Size Frequency and Feeding Behavior of Clarias gariepinus from the Solomougou Dam Lake (Northern Ivory Coast)
Ndiaye Awa *
Unit of Training and Research in Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Kien Kouassi Brahiman
Unit of Training and Research in Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Kouakou Fokouo Kessia Irène
Unit of Training and Research in Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Amon Yao Nicolas
Unit of Training and Research in Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Diomandé Dramane
Unit of Training and Research in Sciences and Environmental Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d'Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Initially intended for hydro-agricultural use, the Solomougou dam lake, like most reservoirs in northern Côte d'Ivoire, has significant fisheries potential. Sustainable management of this reservoir requires a better understanding of the biology and ecology of the organisms that inhabit it. Among these organisms are species of economic interest frequently found in catches, notably wels catfish. This study aims to investigate the size-frequency structure and feeding behaviour of the African wels catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the Solomougou Lake to contribute to the management of local fisheries resources. From July 2024 to January 2025, 88 specimens of Clarias gariepinus ranging in size from 18.8 to 88.85 cm were collected, measured, and dissected, and their stomach contents were analysed. Most individuals measured between 18.5 and 27.94 cm. K values ranged from 0.65 to 0.69. There was no significant difference in condition factor according to season or size class. Stomach content analysis showed that Clarias gariepinus fed primarily on Diptera (28.4%), plant debris (24%), Coleoptera (17.1%), and animal debris (12.6%). The corrected frequency of occurrence revealed that Clarias gariepinus is omnivorous. The calculated Schoener diversity index (≈ 1) between seasons and sizes showed that the diet did not vary according to either season or size. This study notes that Clarias gariepinus benefits from a favourable environment for its growth. However, proper and regular monitoring of its population is necessary to ensure its sustainable management over time.
Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, size-frequency distribution, condition factor, feeding behaviour, diet composition, vacuity coefficient, trophic ecology, Schoener index