Labeobarbus Intermedius Research Articles

Altai Osmans of the Genus Oreoleuciscus and African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: the Common Patterns of Morphological Differences Between Piscivorous and Non-Piscivorous Forms under Sympatry Conditions

In populations of fish species of the same and of different systematic groups living in lakes of the same and of different continents the patterns of differences in factor loadings of the considered parameters of the morphology of the jaw apparatus and neurocranium on the main vectors of variability in comparison of piscivorous and non-piscivorous ecological forms almost coincides. It is shown that in the Altai osmans of the Oreoleuciscus potanini species in two lakes of the Central Asian Closed Basin, the structure of differences is almost identical to the structure of differences between the piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms of the barbs of the Barbus intermedius complex sensu Banister (1973) complex in the African Lake Tana. At the same time, the structure of the differences between the piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms of another species of Altai Osmans Oreoleuciscus humilis in a lake located in another part of the Central Asian Closed Basin differs significantly from the structure of differences in ecological forms of both the O. potanini species and the B. intermedius complex. It is assumed that the following explanation may be given for the revealed difference in the variability of Osmans in the studied water bodies. In the African lake Tana and Mongolian lakes Bayan and Khar-Us, the structure of differences reflects the already established situation of stationary coexistence of piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms in one water body. Whereas the structure of variability in the periodically drying Mongolian lake Lake Orog reflects not an established situation, but an incomplete process of its formation, interrupted over and over again by the death of the lake population in the next drought period.

Altai Osmans of the Genus Oreoleuciscus and African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: the Common Patterns of Morphological Differences between Piscivorous and Non-Piscivorous Forms under Sympatry Conditions

Altai Osmans of the Genus Oreoleuciscus and African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: the Common Patterns of Morphological Differences between Piscivorous and Non-Piscivorous Forms under Sympatry Conditions

ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE FISHES IN BLUE NILE RIVER BELOW THE TISS ISSAT FALL, ETHIOPIA

In the present study we evaluate the relative abundance and species composition of fishes in Blue Nile River below the fall during the wet season (September-October 2010) and dry season (March-April 2011). Fish samples were collected by using monofilaments gillnets (5-55 mm) and multifilament gillnets, having mesh sizes of six, eight, ten, twelve and fourteen centimeter stretched bar mesh, having a length of twenty five meter and depth of one and half meter, on three sampling sites of the Blue Nile River below Tisisat Fall. Eight hundred fifty seven fish specimens that belong to a single class, Actinopeterygii (ray-finned fishes), four orders, and five families and 6 genera were collected. The most dominant species were Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeo forskalii and Mormyrus kannume. The site harbors large flock of L. intermedius population. Sefiana site had the higher diversity (average H'=3.02). Labeobarbus intermedius was the most dominant (39.67% by number) followed by Labeo forskalii (27.77%) and M. kannume (11.67%). The other species, L. nedgia, B. docmak, L. crassibarbis, C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were found in 9.57%, 5.13%, 3.50%, 1.98% and 0.70%, respectively. All fish species except C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were found in all sites. All the fish species except L. crassibarbis, B. docmak and C. gariepinus showed significant differences in abundance between seasons with overall catch composition of 39.67%, 27.77%, 9.57%, and 11.67% for L. intermedius, L .forskalii, L. nedgia and M. kannume, respectively. L. intermedius, L. forskalii, L. nedgia and M. kannume were the most important species in both seasons and in most of the sampling sites. The studied habitats are in danger being eroded and therefore catchment rehabilitation should be considered and the massive seasonal fishing by the local communities should be reduced

ASSESSING FISHING ACTIVITY, FISH PRODUCTION AND DEMAND IN ILU ABBA BORA ZONE, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

