New biological data for Salaria fluviatilis (Asso, 1801) (Blenniidae) from North of Algeria

Abstract

The family Blenniidae inhabiting freshwater systems has been scarcely studied, particularly in North Africa. The present study focused on the biology of Salaria fluviatilis (Asso, 1801) from Kabylie region (northern Algeria). A total of 198 specimens were sampled from May 2015 to May 2016. The total length of this fish varied between 4.9 and 12.7 cm and its total weight varied between 1.2 and 23.7 g. The age of this fish species varied between 1 and 3 years. The sex ratio of S. fluviatilis was in balance (SR = 0.98). The results of our investigation of length-weight relationship show highly significant correlation (p > 0.001); the correlation coefficient r varied between 0.966 and 0.985. The specimens of this fish species exhibited positive allometry in males (b = 3.195) and negative allometry in females (b = 2.782). Growth parameters were higher in males than in females, except for the growth rate (K) where the values were close. The growth performance index (Φ) was similar in both sexes, which confirms the same growth potential for males and females. In Kabylie region, the breeding period of S. fluviatilis occurred between April and July. Our results of analysis of the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Fulton’s K show that liver energy reserves are not devoted for reproduction; however, muscle reserves seem to support this physiological activity. In perspective, more biological studies must be carried out on this rare and poorly studied fish.