Fishes of the Du Chaillu Massif, Niari Depression, and Mayombe Massif (Republic of Congo, west-central Africa): a list of species collected in tributaries of the upper Ogowe and middle and upper Kouilou-Niari River basins

Abstract

A list of fishes collected in rivers of the Du Chaillu Massif, Niari Depression, and Mayombe Massif in the Republic of Congo is provided. Few previous collections have been made and the region is poorly known ichthyologically, however several large mining projects are under development while logging and artisanal gold mining is already underway. One hundred and two species distributed in 22 families are reported, and 11 of these represent putatively new species. The high number of undescribed species recorded in the present study serves to highlight the importance of efforts to fully document the region’s ichthyofauna prior to the realization of major infrastructure projects that will undoubtedly impact aquatic habitats.