Reproductive Strategy ofLabeobarbus batesii(Boulenger, 1903) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in the Mbô Floodplain Rivers of Cameroon

Abstract

Aspects of the reproductive strategy of African carp,Labeobarbus batesii, were investigated from May 2008 to October 2009 in the Mbô Floodplain of Cameroon. Samples were collected monthly from artisanal fishermen. The total length and total body mass of each specimen were measured to the nearest mm and 0.01 g, respectively. Sex was determined by macroscopic examination of the gonads after dissection. The sex ratio was female skewed (overall sex ratio: 1 : 1.42). Females reach sexual maturity at a larger size (213 mm) than the males (203 mm). The mean gonadosomatic index ranges from0.32±0.17% to1.91±1.15%, whereas the meanKfactor ranges from0.90±1.09to1.10±0.13. These two parameters are negatively correlated. The reproduction cycle begins in mid-September and ends in July of the next year, and they are reproductively quiescent for the rest of the year.Labeobarbus batesiiis a group-synchronous spawner with pulses of synchronised reproduction spread over a long period. The mean absolute, potential, and relative fecundities are2898±2837oocytes,1016±963oocytes, and9071±7184oocytes/kg, respectively. The fecundity is higher and positively correlated with the gonad mass than with body size. Its reproductive biology suggests thatL. batesiiis suitable for pond culture.

Reproductive Strategy of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede, 1803) in a Natural Environment in the Nkam River, Littoral Cameroon

“…e breeding season of C. nigrodigitatus coincides with the continuous rainy season, which lasts approximately six months and is characterized by a single spawning season in June as reported elsewhere [11,12,24,25]. International Journal of Zoology e reproduction of C. nigrodigitatus is of the asynchronous type as reported elsewhere [11,12], thus making this species a partial or heterochronous breeder, or fish with multiple spawning or split-spawning. e peak breeding period observed between April and June is similar to that recorded by Ekamen [26] and Offem et al [27] in the Cross River in Nigeria in the same species and by Dia [28] and Dossou [7], respectively, in Ivory Coast and in Benin.…”

“…A positive correlation has been recorded between the gonadosomatic and the hepatosomatic indices, whereas logically these two weight indices vary in opposite directions. Indeed, the fish would draw the reserves of the liver (in particular, the vitellogenin in the females) to manufacture the sexual products as discussed elsewhere [11,12,32]. It should probably be due to the fact that some females emit their eggs in a split way; and the partially emptied ovaries do not return to complete rest but continue the vitellogenesis of oocytes that will be emitted later.…”

“…is situation would certainly be at the origin of the intensification of research towards new species better adapted to the constraints of African aquaculture. is is particularly the case for studies on some African carp and African catfish: Labeo senegalensis by Montchowi et al [4], Labeo parvus by Montchowui et al [5] and Montchowui et al [6] and Chrysichthys auratus [7,8] in Benin and Egypt, Labeo coubie in Nigéria by Ikpi and Okey, and Labeobarbus batesii and Clarias jaensis in the Mbô Floodplain in West Cameroon by Tiogué et al [10], Tiogué [11], Tiogue [12], Tomedi et al [13], Zango et al [14]. e ichthyological fauna of Cameroon's freshwater is of exceptional interest.…”

Size Frequency Distribution, Length-length and Weight-length Relationships and Condition Factor of Eight Fish Species of Nkam River, Coastal Cameroon

“…Despite the abundant diversity of Cameroon's fishery resources associated with its geoclimatic diversity, the main species raised are imported (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus longifilis, Heterotis niloticus) [5]. The introduction of non-native species can lead to invasions, a problem that remains the second leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide [6,7].…”

“…In Cameroon, the best knowledge of endogenous species for domestication is likely to overcome to limit the constraints of adaptation, pledge of the Millennium prescription for the preservation and enhancement of endogenous biodiversity [6,8,7]. According to Tiogué et al [9], endogenous species found in several agro-ecological zones of Cameroon may be important potential candidates for aquaculture.…”