The study was aimed to assess fishing activity, fish production and demand outlook in Ilu Abba Bora Zone, Oromia Region, southwest Ethiopia, to generate baseline data that would help in the proper and sustainable utilization of fish resources. Previous reports, field assessment, structured and semi-structured questionnaires and direct observation were employed for data collection. Five districts (Mettu, Yayo, BiloNopa, Bure and Sale Nono) were selected using purposive sampling technique. From each district, fishermen and households along and near riverine water bodies were selected purposively. The fishing activities of the area are aimed for subsistence by part-time fishermen and for local market during the dry season. The fishing gear commonly used are hooks of different sizes, traps (fish basket) and rarely gillnet. Birbira (Milletia ferruginea) is also used by fishermen in Sale Nono district. Though the severity of the constraints varies from one district to the other, the main fish production constraints in the area are low demand for fish, lack of awareness, lack of facilities, low profit, and long distance to market place. The fish demand and supply in the study area is unbalanced. Fresh whole fish, gutted and dried fish are mostly preferred fish products. Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, Bagrus docmak and Oreochromis niloticus are the species preferred by consumers in the study area. Awareness creation and promotion of local fish farming is important to integrate fish in the community’s diet and to scale up fish demand and supply in the area.

Food and feeding habits of Labeobarbus intermedius in the recently built Ribb Reservoir, Northwest Ethiopia

Food and feeding habits of Labeobarbus intermedius in the recently built Ribb Reservoir, Northwest Ethiopia

Length-weight relationships and reproductive biology of commercially important fishes from Ribb Reservoir, Ethiopia

It is important to understand the biological aspects of fish for fishing management. This study was conducted from February through October 2021. A total of 1,629 fishes were collected using different fishing gears. The length-weight relationship is a power curve for all fishes and showed a significant (r2 > 0.8). All fishes revealed a negative allometric growth pattern except Labeobarbus intermedius. Oreochromis niloticus (1.714 ± 0.009) was found in better condition than other fish species (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p < 0.05). The length at maturity was 24.0 cm and 25.4 cm total length (TL), 28.9 cm and 28.2 cm fork length, and 53.2 cm and 57.5 cm TL for females and males of O. niloticus, L. intermedius and Clarias gariepinus, respectively. Fecundity was ranged between 100–947 eggs/g with absolute fecundity (AF) of 468–3,832 eggs, 200–1,000 eggs/g with AF of 2,752–136,420 eggs, and 505–900 eggs/g with AF of 2,000–6,404 eggs for O. niloticus, C. gariepinus, and L. intermedius, respectively. Their respective mean fecundity was 1,490 ± 91, 23,330 ± 5,070, and 3,096 ± 273 eggs, respectively. Mean fecundity revealed a significant variation between size classes and species (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The fecundity length and fecundity-body weight relationships except (O. niloticus) of fishes were curvilinear while the gonad weight (GW)-fecundity relationship was linear for all fish species. The fecundity was moderately associated with increasing length than body weight, and GW for all fishes (r2 > 0.6). In conclusion, a tangible management setup is required to sustain the use of fish in the reservoir.

Food and feeding habits of the large cyprinid fishes in the upper Blue Nile River, Ethiopia

Food and feeding habits of large cyprinid fishes (Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, and Labeo forskalii) had been investigated in the upper Blue Nile River, Ethiopia. Four sampling sites were selected and specimens were sampled during the post-rainy (November 2016) and dry (March 2017) seasons by gillnets of 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, and 14 cm mesh sizes. Totally 401 fishes were collected and about 30.4% (122) of the samples were documented with empty guts and 279 (69.6%) of them were with non-empty guts. The whole contents of all non-empty gut specimens were taken, labeled, and preserved using a 5% formaldehyde solution for further analysis. In the laboratory, gut contents were examined and identified using compound and stereo microscopes. The relative importance of different food items in the diet compositions was analyzed using a frequency of occurrence and volumetric analysis. During the post-rainy season, insects and phytoplankton were mostly ingested as food items. However, during the dry season, phytoplankton was the most important food item in the diet of all cyprinid fishes of the river. Based on current study results, L. intermedius and L. nedgia might be omnivores in their diet but Labeobarbus forskalii seemed to be detritivorous.

