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Length-weight relationships and condition factors of Mochokidae (Pisces: Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Niger River, Northern Benin

Year 2020, , 72 - 84, 01.04.2020
https://doi.org/10.3153/AR20007

Abstract

In the Niger River in Benin, the fishes of Mochokidae family are of high commercial and economic importance. The current study investigated size structures, length-weight relationships and condition factors of these catfishes in order to evaluate their plumpness. Mochokids were sampled monthly from February 2015 to July 2016 with traps, seine and gillnet. Overall, the fish species showed unimodal, bimodal and tri-modal standard-length distributions. Length-weight models displayed allometric coefficients (b) varying between 2.236 and 3.380, indicating positive and negative allometric growth with correlation coefficients (r) ranging between 0.87 and 0.99. Condition factors were moderate to low and varied from K= 0.409 for Synodontis frontosus to K= 7.276 for Synodontis sorex that showed a higher value K= 31.13 in aquatic vegetation. Major threats were the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for adjacent agriculture, the retrieval of water for agriculture and domestic uses, the invasion of floating plants, the introduction of exotic fish species and overfishing. These data constitute valuable fisheries documentation that will contribute to conservation, valorization and sustainable exploitation of Mochokid fishes in Niger River in Benin.

Thanks

We are grateful to the Laboratory of Ecology and Aquatics Ecosystems Management (LEMEA) of the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, University of Abomey-Calavi for its logistic assistance. Many thanks to Mama Razack, Boro Gado Ikililou, Akonou Germard, Aholou Didier, Kpade Bernard and the fishermen for their help in fish sampling. We also thank the numerous reviewers for their thorough peer-review of this manuscript.

