Preliminary study of the aquatic biodiversity of the Katobo Dam pond (middle flats of Uvira, DR Congo)

Abstract

A recent study (2021) of biodiversity in Katobo dam pond, western part of the Albertine Rift, the middle flats of the Mitumba Mountains chain in Uvira territory, revealed presence of 20 genera of phytoplankton representing 10 families; 5 genera of zooplankton in 3 families; 15 species of macro invertebrates grouped into 13 families and; two introduced Cichlid fish species representing two genera. Planktonic and benthic macro-invertebrate species are less diversified in the Katobo dam pond, compared to the result early found in low-altitude similar ecosystems; also planktons are evenly distributed in the surface waters of the pond as are benthic macro-invertebrates in stations of collection. More, two fish species were introduced under Coptodon rendalli species name; as Oreochromis upembae species was not yet described before 1964. Finally, the physico-chemical characteristics testify low water temperature, low acidity and conductivity, and oxygen saturation.