An Assessment of Dry Season Fish Mortality and Water Quality of Selected Fish Ponds in Two Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

The levels of the physicochemical regime and fish mortality of two selected fish ponds in Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory were determined from November to January (dry season), by using standard methods and equipment. The values of physico-chemical parameters of both fish ponds in Gwagwalada and Kuje respectively during the dry season ranged from 101.50 ? 9.71 to 193.50 ? 17.12ppm (alkalinity), 1.26 ? 0.50 to 2.79 ? 0.63 mg/L (BOD), 100 ? 4.69 to 320.50 ? 37.69?s/cm (Conductivity), 3.05 ? 0.60 to 4.26 ? 0.85 mg/L (DO), 6.58 ? 1.53 to 9.38 ? 0.65 (pH), 26.75 ? 0.43 to 31.00 ? 2.45oC (temperature) and 1.90 ? 0.43m to 2.88 ? 0.22m for turbidity. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the levels of physico-chemical parameters between the fish ponds in Gwagwalada and Kuje in the dry season. Fish pond A Kuje had the highest fish mortality 728 (36.40%) and fish pond B Gwagwalada had the highest 955 (63.67%). Fluctuation in physicochemical parameters and fish mortality were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.0) in all these ponds. Fish mortality rate was also significant (p < 0.05) in all ponds. Most of the physicochemical parameters were also strongly correlated with one another. The essence of monitoring water quality in fish ponds to prevent adverse impact on water quality is also highlighted.