Heavy Metals Accumulation in Water and Human Health Risk Assessment via the Consumption of Labeobarbus intermedius Samples from Borkena River, Ethiopia

Concentrations of heavy metals, namely, chromium, lead, cadmium, and copper, were evaluated in the water samples and selected fish organs (Labeobarbus intermedius) from the Borkena River, Ethiopia. The concentrations of these metals were determined using ELICO’s SL-176 double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The distribution of heavy metals in water samples analyzed was in the order of magnitude of Cu > Cr > Cd > Pb. The average heavy metal concentrations recorded in the water samples were below the maximum permissible limit established by international and national organizations (WHO, EPA, and USEPA), except for cadmium. Organ specificity was observed for accumulating the selected heavy metals in the order of liver > kidney > muscles. Pearson’s correlation results revealed that Cr and Cd originated from similar sources. Hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI) results showed that Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb contents were safe and might not have adverse public health effects. From the point of carcinogenic risk, this study suggests that the observed Cr and Cd concentrations possibly pose a risk of developing cancer in the future. Controlling waste at the source and implementing remediation strategies should be done to reduce heavy metal pollution in the river.

Generalized Form of Barbs of the <i>Barbus </i>(=<i>Labeobarbus</i>)<i> intermedius</i> Complex in Lake Tana: Vectors of Morphological Variability at Different Stages of Postnatal Ontogenesis

Fishes of the Barbus (=Labeobarbus) intermedius complex (Actinopterigii, Cyprinidae), known in Russian-language literature as Large African Barbs, are widely distributed in Africa water bodies. A special feature of the morphological diversity of this group of fish is the sympatric coexistence of morpho-ecological forms in local populations. The most famous example of such coexistence takes place in Lake Tana located in the north of Ethiopia, where, according to different authors, up to 15 morpho-ecological forms (morphotypes) live. The diagnostic features of the barbs of Lake Tana morphotypes are clearly manifested upon reaching a standard length (SL) of about 15 cm. With a shorter length, representatives of most morphotypes are indistinguishable from each other. This suggests that in ontogenesis, the main vectors of morphological variability of the Tana Lake barbs may be different before and after individuals reach a length of 15 cm. The aim of this study was to test this assumption. The results obtained confirm that in this population, the standard length (SL), equal to about 15 cm, delimits two stages of postnatal ontogenesis in the studied group of fish. In individuals with SL 15 cm, the main vector of variability is a consequence of changes in morphological proportions as the individual grows. In individuals with SL 15 cm, the main vector of variability is most likely associated with the trophic resource partitioning. The original approach used in the study is considered promising in analyzing the peculiarities of variability at different stages of ontogenesis not only of the studied group, but also of other systematic groups.

Bioaccumulation and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor of Metals and Metalloids in Edible Fish: A Systematic Review in Ethiopian Surface Waters.

Metals and metalloids pollution of Ethiopian surface water is becoming an environmental issue. Bioaccumulation and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BAF and BSAF) are used to quantify the bioaccumulation of contaminants from water and sediment to biota. The present study aimed to determine the BAF and BSAF of metals and metalloids in different surface waters of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the ecological and human health risks were also examined. Generally, 902 peer-reviewed papers from 2005 to 2022 were searched using search engines. The most common types of edible fish species in studied surface waters of Ethiopia were Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Barbus intermedius. The concentration of metals and metalloids were higher in sediment than in water and in carnivorous fish than in herbivorous fish. The BSAF of Se in all fish species was greater than 1. Oreochromis niloticus was a bio-concentrator of As and Se. The dissolved concentration of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were higher compared to the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority and the European Union; Organization of Economic and Co-Operation Development environmental water quality standard guidelines for inland surface freshwater bodies. Likewise, in sediment, the concentration of Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cr were above Tolerable Effect Concentration values and Cd, Ni, and Cr were above Probable Effect Concentration levels when compared to the United States Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines for freshwater which indicates that these metals may pose risk to aquatic organisms. Consumption of raw water and fish contaminated with the detected metals and metalloids is not associated with any diseases. However, local consumers who live close to each freshwater ecosystem may become more exposed to health risk hazards. The findings of this study will provide baseline information on BAF and BSAF of metals and metalloids in surface waters and will contribute to the effective monitoring of environmental quality.

