Fish distribution in sector IV and V of the Ebrié Lagoon (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The distribution profile of fish populations has long been ignored but, it could provide solutions to sampling plans. 14404 fish specimens have been sampled at Layo, N’djem, Songon and Taboth (sector IV) and Ahua (sector V) using gillnets, castnets and commercial fish from February 2014 to January 2015. 57 species were collected. The “Self-Organizing Maps (SOM)” was used to order study sites according to species assemblages. The distribution profile of each of the taxa of the different groups defined by the SOM shows that group (I) composed of the stations of Songon and N'djem contains marine species with estuarine affinity. The second group (II) includes Layo station is distinguished by the presence of essentially continental species. The third group (III) with Taboth station is characterized by the strictly estuarine species. Group IV composed by Ahua station, is dominated by of estuarine species of marine origin or affinity.