Assessment of Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Cage and Open Waters in Winam Gulf of L. Victoria, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the difference in relationship between the Length and Weight together with the Fulton’s condition factor of O. niloticus within the open waters (wild) and cages of the winam gulf of L.Victoria, Kenya. This relationship and the condition factor ‘K’ were determined by taking the total length and weight of fish samples both from the cage and the open waters. The slope “b” of the regression analysis in both habitats revealed a positive allometric growth (3.16 and 3.09) for wild and cage respectively while the value of condition factor (K) for O. niloticus in wild and cage were found to be 1.44±0.1 and 1.38±0.15 respectively. Though O. niloticus performed well both in the wild and cage, there was a significant statistical difference in their health and general wellbeing. This was attributed to ecological differences between the two habitats. The assessment also showed that the culture of this Nile tilapia species in cages within winam gulf of L. Victoria can be economically sustainable if water quality parameters are properly monitored and point and non-point sources of pollution controlled.