Protection of fish breeding areas in Lake Baringo and the potential for sustainable resource management

AbstractLake Baringo (located in Kenya, East Africa) fishery is currently under perturbation with diverse annual fluctuations in the catch landings. In an attempt to remedy the declining fishery, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Department and Beach Management Units, identified and demarcated three fish breeding areas for protection. To assess the effectiveness of these protected fish breeding areas, three fleets of multifilament gillnets (mesh sizes; 25.4 to 203.2 mm) were set between February and December 2018. One fleet was set inside the breeding area, whereas the other two fleets were set 200m and 400m outsides. Fish species abundance, size structure and maturity stages were analyzed from the catch. Fish species abundance was higher within fish breeding areas (67.8%) than outside (32.2%). Labeobarbus intermedius was the most abundant (55.3 %), followed by Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis (29.9%), Labeo cylindricus (13.2%) and Clarias gariepinus (1.7%). Even though larger fish sizes were recorded outside than inside fish breeding areas, they were not statistically different irrespective of seasons (P˃0.05). Majority of the fish (approx. 70%) both inside and outside the breeding areas were in gonad stages 1 and 2. The results indicate that the three areas have great potential to increase fish productivity through fish recruitment and subsequent spillover into fishing grounds. It is recommended that stakeholders, especially Beach Management Units and County Government Department of Fisheries, focus on actualizing the protection of fish breeding areas through enhanced monitoring and surveillance. Fishers should also be sensitized on protected areas concept, coupled with the need to use proper mesh sizes and fishing effort. Beach Management Units should be strengthened as co-management units to guarantee sustainable fisheries resource utilization in Lake Baringo.

Spawning migration of Labeobarbus species of Lake Tana across the Gilgel Abay River Weir, Ethiopia: The challenges to fish spawning migration and proposed management solutions

AbstractLake Tana is one of the largest freshwater bodies in East Africa, with its 18 Labeobarbus species being the world's last remaining Cyprinid species flock. Many of them feed and grow in Lake Tana and migrate to the tributaries of the lake to reproduce. The construction of irrigation structures is increasing in the tributary rivers, however, without due attention being given to the spawning migration routes and critical spawning habitats. The present study examined the impacts of the Gilgel Abay Weir on the spawning migration of these species and discusses possible interactions with other human‐related impacts and potential mitigation measures. Fish samples were taken twice monthly from July to November 2019, both below and above the weir with gillnets. No spawning migration to the upstream of the weir has occurred since its construction, with the weir being a barrier to their spawning migration route of Lake Tana fisheries. Of the 11 species caught, only Labeobarbus intermedius (a habitat generalist) was observed above the weir, with the species diversity being significantly higher below the weir (p < 0.05) than above it. The total number of species observed during the present study was also lower, compared with previous reports. The fisheries impacts may also have been exacerbated by other contributing factors such as habitat destruction, river system degradation, destructive fishing practices and weed infestation, a situation which may lead to the collapse of Lake Tana fisheries and ultimately the lake's ecology. Reversing this situation is crucial, noting the implementation of such measures as habitat restoration and improvement, replacing the weir with environmentally friendly technologies, prohibition of illegal fishing, and construction of fish ladders could definitely alleviate the observed negative impacts of the Gilgel Abay Weir on the fisheries.

Distribution of metals in water, sediment and fish tissue. Consequences for human health risks due to fish consumption in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

