Biological and life-history parameters for Labeo rosae Steindachner, 1894 and <i>Oreochromis mossambicus</i> (Peters, 1852) from Flag Boshielo Dam, Olifants River, South Africa

Abstract

Inland fisheries contribute towards food security for rural communities living close to large aquatic systems. However, sustainable inland  fisheries rely on accurate biological information for the target species at the proposed fishery location. In this study, the biological  information for Labeo rosae Steindachner, 1894 and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) were determined at Flag Boshielo Dam,  Olifants River system, Limpopo province, as part of a larger study to evaluate a small-scale gill net fishery at this impoundment. Nine fish  surveys were conducted from February 2016 to April 2017 using mixed sampling gears. Labeo rosae exhibited positive allometric growth  (b > 3) while O. mossambicus displayed negative growth (b < 3). For L. rosae, the asymptotic length was 391 mm L_∞, and the length- at-50% sexual maturity 165.8 mm. For O. mossambicus, the asymptotic length was 420 mm L_∞, and the length-at-50% sexual maturity  166.5 mm. Both species population stocks showed signs of exploitation. Total mortality for L. rosae was 0.57 yr^–1 with a fishing  exploitation of 0.21 yr^–1, while total mortality of 0.78 yr^–1 and fishing exploitation of 0.50 yr^–1 were estimated for O. mossambicus. The  biological data collected, apart from the length–weight parameters for O. mossambicus, are suitable for conducting a fisheries  assessment for these species at Flag Boshielo Dam.