References

  • Adite, A., Imorou Toko, I., Gbankoto A. (2013). Fish assemblage in the degraded mangrove ecosystems of the coastal zone, Benin, West Africa: Implications for Ecosystem restoration and resources conservation. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4, 1461-1475. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2013.412168
  • Adite, A., Tossavi, C., Kakpo, D.B.E. (2017). Biodiversity, length-weight patterns and condition factors of cichlid fishes (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in brackish water and freshwater lakes of the Mono River, Southern Benin, West Africa. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 4, 26-34.
  • Adjibade, KN., Adite, A., Arame H., Sidi Imorou, R., Sonon, S.P. (2019). Biodiversity and community structure of mormyridae (pisces: teleostei: osteoglossiformes) from Niger River in Northern Benin: Threats, conservation and valorization perspectives. International Journal of Sciences, 8(5), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.2068
  • Adjovi, A.R. (2006). Monographie de la commune de Malanville. Programme d'appui au démarrage des communes, Afrique Conseil, 1-48.
  • Akombo, P. M., Akange, E. T., Adikwu, I. A., Araoye, P. A. (2014). Length-weight relationship, condition factor and feeding habits of Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 1(3), 42-48.
  • Arame, H., Adite, A., Adjibade, K.N., Sidi Imorou, R., Sonon P.S. (2019). Biodiversity of Mochokidae (Pisces: Teleostei: Siluriformes) fishes from Niger River, Northern Benin, West Africa: Threats and management perspectives. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 6(3), 25-32.
  • Bagenal, T.B., and Tesch, F.W. (1978). Age and growth. In T. Bagenal (ed.), Methods for assessment of fish production in fresh waters. 3 ed. Oxford, London, Edinburgh and Melbourne, pp. 101-136.
  • Deekae, S.N., Abowei, J.F.N. (2010). Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor in Luubara creek, Ogoni land, Niger Delta, Nigeria. International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2, 155-162.
  • Entsua-Mensah, M., Osei-Abunyewa, A., Palomares, M.L.D. (1995). Length-weight relationships of fishes from tributaries of the Volta River, Ghana: Part I, analysis of pooled data sets. NAGA, The Iclarm Quart, 18, 36-38.
  • Froese, R., Pauly, D. Editors. (2018). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (06/2018).
  • Hart, A.I., Abowei, J.F.N. (2007). A study of the length-weight relationship, condition factor and age of ten fish species from the lower Nun River. Niger Delta. African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 9, 13-19.
  • Hauber, M.E. (2011). Description and Improvement of the 'Whedo'‐ Aquaculture ‐ System in Malanville (North of Benin). Dissertation Zur Erlangung Des, Naturwissenschaftlichen Doktorgrades Der Bayerischen Julius‐Maximilians‐Universtität Würzburg, 1-203.
  • Hazoume, R.U.S., Chikou, A., Koudenoukpo, C. Z., Adite, A., Bonou, C. A., Mensah, G.A. (2017). Length-weight relationships of 30 species of fish of the river Sô in Benin (West Africa). International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5, 514-519. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00001173
  • Kakpo, D.B.E. (2011). Biodiversité et Exploitation des poissons du bas-Mono : implication pour la Conservation et la Gestion durable des Ressources Halieutiques. Mémoire de Master en Production et Santé Animales, EPAC/UAC, Bénin, 1-105.
  • Khallaf, E., Galal, M., Athuman, M. (2003). The biology of Oreochromis niloticus in a polluted canal. Ecotoxicology, 12, 405-416. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026156222685
  • Khristenko, S.D., Kotovska, O.G. (2017). Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factors of Freshwater Bream Abramis brama (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Kremenchug Reservoir, Middle Dnieper. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 17, 71-80. https://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v17_1_09
  • King, R.P. (1991). Some aspects of the reproductive strategy of Illisha africana (Block 1795) (Teleost, Clupudae) in Qua Iboe estuary, Nigeria. Cybium, 15(3), 239-251. King, R.P. (1996). Length-weight relationships of Nigerian coastal water fishes. Naga, The Iclarm Quart, 19, 53-58.
