[en] The abundance and distribution, length-weight, condition factor, diet and reproduction of Synodontis schall and S. nigrita from the Ouémé (Bénin) are described. S. nigrita is less abundant than S. schall in the river. Both species are euryphagous with their diet containing a wide variety of food items that include various types of plankton, invertebrates and plants. This high diversity of the food composition indicates a wide adaptability to the habitats in which they live. This is an important strategy for survival and an advantage over the fish species compet-ing for a specific food item. Size at maturity differs between species for both males (15 cm TL for S. schall and 21 cm TL for S. nigrita) and females (16 cm and 22 cm, respectively). Fecundity range is higher for S. schall (1841 -15076 oocytes) compared to that of S. nigrita (2647 -9212). Peak values of GSI for males and females in both species occurred from mid-to late July, indicating one season of major spawning activity per year.
Disciplines :
Aquatic sciences & oceanology
Author, co-author :
Laleye, Philippe; Université d'Abomey-Calavi > Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques
Chikou, Antoine; Université d'Abomey-Calavi > Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques
Vandewalle, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution
Philippart, Jean-Claude ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Biologie du comportement - Ethologie et psychologie animale
Teugels, G.; Musée royal de l'Afrique centrale (MRAC) > Laboratoire d'Ichtyologie
Language :
English
Title :
Studies on the biology of two species of catfish Synodontis schall and Synodontis nigrita (Ostariophysi: Mochokidae) from the Ouémé River, Benin
Alternative titles :
[fr] Etude de la biologie de deux espèces de poissons-chats Synodontis schall and Synodontis nigrita (Ostariophysi : Mochokidae) de la rivière Ouémé au Bénin
Publication date :
August 2006
Journal title :
Belgian Journal of Zoology
ISSN :
0777-6276
eISSN :
2295-0451
Publisher :
Société royale zoologique de Belgique, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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