Abstract
The ichthyofauna diversity of the Jebba Hydroelectric Power (HEP) Dam, Jebba, North-central Nigeria was studied. Fishes were sampled for 24 months using gill net, hook and line, and cast net. Individuals were identified using morphological and molecular (mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I) data. A total of 9605 freshwater fishes were recorded during the sampling period. The use of an integrative taxonomic approach enabled the identification of 83 species belonging to 42 genera. Additionally, the study recorded three unidentified species - Ctenopoma sp, Malapterurus sp., and Protopterus sp. Analyses showed that individuals belonging to families Cichlidae and Mochokidae dominated the dam. The diversity analyses revealed relatively high fish diversity during the rainy season at the downstream section of Jebba HEP dam compared to the upstream section. The study, therefore, showed the presence of a diverse fish community comprising high species richness and diversity across the Jebba HEP dam. Finally, we recommend proper biodiversity monitoring and assessment of freshwater fish diversity across Nigeria. In addition, the use of an integrated taxonomic approach is recommended for appropriate species' identification and studies of freshwater fishes from Nigeria.
Highlights
Nigerian freshwater ecosystem spans over 14 million hectares (FDF, 2008)
Notable among them is the construction of hydro-electric power (HEP) plants, which led to the development of the Jebba HEP dam
The Jebba HEP dam extends from Jebba to the southern Kainji dam with tributaries stretching across Awun, Eku, Moshi, and Oli rivers
Summary
Nigerian freshwater ecosystem spans over 14 million hectares (FDF, 2008). Amongst its freshwater ecosystem is the Niger River, with its tributaries extending across the country (Olaosebikan and Raji, 1998). Several development projects have been constructed on this river. Notable among them is the construction of hydro-electric power (HEP) plants, which led to the development of the Jebba HEP dam. The Jebba HEP dam extends from Jebba to the southern Kainji dam with tributaries stretching across Awun, Eku, Moshi, and Oli rivers. It has good potential for the fish catch with an estimate of 909-1818 tons/annum (Adelakun et al, 2017)
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