Preliminary results of the characterization of Clarias species from Lake Magui in Mali from the Vomerian plate

Abstract

The objective of the study is to characterize the Clarias species of Lake Magui in Mali on the basis of Vomerian dental plaque in order to contribute to the ichthyic diversity of the Senegal River basin. To do this, 32 samples of fish belonging to the genus Clarias were collected and then identified. They were measured on 17 metric variables of the body, the length and thickness of the vomerian plate. The Clarias species identified are Clarias anguillaris, Clarias gariepinus and Clarias sp. The average length of the vomerian plate was 17.76±1.61 in Clarias anguillaris, 20.84±0.43 in Clarias gariepinus and 19.97±1.28 in Clarias sp. Comparison of means shows a statically significant difference between species. Comparison of means shows a statically significant difference between species. The results show three species of Clarias in Lake Magui and Clarias sp. deserves to be better described by more in-depth studies.