Author(s):

Alphonse Adite, Ephrem C Tossavi and Dossi B Esperancia Kakpo

Abstract:
Cichlids are the major components of the ichthyodiversity and fisheries in tropical Africa. In Southern Benin, cichlids is of great importance and made about half (49.82%) of the inland fisheries. This study assessed diversities, length-weight models and condition factors of cichlids in South-Benin in order to contribute to species conservation and management. Six (6) cichlids dominated by Sarotherodon melanotheron (72.92%), a native species and Oreochromis niloticus (20.83%), an invasive alien species were recorded in Lake Toho. Likewise, the coastal zone comprised nine (9) cichlids dominated by S. melanotheron (74.49%) and Tilapia guineensis (20.06%). In both habitats, dominant species showed isometric growth patterns. The results showed significant (p≤0.0001) variations in the condition factors across both habitats. In Benin, cichlids have a high potential in fisheries and in aquaculture. Further studies are required and should focus on bioecology, dynamics, fisheries and aquaculture in order to implement a sound community-based approach of habitat protection, conservation and valorization scheme of cichlids species.

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