Observations on reproduction of the Lake Tana barbs

Abstract

During the rainy season (September–November 1994), in tributaries of Lake Tana (Ethiopia), the Gumara, Gelda and Negashu, barbs of diVerent morphotypes were ready to spawn, running and spent. The most numerous were barbs similar to Barbus intermedius common in many rivers of the Ethiopian Highlands. They were also found spawning in the Gumara and Gelda Rivers in the dry season (February 1996, 1997). There were no evident diVerences in time and place of spawning of barbs representing diVerent morphotypes. Only zurki, bigmouth mini‐eye and bighead were not found in the rivers. Spatial and temporal segregation may contribute to reproductive isolation of morphotypes spawning in rivers, but if reproductive isolation exists the main role must be played by diVerences in mating behaviour. Morphotypes of the Lake Tana barbs have diVerent migration patterns. Barbs similar to the riverine B. intermedius may spend their lives in rivers or in the lake, moving to and fro. Barbs of acute, bigmouth big‐eye and, perhaps, other morphotypes migrate downstream as alevins or fry, stay in the lake for several years and migrate back into rivers for spawning after reaching maturity.