimens were observed in August (35%) followed by July (24%) with the lowest observed in March (6%), April (8%), May (12%), and June (15%). Linear regression of the analyzed data resulted in length exponent 'b' of 2.45 while 'a' was −1.16 and r = 0.88. Approximately 78% of the variance in body weights can be explained by total lengths (r² = 0.78). Condition factor ranged between 0.70 and 2.49 with a mean of 1.48 ± 0.51. The study confirms the carnivorous nature of P. obscura from this water. Also, findings will assist fisheries managers in making fisheries policy regarding appropriate time for fishing of the species.