Relationship Between Physico-Chemical Parameters and Reproductive Indices of Parachanna obscura (Gunther 1861) in Eleyele Reservoir, Ibadan, Nigeria

Propagation in fishes depends on the level of gonad maturation which could be influenced by environmental conditions. However, declining water quality due to environmental degradation has been identified as a hindrance to such ecosystem services in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, size distribution and stages of gonad development of P. obscura in relation to physic-chemical parameters of Eleyele reservoir were studied. Samples of water and Parachanna obscura were collected monthly from five stratified sampling points and fishers catch, respectively for 24 months. Fish were grouped according to sizes (10-15.9, 16.0-19.9 and ≥ 20 cm), and gonads assessed for maturation. Relationship between reproductive indices and physic-chemical parameters were determined using Principal Component Analysis. The size-groups distributions were 10-15.9 cm (28.6%), 16.0-19.9 cm (38.7%) and ≥ 20 cm (32.7%). All the five maturation stages (I-V) were discerned in the female while only stages II-IV were observed in male samples. All the size groups showed strong associations with pH (β=0.346), ammonia (β=0.303) and temperature (β=0.161). Ovary development was significantly influenced by DO (β=0.827), TDS (β=0.777) and TS (β=0.813), while testes maturation was more influenced by temperature (β=0.626). This information will serve as guides for effective ecosystem management through the control of anthropogenic activities on this reservoir and similar water bodies to enhance resource conservation and/or sustainable management.