Asian Journal of Advances in Research

This study investigates the length-weight relationship and the condition factor of Periophthalamus barbarus from Iko estuary, situated in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. A total of 180 specimens were collected over a six-month period (December 2021 to May 2022) through monthly sampling using traditional fishing methods, including hand picking and locally constructed traps. The total length and body weight of male specimens ranged from 2.50 to 14.70 cm and 2.50 to 25.30g, respectively, while those of females ranged from 6.50 to 14.40cm and 2.10 to 23.60g. The length-weight relationship for males was best described by the equation W=0.0115L^2.5655, and for females by W=0.0245L^2.642, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern in both sexes (with b-values<3). The Fulton’s condition factor (K) ranged from 0.799 to 1.043 in males and 0.815 to 1.019 in females, suggesting relatively good health and favourable environmental conditions for growth and survival. The findings imply that P. barbarus in the Iko River Estuary exhibit moderate well-being and energy reserves, although the negative allometric growth may reflect adaptive strategies to the estuarine habitat. This study provides essential baseline data for ecological monitoring and fishery management of P. barbarus in the Niger Delta estuarine ecosystem.