Are you preparing for the WAEC Fisheries practical exam in 2025? If yes, then you are in the right place! Below is the complete list of Fisheries specimen for the WAEC 2025 examination, along with their descriptions, features, and functions.
Having these specimens before the exam will help students to know which area WAEC is going to set practical questions from.
Fisheries specimens for WAEC 2025
2.(a) The provision of specimens, materials and equipment for the test is your responsibility.
(b) (i) Where a specimen is not readily available in sufficient quantity, it should be shared between small groups of candidates.
(ii) Each candidate should be provided with the following specimens labelled accordingly:
| Specimen | Name |
|---|---|
| A | Maize grains |
| B | Groundnut cake |
| C | Bone meal |
| D | Tilapia (fresh) |
| E | Hook-and-line |
| F | Gill net |
| G | Cast net |
| H | Trap |
| J | Drag net |
| K | Paddle |
| L | Poultry manure |
| M | Catfish brood stock (Clarias) |
| N | Heterobranchus |
| P | Tilapia fingerlings |
Fisheries specimens WAEC 2025
Specimen A: Maize Grains
Maize grains are dry seeds of the maize plant, also called corn. In Fisheries, maize grains are very important because they are used as part of the feed for fish, especially in fish farming. Maize grains are rich in carbohydrates, which give energy to the fish. Before using maize to feed fish, it is usually ground into powder and mixed with other ingredients like fish meal, groundnut cake, and vitamins to balance the diet.
Fish farmers use maize grains because they are cheap and easy to get in Nigeria. However, maize alone is not enough for fish growth. That is why we mix it with protein-rich materials. Maize is also used in making pellets that fish eat in ponds. Understanding maize grains helps us know how to feed fish well so that they grow fast and stay healthy.
In WAEC exams, candidates may be asked to identify maize grains and explain their importance in fish nutrition.
Specimen B: Groundnut Cake
Groundnut cake is the solid part that remains after oil has been removed from groundnuts (peanuts). In Fisheries, this material is very useful because it is rich in protein, which helps fish to grow fast and strong. Protein is an important nutrient that helps fish build muscles, repair tissues, and stay healthy.
Fish farmers usually grind groundnut cake into smaller pieces and mix it with other ingredients like maize, bone meal, and vitamin premix to make fish feed. This mixture is then formed into pellets and given to fish in ponds. Because groundnut cake is locally available and not too expensive, many Nigerian fish farmers use it regularly in feed formulation.
Students should understand that feeding fish with a balanced diet that includes groundnut cake can increase their growth rate, reduce diseases, and make them ready for market faster. During WAEC exams, you may be asked to identify groundnut cake and describe how it is used in fish feed production.
Specimen C: Bone Meal
Bone meal is a powder made by grinding the bones of animals, especially cattle and poultry, after removing the meat. In Fisheries, bone meal is used as a feed ingredient because it is rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help fish to develop strong bones, proper body structure, and healthy growth.
When making fish feed, farmers usually mix bone meal with other materials like maize, groundnut cake, and fish meal. The bone meal does not give energy like maize or protein like groundnut cake, but it provides the minerals that are needed for complete development. Without minerals, fish can suffer from poor bone development and weak health.
In Nigeria, bone meal is easy to find and not very costly, which makes it a good addition to fish feed. During WAEC exams, students might be asked to describe bone meal, list its contents, and explain its role in the diet of fish.
Specimen D: Tilapia (Fresh)
Tilapia is one of the most common and popular fish in Nigeria. It lives in freshwater like rivers, lakes, and fish ponds. When we say “Tilapia (fresh),” we are referring to a live or recently killed tilapia fish that has not been smoked or dried. In Fisheries, tilapia is important because it grows quickly, is easy to farm, and is liked by many people for food.
Tilapia has a flat body with large scales, a wide mouth, and a tail that helps it swim well. Fish farmers like to rear tilapia because it feeds on cheap things like plankton, leftover food, and even plant materials. It is also strong and can survive in different water conditions, making it good for fish farming.
In WAEC practicals, students are expected to identify fresh tilapia and talk about its physical features, importance, feeding habits, and why it is suitable for aquaculture in Nigeria.
Specimen E: Hook-l and Line
The hook and line is one of the oldest and simplest fishing tools used to catch fish. It consists of a sharp metal hook tied to a strong line or fishing rope. Sometimes, bait like earthworms or small fish is placed on the hook to attract fish. When the fish tries to eat the bait, the hook enters its mouth, and the fisherman pulls the line to catch it.
In Nigeria, hook and line is commonly used by local fishermen, especially in rivers and small lakes. It is also a common method used by beginners and learners because it is cheap and easy to use. However, this method is slow and can only catch one fish at a time, so it is not good for large-scale fishing.
In WAEC Fisheries practical exams, students may be asked to identify the hook and line and explain how it is used, its advantages and disadvantages, and what types of fish are best caught using it.
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Specimen F: Gill Net
A gill net is a type of fishing net made from fine nylon or thread, and it is designed to trap fish by their gills. The net is usually stretched vertically in water with floats at the top and weights at the bottom. As fish swim into the net, their heads pass through the holes, but their gills get caught, preventing them from moving backward. That is why it is called a gill net.
In Nigeria, many fishermen use gill nets in rivers, lakes, and even fish ponds to catch medium to large-sized fish like tilapia and catfish. Gill nets can catch many fish at once, which makes them useful for commercial fishing. However, they can also trap small or unwanted fish, and if left too long in the water, they can kill fish unnecessarily.
For WAEC exams, students should be able to describe a gill net, explain how it works, and mention its advantages, disadvantages, and the type of fish it is used to catch.
Specimen G: Cast Net
A cast net is a circular fishing net with small weights attached around its edges. It is used by throwing it over water where fish are suspected to be. When the net lands on the water, it spreads out in a circle and sinks because of the weights. As it sinks, it traps the fish underneath. The fisherman then pulls the rope attached to the center of the net to close it and bring the fish out.
Cast nets are common in Nigeria, especially among local fishermen who fish in shallow waters like small rivers, lakes, or lagoons. This net is usually used by one person and can be very effective when the fisherman is skilled. It is best for catching small to medium-sized fish that swim near the surface.
In WAEC Fisheries practicals, students are expected to recognize a cast net, describe how it is used, and mention its strengths (like being cheap and easy to use) and its weaknesses (like being tiring and limited to shallow areas).
Specimen H: Trap
A fish trap is a fishing gear made from materials like bamboo, wire mesh, or wood, and it is used to catch fish by luring them into a closed space where they cannot escape. Most traps are designed with a narrow opening that allows the fish to enter easily, but makes it hard for them to find their way out.
In Nigeria, traditional fish traps are commonly used in rivers, lakes, and streams. Fishermen usually place bait, like earthworms or food particles, inside the trap to attract fish. Once the fish enters, it gets stuck and remains there until the fisherman comes to remove it. This method is very useful for catching fish like tilapia and catfish.
Traps are quiet, do not disturb the water much, and can work even when the fisherman is not around. But they can only catch a small number of fish at a time. In WAEC exams, students should be able to identify a trap, describe how it works, and explain its advantages and disadvantages.
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