  • Koba, G. (2005). Les pratiques de pêches dans le fleuve Niger au Benin et leurs impacts sur la faune ichtyologique. Mémoire du Diplôme d'Etude Approfondie (DEA) en Gestion de l'Environnement Dynamique des Ecosystèmes et Aménagement du Territoire, EDP/GE/FLASH/UAC, 1-73.
  • Konan, A.K.F., Ouattara, M., Ouattara, A., Gourène, G. (2007). Weight-length relationship of 57 fish species of the coastal rivers in south-eastern of Ivory Coast. Ribarstvo, 65(2), 49-60.
  • Laleye, P.A. (2006). Length-weight and length-length relationships of fishes from the Oueme River in Benin (West Africa). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 22, 330-333. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2006.00752.x
  • Lawson, E.O., Akintola, S.L., Awe, F.A. (2013). Length-weight relationships and morphometry for eleven (11) fish species from Ogudu Creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Advances in Biological Research, 7(4), 122-128.
  • Le Cren, E.D. (1951). The length-weight relationship and seasonal cycle in gonadal weight and condition in the perch (Perca fluviatilis). Journal of Animal Ecology, 20, 201-219. https://doi.org/10.2307/1540
  • Lévêque, C., Paugy, D. (2006). Les poissons des eaux continentales africaines: Diversité, écologie, utilisation par l'homme. Ed IRD., 1-573.
  • Mac, G. (1959). Length-weight and length-length relationships of fish species from Aegean Sea (Greece). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 18, 200-203. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00281.x
  • Morgan, G.A., Grieggo, O.V., Gloeckner, G.W. (2001). SPSS for Windows: An introduction to use and interpretation in research, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, Mahwah, New Jersey.
  • Moritz, T., Lalѐyѐ, P., Koba, G., Linsenmair, K. E. (2006). An annotated list of fish from the River Niger at Malanville, Benin, with notes on the local fisheries. Verhandlung der Gesellschaf für Ichthyologie, 5, 95-110.
  • Muchlisin, Z.A., Musman, M., Azizah, M.N.S. (2010). Length-weight relationships and condition factors of two threatened fishes, Rasbora tawarensis and Poropuntius tawarensis, endemic to Lake Laut Tawar, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 26(6), 949-953. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2010.01524.x
  • Nazeef, S., Abubakar, U.M. (2013). Diversity and condition factor of fish species of Dadin Kowa Dam, Gombe State Nigeria. Greener. Journal of Biological Sciences, 3(10), 350-356. https://doi.org/10.15580/GJBS.2013.10.102313920
  • Ndiaye, W., Diouf K., Samba O., Ndiaye P., Panfili, J. (2015). The length-weight relationship and condition factor of white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus, Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1817) at the south-west coast of Senegal, West Africa. International Journal of Advanced Research, 3(3), 145-153.
  • Okpeicha, S.O. (2011). Biodiversité et exploitation des poissons du barrage de la SUCOBE dans la commune de Savè au Bénin, Mémoire de Master en hydrobiologie Appliquée. FAST/UAC, Bénin, 1-43.
  • Oni, S.K., Olayemi, J.Y., Adegboye, J.D. (1983). Comparative physiology of three ecologically distinct freshwater fishes, Alestes nurse Rüppell, Synodontis schall Bloch Schneider and Tilapia zillii Gervais. Journal of Fish Biology, 22, 105-109. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1983.tb04730.x
  • Ricker, W.E. (1968). Methods for assessment of fish production in fresh waters. IBP Handbook No. 3. F. A. Davis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 328 p.
  • Sidi Imorou, R., Adite A., Sossoukpe, E., Abou, Y. (2019). Length-weight models and condition factors of fishes from Okpara Stream, Oueme River, Northern-Benin. International Journal of Forest Animal and Fisheries Research, 3(3), 65-79. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijfaf.3.3.1
  • Sokal, RR., Rohlf, F.J. (1995). Biometry: the principles and practice of statistics in biological research. 3rd ed. San Francisco: WH Freeman. Sciences, Vol. 284. New York: Plenum Publ., pp. 321-334.
  • Van Thielen, R., Hounkpe, C., Agon, G., Dagba, L. (1987). Guide de détermination des Poissons et Crustacés des Lagunes et Lacs du Bas-Bénin. GTZ Direction des Pêche, Cotonou, Benin.
  • Welcomme, R.L. (1985). River fisheries. Fisheries Technical Paper 262, FAO, Rome ISBN 92-5-102299-2 http://www.fao.org/3/T0537E/T0537E00.htm (accessed on 01.12. 2019).
Year 2020, , 72 - 84, 01.04.2020
https://doi.org/10.3153/AR20007

