Aspects of reproductive biology and population biology of petrocephalus wesselsi (Kramer and Van der bank,2000) in lufupa river, Zambia.

Abstract

This study was aimed at documenting some aspects of the reproductive biology, growth rates and Condition factors of Petrocephalus wesselsi in Lufupa River. It was the first study which was conducted on P. wesselsi in Lufupa River. P. wesselsi (n = 913) were collected along the course of Lufupa River, Zambia at Tree tops and at Mushingashi study sites in August, 2017. Fish samples were collected by Gillnetting using Trammel nets, 25 mm nets and 37 mm monofilament nets. Three distinct gonad maturity stages were identified (active, immature and inactive). The Male to Female ratio (1:4) was different from the expected ratio of 1:1. The size at first capture for the total population was estimated at 69 mm in total length. Longevity was estimated at 16.8 months for the total population (14.6 months for Females and 15.2 months for Males). Overall results showed that growth in P. wesselsi was sub-optimal (K = 0.179). The studied fish were all in good Condition (KF = 1.03).