Water pollution may be a serious environmental problem for Lake Hawassa, an important fishing and recreational site as well as a drinking-water source in Ethiopia. The present study aims at determining the distribution of metals and metalloids in the lake's water, sediment and fish tissues and assessing the resulting human health and ecological risks. Metals were detected in both abiotic and biotic samples. In water, only the Hg concentration was significantly different among sampling sites. The average concentration of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water were below the environmental quality thresholds, thus not having potentially adverse effect on aquatic life. In sediment, significant differences in metals concentration among sites were found for As, Cd, Pb, Co, Zn and Hg (p < 0.05). Exceedances of As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn were found in sediment, with Cr, Ni and Zn above the probable effect concentration and being potentially toxic to aquatic life. Fish stored more metals in their liver than in their muscle. The concentration of metals in carnivorous fish (Barbus intermedius) was not higher in muscle and liver than those in herbivores fish (Oreochromis niloticus). The Bioaccumulation Factor of Cr in all fish species muscle was >1. The Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor of all metals in all fish species muscle were <1. Positive correlations among metals in water and correlations among metals in sediment were found, indicating a potential common pollution source. Positive correlation of total organic carbon with Cd, Co and Se and clay content with Pb, As and Hg was found and may imply that metals are easily adsorbed by the organic matter and fine sediment. With respect to the measured metals no potential health risk due to consumption of fish from Lake Hawassa was observed.

Large African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: Pattern of Phenetic Radiation of Individuals of the Generalized form in Lake Tana, (Ethiopia)

Large African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: Pattern of Phenetic Radiation of Individuals of the Generalized form in Lake Tana, (Ethiopia)

Effects of lake‐level changes on water quality and fisheries production of Lake Baringo, Kenya

AbstractThe study was conducted in Lake Baringo, Kenya, and determined quantitative relationships between water‐level changes, water quality, and fishery production for purposes of evidence‐based lake basin management. Long‐term data on water level (1956–2020), water quality (2008–2021), and fisheries yields (1982–2021) from Lake Baringo were analysed using a combination of statistical methods. Linear and waveform regression analyses were used to describe patterns of lake‐level fluctuations over time, while Pearson's correlation was applied to determine the concordance of lake level changes with water quality parameters, landings, and condition of fish species. Principal components analysis (PCA) results grouped the study period into different years based on annual water quality variable levels. Locally weighted scatter plot smoothing (LOWESS) analysis showed the annual lake level amplitude declined over time with peak values in 1964 (8.6 m) and 2008 (9.4 m). The waveform regression significantly modelled lake‐level fluctuations as indexed by annual deviations from the long‐term average (DLTM) and showed a 20‐year oscillation between peak water levels in the lake. There were significant positive correlations of water‐level fluctuations (WLFs) with water quality variables and water quality index (WQI) in Lake Baringo. Linear regression analyses showed a significant concordance (p &lt; 0.05) between the annual fishery yields and the rising WLFs (r = 0.66). Also, there was a significant (p &lt; 0.001) relationship between the condition factor of the native species, Oreochromis niloticus, and the annual lake level amplitude (r = 0.69), while catches of the lungfish, Protopterus aethiopicus, and Labeobarbus intermedius showed a differing relationship with WLFs in the lake indicating a species‐specific influence of WLFs on catches. Overall, the results demonstrate that WLFs of Lake Baringo are a significant driver of fish species biomass, species condition, and physico‐chemical properties of the lake.

Vector of Trophic Resource Partitioning in the Variability of Individuals of the Generalized form of the Large African Barbs of the Barbus (= Labeobarbus) Intermedius Complex, Ethiopia, Tana, Langano and Awasa Lakes

Analysis of the diversification of barbs of the generalized form of the Barbus (= Labeobarbus) intermedius complex in the monomorphic populations of Langano and Awasa lakes and in the polymorphic population of Lake Tana makes it possible to reveal parameters of the variability that is directed to trophic resource partitioning. The great similarity of the parameters revealed in the three studied water bodies shows that in monomorphic populations the structure of variability directed to trophic resource partitioning is identical to that in the polymorphic population. The concept of “vector of trophic resource partitioning” is introduced. In the polymorphic population, this vector makes the main contribution to the diversification of individuals, while its importance is secondary in monomorphic populations. It is concluded that the different evolutionary potential of polymorphic and monomorphic populations is determined by the specific weight of diversification caused by the vector of trophic resource partitioning. The original method of data analysis used in the study may be promising for studying similar situations in other systematic groups.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in liver and kidney of fish species from three freshwater lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.

