The biology of the African leaf fish Polycentropsis abbreviata Boulenger, 1901 in the River Ethiope, Nigeria

Abstract

Some aspects of the biology of Polycentropsis abbreviata Boulenger, 1901 in the River Ethiope were examined. P. abbreviata occurs commonly among the submerged bank vegetation throughout the year in the river. The species exhibits allometric growth pattern and the condition factor decreases with additional size. K-values are slightly higher in the wet season. The immature P. ahbreviata feed essentially on microcrustaceans and a variety of alate insects while the adults feed principally on crayfish, fishes and detritus. All size groups utilise Nemathelminthes and algae as supplementary diets. The male : female ratio was 1 : 2 and the fecundity ranged from 72-362 eggs. An average of 2.9% of its body weight is put into egg production.