Some aspects of the physical hydrology of a prawn habitat in the Benin River, Southern Nigeria.

Abstract

Air temperature, water temperature, water level, transparency and flow velocity were studied at the
Benin River, Southern Nigeria, for a period of two years. Samples were taken at fortnightly intervals from five stations
along a five-kilometre stretch of the study River.
Water temperature, water level, transparency and flow velocity were significantly different (P < 0.01) at all stations
in the first year (March 1986 – February 1987). In the second year (March 1987 – February 1988), only water
temperature and flow velocity were significantly different (P < 0.01) between the study stations.
In spite of the proximity of the study stations, data from this study indicate that each station was controlled by a set
of unique local conditions, emphasizing the importance of site specific study in prawn ecology.
Key Words: Benin River; Physical Hydrology; Prawn habitat; Koko Town.