LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION, ALLOMETRIC GROWTH AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF Oreochromis niloticus FROM OVIA RIVER

Oreochromis niloticus is one of the most widespread species in Africa. Its introduction around world economic and social benefit especially rural communities where they are caught from wild or cultured captivity. Length frequency distribution was used to estimate age this commercial fish between May October, 2012. A year old (1+) specimen had a total length size class 100-121 mm. Other classes whose measurements (133-165 mm, 166-176 mm 188-220 mm) corresponded ages (2+, 3+ 4+) as stated. Significant relationships existed body weight resulting 'r' value (0.88) for male (0.813) female. The regression coefficient ‘b’ males (1.903) while that females (1.887). Both values were less than three, indicating negative allometric growth. Characterization lengths parts, otherwise known morphometric measurement, revealed there significant relationship other part including: scales (0.599), right eye diameter (0.883), left (0.571), otoliths (0.881) (0.594) males. Likewise female specimens, opercula bone (0.666) (0.814) showed with fish. This study has shown it possible Nile Tilapia using distribution. Therefore distribution, conjunction methods could also be investigated further studies aging same water bodies well their investigation species, better understanding management lives fishes populations.