Biological Characteristics of the Redbelly Tilapia, Coptodon zillii (Gervais 1848), Population in a Small Urban Lake: Case of the Kôkô Dam Lake (Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire)

Et Al., Gogbé

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.446910

Biological Characteristics of the Redbelly Tilapia, Coptodon zillii (Gervais 1848), Population in a Small Urban Lake: Case of the Kôkô Dam Lake (Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire)

Author

Gogbé et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2025.446910

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the Coptodon zillii population in a small urban lake subject to strong anthropogenic pressure. Sampling was conducted from August 2023 to June 2024 to assess fish size, size at first maturity, sex ratio, fecundity, length–weight relationship, and condition factor. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation. The population in Lake Kôkô was dominated by small individuals exhibiting early sexual maturity. The sex ratio was strongly male-biased (1 female: 3.4 males). Mean fecundity was low, with an average of 541 ± 433 eggs per spawning period per female. The length–weight relationship indicated positive allometric growth, while the condition factor suggested that individuals were overweight. Overall, these findings indicate a low reproductive potential for C. zillii in Lake Kôkô, raising concerns about a possible long-term decline of the stock in this environment. This study provides essential baseline information for the rational management of fishery resources in the small reservoirs of northern Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to strategies for sustainable development.

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