G.N. AGALI

Contamination from various pollutants has been a major threat to water bodies, resulting in the accumulation of minerals. This study evaluated and compared the concentration and distribution of minerals (Na, Mg, Ca, K, P) in two fish species (Parachanna obscura and Malapterurus electricus). Samples from both species were taken, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. The results were then presented in mean ± standard deviation format. The mean concentration of sodium in Parachanna obscura was 1.75 ± 0.29 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 0.90 ± 0.19, the mean concentration in Parachanna obscura was 18.65 ± 5.63 while that of
Malapterurus electricus was10.81 ± 2.42, the mean concentration of Phosphorus in Parachanna obscura was 9.76 ± 2.02 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 8.16 ± 1.66. In Parachanna obscura, magnesium mean concentration was 9.35 ± 2.24 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 6.45 ±1.52 and lastly, the mean value of concentration of calcium in both species were 1.88 ± 0.62 and 1.18 ± 0.22 respectively. From the result, Parachanna obscura showed higher mean concentration across all measured minerals thereby indicating a greater nutritional benefit from it. This finding provides valuable insights into nutritional planning, dietary choices and fish consumption. There is need for further research to explore seasonal/environmental factors that may influence mineral levels in the species as well as the reduction of environmental pollution and preserve public health.

The morphometric analysis of Synodontis courteti and Chrysicthys walkeri was carried out in Ovia River, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of fifty-four specimens of the two species were sampled over a period of six months, June to November, 2024. Specimens were transported to the laboratory and morphometric indices such as Total Length (TL), Standard Length (SL), Head Length (HL), Body Weight (BW), Intestinal Length (IL) and Body Depth (BD)were assessed using standard methods. The standard length and body weight of S. courteti ranged from 11.3 to 17.6cm and 40 to 225g, while the standard length and body weight of C.walkeri ranged from 10 to 19.4cm and 40 to 100g.The growth coefficient (b) was between 1.539 and 0.980 for S. courteti and C. walkeri. Results showed that both species exhibited a negative allometric growth. The intestinal length of S. courteti ranged from 9 to 21.0 while the intestinal length of C.walkeri ranged from 7.2 to 13.2. Following standard gut-length relationship for feeding classification, (<100 carnivore and >100 omnivore), both species were classified as carnivores having ratios of 87.77% and 72.67% respectively.