Length-weight relationships of 18 fish species in grand-lahou lagoon, south-west Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Length-Weight relationships (LWR) of 18 fish species belonging to 12 families from the Grand-Lahou lagoon system in the south–west of Ivory Coast were studied. Samples were collected monthly from November 2013 through October 2014, using set of gill nets, bamboo traps, hooks, cast nets and completed with fish from artisanal landings. All length-weight regressions were highly significant, with the coefficient of determination (r²) ranging from 0.722 (Ethmalosa fimbriata) to 0.974 (Epinephelus aeneus). The growth parameter (b) of LWR ranged from 2.262 (Polydactylus quadrifilis) to 3.942 (Lutjanus goreensis) and species exhibited both allometric (b3) and isometric (b = 3) growth types. This study provides useful tool for more effective management of these fisheries. In addition, new data were recorded for the first time in Cote d’Ivoire for three species and West Africa for Lutjanus dentatus.