OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISTRIBUTION, GROWTH-PATTERN AND DIETARIES OF THE10-POUNDER ELOPS-LACERTA (VAL) IN LEKKI LAGOON, NIGERIA

Ecological observation on ther ten-pounder Elops lacerta were made in the Lekki Lagoon, Nigeria. The fish occurs in the lagoon all the year round and is distributed throughout the lagoon. E. lacerta constitutes about 6% of the canoe landing by the artisanal fishermen and prefers the shallow portions of the lagoon with muddy-sandy bottom. Findings s howed that E. lacerta is ichthyophagous and feeds predominantly on the clupied, Pellonula afzeliusi. Insects serve as complimentary diet. Se asonality in consumed food items was not substantial but dietary shift with increase in fish size was observed. The fish attained a maximum total length of 25cm in the lagoon and exhibited allometric growth pat tern. Condition factor varied seasonally and increased with increased fish size.