The objective of the present work was to obtain scientific information on the ecological health of three freshwater lakes (Awassa, Koka, and Ziway) situated in the Ethiopian Rift Valley by investigating possible trace element contamination accumulated in fish. Accordingly, fish liver and kidney samples were collected from three commercially important fish species (Barbus intermedius, Clarias gariepinus, and Oreochromis niloticus) in the lakes to determine the concentrations of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), using ICP-MS. Trace element concentrations were generally higher in O. niloticus compared with concentrations in B. intermedius and C. gariepinus. Compared to background values of most freshwater fish species, higher liver concentrations of Cu in C. gariepinus and O. niloticus, Mn in O. niloticus, Co in all except B. intermedius, and Zn in C. gariepinus from Lakes Ziway and Awassa were found. Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, and Pb were enriched in kidney, while Mn, Cu, Zn, As, and Se seems retained in the liver tissues. Assessment of transfer factors indicated that bioaccumulation from water and diet occurred, while uptake from sediments was low. Furthermore, the transfer factor values were generally higher for essential elements compared to the non-essential elements. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that the differences between the trace element levels were generally not significant among the lakes (p = 0.672), while significant differences were found between the fish species (p = 0.042), and between accumulation in kidney and liver (p = 0.002).

Variation of Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex in Three Ethiopian Lakes: Differentiation of Generalised Individuals in Characters Related to Food Resources Partitioning. Method of Correlation Pleiades

Variation of Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex in Three Ethiopian Lakes: Differentiation of Generalised Individuals in Characters Related to Food Resources Partitioning. Method of Correlation Pleiades

Impact of species and their edible parts on the macronutrient and mineral composition of fish from the same aquatic environment, the Gilgel Gibe Reservoir, Ethiopia.

Fish is an important source of easily digestible animal protein and other essential nutrients. It plays a pivotal role in food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. However, the nations of the global South consume a limited number of fish species. This study aimed to evaluate the macronutrient and mineral composition of Whole fish (Labeobarbus intermedius, Garra quadrimaculata) and fillet (Oreochromis niloticus, Labeobarbus intermedius). A total of 64 fish samples were collected from Gilgel Gibe reservoir, Ethiopia, and analysed for its macronutrient and mineral composition. The proximate composition and mineral contents of fillets and whole body samples were determined. The whole fish showed a much higher fat and ash percentage than the fillets (p<0.05). The fillets contained a much higher protein concentration than the whole fish (p<0.05). The higher Ca:P ratios in whole fish compared to fillet in our study confirm the importance for a healthy human skeletal development, especially in diets where Ca is typically lacking. Whole Garra appeared to be containing important trace elements such as zinc and iron, a feature that was not found to the same extent in the whole Labeobarbus. These differences may find its origin in the feeding pattern of these fish species in the reservoir. The advantage of benthic species such as Garra to enrich the human diet with essential minerals may, however, coincide with the accumulation of toxic heavy metals as a potential result of soil erosion.

Ichthyofauna of Gibe Sheleko National Park and some morphometric relationships of fish of the tributary rivers, Southern Ethiopia

Understanding of Ichthyofaunal diversity is a major gateway for the conservation of waterbodies in the world. Ethiopia has a rich Ichthyofaunal diversity, although they are poorly known. This study was carried out in two tributary rivers (Gibe and Wabe) of Gibe Sheleko National Park to investigate Ichthyofaunal diversity and morphometric characteristics of fish. By using monofilament gill-nets, fish were collected, identified and measured their morphometric. A total of 10 species were identified, dominated by Synodontis schall, followed by Labeobarbus nedgia and Labeobarbus intermedius. According to the Index of Relative Importance, S. schall was also first (49.13%), followed by L. intermedius (15.49%). Gibe River had a higher number of species than Wabe River. The Shannon Diversity Index in Gibe River was also higher (2.09) than Wabe (1.84) during the dry season, but lowest in the wet season (1.52 and 1.57 respectively). Synodontis schall had the largest girth, but Clarias gariepinus had the largest eye diameter and body weight. Heterobranchus longifilis was first in total, fork and standard body length. Generally, differences in sampling habitats and fishing effort might have contributed to discovered variants findings. Fishery development should be implemented in the Park to use the fish resource sustainably.