Papyrocranus afer

Abstract: The study on the fish fauna and physicochemical characteristics of Otamiri River was carried out for six months (June to August and October to December 2015). Samples were collected monthly from three sampling stations along the river. Eckman grab, scoop net, line and hook, cast net, traps and dugout canoe were used to collect the fish samples. Samples were collected from three stations, station 1 (dumpsite in the river), station 2 (dredging section) and station 3 (vegetable farming section). A total of 129 fishes belonging to 5 species, Synodontis budgetti, S. soloni, Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias gariepinus and Papyrocranus afer were collected. Station 3 had the highest species composition (n=4) and fish abundance, 108 (83.7%), while station 1 had the least species composition (n=2) and the least fish abundance, 10 (7.8%). Temperature variation from June to December was wide at station 1 (25-28oC), unlike station 2 (27-28oC) and station 3 (28-29oC). A similar trend was replicated by Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Significant correlation of S. budgetti abundance and temperature (r=0.696, p<0.05), depth of river (r=-0.615, p<0.01) and turbidity (r=0.595, p<0.01) was observed. Similarly, a significant correlation of C. nigrodigitatus abundance and temperature (r=0.473, p<0.05), C. gariepinus abundance and depth (r=-0.481, p<0.05), P. afer abundance and temperature (r=0.530, p<0.05) was observed. Fish species abundance and composition in Otamiri River was significantly affected by anthropogenic activities.

Abstract: Le contenu stomacal de Papyrocranus afer est constitue d'invertebres de pleine eau, de debris de plantes et d'insectes allochtones, et de poissons. Les algues epiphytes, les invertebres benthiques et divers insectes sont des composantes secondaires tandis que le zooplancton n'est qu'occasionnel. Il apparait ainsi que ce poisson utilise les trois principales zones de son milieu: la surface, la pleine eau et le fond. Le regime est principalement opportuniste avec des proies qui sont consommees durant moins de trois mois par an. Il est egalement en relation etroite avec la repartition du poisson dans les zones herbeuses de bordure. On a observe une grande plasticite du regime qui se traduit par une diversite importante sur un cycle annuel. Ce large spectre trophique est considere comme caracteristique de l'espece.

Abstract: This study describes the length-weight relationships (LWR) and condition factors of twenty-four fish species from eleven families found in rivers of Tai National Park. A total of 1545 specimens were caught by using various mesh size of gill nets between January 2012 and September 2013. The growth coefficient (b) values obtained for the twenty-four fish species ranged between 1.890 for Barbus ablabes and 4.437 for Chromidotilapia guntheri. The value of b for four species indicated isometric growth at Tai National Park. For the other twenty species, b differed significantly (p<0.05) from 3. The length-weight relationships for three species (Micralestes eburneensis, Malapterurus punctatus and Polypterus palmas) in Ivoirian waters are hereby published for the first time. The condition factors (K) of the fish species ranged from (0.589) in Papyrocranus afer to (3.809) in Tilapia zillii. Twenty fish species had their K values outside the range (2.9-4.8) recommended as suitable for matured fresh water fish.

Abstract: Fish specimens sampled from Nwaniba (Ikpa River) for 12 calendar months (March 2009 – February 2010) comprised 11 orders, 33 families, 59 genera and 136 species; making a total of 2307 specimens During the dry season, Papyrocranus afer had the lowest (032) condition factor (K) value while the highest was Tilapia zillii (328) During the wet season, Sphyraena afra (037) had the least K while T mariae (388) was the species with the highest K value Fish annual condition factor (K) values ranged from 040 in Caranx senegalensis to 343 in T zillii while the mean monthly condition varied from 007 (P afer) in October to 422 (T mariae) in April Shannon-Wiener biotic index varied from 029 being the lowest in September to 279 being the highest in May Seasonal variation in the index showed highest (215) during dry season than the wet season (067) Species richness was high (136) indicating a polydiversed community Previous studies showed that T mariae had a mean K value of 38 but 281 in the present study in the same system Higher K value of 166 was obtained for B nurse but previously was 034 These differences may be occasioned by the human anthropogenic perturbations which are on-going in the river system, thus leading to environmental degradation Therefore, appropriate recommendations were proffered Keywords: diversity, piscine, condition factor, Ikpa River, Nwaniba