Reproductive strategy of Labeo senegalensis Valenciennes 1842 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in the Ouémé basin, Benin

  • E Montchowui
  • P Lalèyè
  • P Poncin
  • J-C Philippart
DOI: 10.2989/16085914.2010.466586

Abstract

Aspects of the reproductive biology and population structure of Labeo senegalensis were investigated in the Ouémé River between April 2005 and March 2006. Reproductive strategy was investigated using gonadosomatic index, ovarian structure and fecundity. Average size-at-first-maturity (L50) was estimated at 29 cm TL for females and 25.7 cm TL for males. The average sex ratio (1:0.96) was not significantly different from unity. Oocyte diameter frequency distribution suggests synchronous development with a single total spawning. Absolute fecundity ranged between 12 948 and 74 832 eggs. Labeo senegalensis is a highly fecund fish that presents a seasonal cycle of reproduction from May to October during the rainy season.
African Journal of Aquatic Science 2010, 35(1): 81–85

Author Biographies

E Montchowui
Behavioural Biology Unit and Laboratory of Fish Demography and Hydroecology, University of Liège, 22 quai Van Beneden, 4020 Liège, Belgium; current address: Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Cotonou, Benin
P Lalèyè
Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Cotonou, Benin
P Poncin
Behavioural Biology Unit and Laboratory of Fish Demography and Hydroecology, University of Liège, 22 quai Van Beneden, 4020 Liège, Belgium
J-C Philippart
Behavioural Biology Unit and Laboratory of Fish Demography and Hydroecology, University of Liège, 22 quai Van Beneden, 4020 Liège, Belgium
Issue
Vol. 35 No. 1 (2010)
Section
Articles
Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the journal.

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1727-9364
print ISSN: 1608-5914