Abstract

References

  • Adite, A., Imorou Toko, I., Gbankoto A. (2013). Fish assemblage in the degraded mangrove ecosystems of the coastal zone, Benin, West Africa: Implications for Ecosystem restoration and resources conservation. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4, 1461-1475. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2013.412168
  • Adite, A., Tossavi, C., Kakpo, D.B.E. (2017). Biodiversity, length-weight patterns and condition factors of cichlid fishes (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in brackish water and freshwater lakes of the Mono River, Southern Benin, West Africa. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 4, 26-34.
  • Adjibade, KN., Adite, A., Arame H., Sidi Imorou, R., Sonon, S.P. (2019). Biodiversity and community structure of mormyridae (pisces: teleostei: osteoglossiformes) from Niger River in Northern Benin: Threats, conservation and valorization perspectives. International Journal of Sciences, 8(5), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.2068
  • Adjovi, A.R. (2006). Monographie de la commune de Malanville. Programme d'appui au démarrage des communes, Afrique Conseil, 1-48.
  • Akombo, P. M., Akange, E. T., Adikwu, I. A., Araoye, P. A. (2014). Length-weight relationship, condition factor and feeding habits of Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 1(3), 42-48.
  • Arame, H., Adite, A., Adjibade, K.N., Sidi Imorou, R., Sonon P.S. (2019). Biodiversity of Mochokidae (Pisces: Teleostei: Siluriformes) fishes from Niger River, Northern Benin, West Africa: Threats and management perspectives. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 6(3), 25-32.
  • Bagenal, T.B., and Tesch, F.W. (1978). Age and growth. In T. Bagenal (ed.), Methods for assessment of fish production in fresh waters. 3 ed. Oxford, London, Edinburgh and Melbourne, pp. 101-136.
  • Deekae, S.N., Abowei, J.F.N. (2010). Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor in Luubara creek, Ogoni land, Niger Delta, Nigeria. International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2, 155-162.
  • Entsua-Mensah, M., Osei-Abunyewa, A., Palomares, M.L.D. (1995). Length-weight relationships of fishes from tributaries of the Volta River, Ghana: Part I, analysis of pooled data sets. NAGA, The Iclarm Quart, 18, 36-38.
  • Froese, R., Pauly, D. Editors. (2018). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (06/2018).
  • Hart, A.I., Abowei, J.F.N. (2007). A study of the length-weight relationship, condition factor and age of ten fish species from the lower Nun River. Niger Delta. African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 9, 13-19.
  • Hauber, M.E. (2011). Description and Improvement of the 'Whedo'‐ Aquaculture ‐ System in Malanville (North of Benin). Dissertation Zur Erlangung Des, Naturwissenschaftlichen Doktorgrades Der Bayerischen Julius‐Maximilians‐Universtität Würzburg, 1-203.
  • Hazoume, R.U.S., Chikou, A., Koudenoukpo, C. Z., Adite, A., Bonou, C. A., Mensah, G.A. (2017). Length-weight relationships of 30 species of fish of the river Sô in Benin (West Africa). International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5, 514-519. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00001173
  • Kakpo, D.B.E. (2011). Biodiversité et Exploitation des poissons du bas-Mono : implication pour la Conservation et la Gestion durable des Ressources Halieutiques. Mémoire de Master en Production et Santé Animales, EPAC/UAC, Bénin, 1-105.
  • Khallaf, E., Galal, M., Athuman, M. (2003). The biology of Oreochromis niloticus in a polluted canal. Ecotoxicology, 12, 405-416. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026156222685
  • Khristenko, S.D., Kotovska, O.G. (2017). Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factors of Freshwater Bream Abramis brama (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Kremenchug Reservoir, Middle Dnieper. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 17, 71-80. https://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v17_1_09
  • King, R.P. (1991). Some aspects of the reproductive strategy of Illisha africana (Block 1795) (Teleost, Clupudae) in Qua Iboe estuary, Nigeria. Cybium, 15(3), 239-251. King, R.P. (1996). Length-weight relationships of Nigerian coastal water fishes. Naga, The Iclarm Quart, 19, 53-58.
  • Koba, G. (2005). Les pratiques de pêches dans le fleuve Niger au Benin et leurs impacts sur la faune ichtyologique. Mémoire du Diplôme d'Etude Approfondie (DEA) en Gestion de l'Environnement Dynamique des Ecosystèmes et Aménagement du Territoire, EDP/GE/FLASH/UAC, 1-73.
  • Konan, A.K.F., Ouattara, M., Ouattara, A., Gourène, G. (2007). Weight-length relationship of 57 fish species of the coastal rivers in south-eastern of Ivory Coast. Ribarstvo, 65(2), 49-60.
