A systematic review: Biodiversity of fishes in the River Benue and its impact in promoting aquaculture practices in Nigeria
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O. Charity * , S.S. Kwaplong , P. Okunola  |
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Abuja, Nigeria |
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Abstract: (88 Views) |
The River Benue, one of Nigeria’s major inland water bodies, supports a diverse array of fish species that play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy. This study aimed to review the biodiversity of fish species in the River Benue system. A systematic literature review of articles was used to carry out this research by synthesizing existing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fish biodiversity in the river. Four articles were reviewed along the River Benue Basin up to the confluence. The articles covered Adamawa, Taraba, Benue and Kogi States. Twenty most occurring species in the catches were documented for each article. A total of 42 species from 17 families of fish were documented from the four articles reviewed. A study at River Benue Valley, Adamawa State, revealed Alestes baremoze and Schilbe intermedius, as the two most abundant species. The second article on Taraba State observed Synodontis gambiensis, Siluranodon auratus, Mormyrus rume and Schilbe mystus to be the most abundant in that region. Clarias garienpinus and Tillapia zilli, were observed to be the most abundant species from the third article on Benue State. Hyperopisus bebe and Citharinus citharus were the two most common species observed in the fourth research conducted in Kogi State at Idah town. Clarias gariepinus and Synodontis schall were observed to be readily available in all four locations reviewed. Further research on the domestication of these freshwater species in the River Benue system is recommended for more species diversity in our aquaculture sector to boost fish production.
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Keywords: Biodiversity, fish, River Benue, aquaculture, Nigeria |
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Full-Text [PDF 246 kb]
(57 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General Received: 2024/12/31 | Accepted: 2024/04/3 | Published: 2025/01/4
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