Biodiversity, length-weight patterns and condition factors of cichlid fishes (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in brackish water and freshwater lakes of the Mono River, Southern Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Cichlids are the major components of the ichthyodiversity and fisheries in tropical Africa. In Southern Benin, cichlids is of great importance and made about half (49.82%) of the inland fisheries. This study assessed diversities, length-weight models and condition factors of cichlids in South-Benin in order to contribute to species conservation and management. Six (6) cichlids dominated by Sarotherodon melanotheron (72.92%), a native species and Oreochromis niloticus (20.83%), an invasive alien species were recorded in Lake Toho. Likewise, the coastal zone comprised nine (9) cichlids dominated by S. melanotheron (74.49%) and Tilapia guineensis (20.06%). In both habitats, dominant species showed isometric growth patterns. The results showed significant (p≤0.0001) variations in the condition factors across both habitats. In Benin, cichlids have a high potential in fisheries and in aquaculture. Further studies are required and should focus on bioecology, dynamics, fisheries and aquaculture in order to implement a sound community-based approach of habitat protection, conservation and valorization scheme of cichlids species.