Role of Ultrasound in Evaluation of the Presence of Ovaries in Oreochromis niloticus (L)

Ultrasound is a non- invasive diagnostic tool used to examine a variety of conditions in aquati c animals. Prolific breeding in the family Cichlidae resulting in overpopulation and stunting is a major challenge to the culture of the Cichlidae. 25 samples of Oreochromis niloticus were scanned using SIUI CTS-500 digital ultrasound machine with a sector probe of 6.5MHz transducer frequency and curvilinear probe of 3.5MH z transducer frequency. Ultrasound was employed as a diagnostic tool in gender determination in O. niloticus. The probe with 6.5MHz transducer frequency was effective in gender determination in O. niloticus. Results showed that O. niloticus examined attained sexual maturity at a small size with mean weight of 40g. Ultrasound has proved to be a useful tool for detection of matured ovaries. This finding has its application in accurate separation of sexes in O. niloticus to improve growth of the sexes.