Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (Jun 2024)
Species diversity, some biological aspects of fishes and water quality of Terie River, Beshilo Basin, Ethiopia
Abstract
The study was conducted in the Terie River between January and April 2022. The objectives of the study were to assess the fish species composition, determine the length-weight relationship and condition factor and assess the water quality of the river using international water quality guideline for aquatic life. Gillnets with different mesh sizes, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm were used to collect fish specimens in both dry and wet seasons. Immediately after capture, the total length (TL) and total weight (TW) of each individual were measured in centimeters and grams, respectively, and their relationship was determined using the power function. The physicochemical water quality parameters were analyzed using standard procedures and wagtech portable water quality Kits and Secchi Disk apparatus. A total of 667 fish specimens were collected from the Terie River, 410 and 257 in dry and wet seasons respectively. A total of six fish species, Oreochromis niloticus, Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, Labeobarbus beso, Clarias gariepinus, and Ramius loti were recorded. For length-weight relationship and condition factor analysis, more abundant fish species (O. niloticus and L. intermedius) which were found in both seasons were selected. The length and weight relationship of L. intermedius were TW = 0.0073TL3.04 in dry and TW = 0.0337TL2.59 in we season indicated isometric and negative allometric growth respectively. While O. niloticus showed negative allometric growth, TW = 0.096TL2.44 and TW = 0.0335 TL2.76 in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The mean Fulton condition factor (FCF) of L. intermidus were 0.85 ± 0.03 and 0.94 ± 0.25 in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The FCF of O. niloticus was 1.70 ± 0.13 and 1.73 ± 0.12 in dry and wet seasons respectively. Except for ammonia, the physicochemical water quality parameters were with the permissible limit for aquatic life and are suitable for fishes Terie River. The river has commercially important fish specimens that could be used for food security and livelihood improvement. However, there is very limited fishing activity in the river due to less awareness on the value of fishes. Therefore, sustainable fishery development should be done in the river.
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