  • Laleye, P.A. (2006). Length-weight and length-length relationships of fishes from the Oueme River in Benin (West Africa). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 22, 330-333. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2006.00752.x
  • Lawson, E.O., Akintola, S.L., Awe, F.A. (2013). Length-weight relationships and morphometry for eleven (11) fish species from Ogudu Creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Advances in Biological Research, 7(4), 122-128.
  • Le Cren, E.D. (1951). The length-weight relationship and seasonal cycle in gonadal weight and condition in the perch (Perca fluviatilis). Journal of Animal Ecology, 20, 201-219. https://doi.org/10.2307/1540
  • Lévêque, C., Paugy, D. (2006). Les poissons des eaux continentales africaines: Diversité, écologie, utilisation par l'homme. Ed IRD., 1-573.
  • Mac, G. (1959). Length-weight and length-length relationships of fish species from Aegean Sea (Greece). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 18, 200-203. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00281.x
  • Morgan, G.A., Grieggo, O.V., Gloeckner, G.W. (2001). SPSS for Windows: An introduction to use and interpretation in research, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, Mahwah, New Jersey.
  • Moritz, T., Lalѐyѐ, P., Koba, G., Linsenmair, K. E. (2006). An annotated list of fish from the River Niger at Malanville, Benin, with notes on the local fisheries. Verhandlung der Gesellschaf für Ichthyologie, 5, 95-110.
  • Muchlisin, Z.A., Musman, M., Azizah, M.N.S. (2010). Length-weight relationships and condition factors of two threatened fishes, Rasbora tawarensis and Poropuntius tawarensis, endemic to Lake Laut Tawar, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 26(6), 949-953. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2010.01524.x
  • Nazeef, S., Abubakar, U.M. (2013). Diversity and condition factor of fish species of Dadin Kowa Dam, Gombe State Nigeria. Greener. Journal of Biological Sciences, 3(10), 350-356. https://doi.org/10.15580/GJBS.2013.10.102313920
  • Ndiaye, W., Diouf K., Samba O., Ndiaye P., Panfili, J. (2015). The length-weight relationship and condition factor of white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus, Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1817) at the south-west coast of Senegal, West Africa. International Journal of Advanced Research, 3(3), 145-153.
  • Okpeicha, S.O. (2011). Biodiversité et exploitation des poissons du barrage de la SUCOBE dans la commune de Savè au Bénin, Mémoire de Master en hydrobiologie Appliquée. FAST/UAC, Bénin, 1-43.
  • Oni, S.K., Olayemi, J.Y., Adegboye, J.D. (1983). Comparative physiology of three ecologically distinct freshwater fishes, Alestes nurse Rüppell, Synodontis schall Bloch Schneider and Tilapia zillii Gervais. Journal of Fish Biology, 22, 105-109. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1983.tb04730.x
  • Ricker, W.E. (1968). Methods for assessment of fish production in fresh waters. IBP Handbook No. 3. F. A. Davis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 328 p.
  • Sidi Imorou, R., Adite A., Sossoukpe, E., Abou, Y. (2019). Length-weight models and condition factors of fishes from Okpara Stream, Oueme River, Northern-Benin. International Journal of Forest Animal and Fisheries Research, 3(3), 65-79. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijfaf.3.3.1
  • Sokal, RR., Rohlf, F.J. (1995). Biometry: the principles and practice of statistics in biological research. 3rd ed. San Francisco: WH Freeman. Sciences, Vol. 284. New York: Plenum Publ., pp. 321-334.
  • Van Thielen, R., Hounkpe, C., Agon, G., Dagba, L. (1987). Guide de détermination des Poissons et Crustacés des Lagunes et Lacs du Bas-Bénin. GTZ Direction des Pêche, Cotonou, Benin.
  • Welcomme, R.L. (1985). River fisheries. Fisheries Technical Paper 262, FAO, Rome ISBN 92-5-102299-2 http://www.fao.org/3/T0537E/T0537E00.htm (accessed on 01.12. 2019).
There are 36 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Hydrobiology
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Hamidou Arame 0000-0002-0039-7787

Alphonse Adıte 0000-0002-2255-4464

Nambil Adjıbade 0000-0001-8656-3602

Rachad Sıdı Imorou 0000-0001-6910-0059

Pejanos Sonon 0000-0003-3810-7623

Publication Date April 1, 2020
Submission Date December 24, 2019
Published in Issue Year 2020

Cite

APA Arame, H., Adıte, A., Adjıbade, N., Sıdı Imorou, R., et al. (2020). Length-weight relationships and condition factors of Mochokidae (Pisces: Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Niger River, Northern Benin. Aquatic Research, 3(2), 72-84. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR20007

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