Length–weight relationships for fish populations of a relatively undisturbed tropical estuary: The Gambia

Abstract

Abstract During fish sampling conducted in the Gambia estuary between 2000 and 2002, more than 5500 fish were individually measured and weighed. From these data, length–weight relationships were established for 25 species belonging to 12 families. These 25 species frequently occur in estuarine and lagoon environments in West Africa. This work is of especial value because of the nature of the ecosystem that was studied: the estuary of the River Gambia, which is one of the last West African estuaries that has not been subject to either natural or artificial major disturbances. For 3 species, the information is new and for two others, these relationships are described for the first time for this sub-region.