Reproductive biology of the main fish species in lakes Taabo, Kossou and Faé (Côte d’Ivoire) with a view to rational fishing

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to find out the sizes of first sexual maturity and the reproduction period of the main fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Hemichromis fasciatus, Pelloluna leonensis, Oreochromis niloticus, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, Coptodon zillii, Coptodon zillii x Coptodon guineensis, Distichodus rostratus, Aucheglanis occidentalis, Hepsetus odoe, Parachanna obscura and Schilbe mandibularis) targeted by the fishery in three lakes (Taabo, Kossou, Fae). The sizes at first maturity recorded in Lake Kossou are larger than those obtained in the other two lakes. However, the sizes at first capture (Lc50) for all species in the three lakes are smaller than the sizes at first sexual maturity (L50). Monthly monitoring of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed that breeding activities took place during two seasons (wet and dry). The breeding activity during the rainy season is longer than during the dry season. For a sustainable supply of fish, the fishery could be closed during the period when most fish spawn (rainy season).