Reproductive Strategy of Labeobarbus batesii (Boulenger, 1903) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in the Mb？ Floodplain Rivers of Cameroon

Aspects of the reproductive strategy of African carp, Labeobarbus batesii, were investigated from May 2008 to October 2009 in the Mb？ Floodplain of Cameroon. Samples were collected monthly from artisanal fishermen. The total length and total body mass of each specimen were measured to the nearest mm and 0.01？g, respectively. Sex was determined by macroscopic examination of the gonads after dissection. The sex ratio was female skewed (overall sex ratio: 1？:？1.42). Females reach sexual maturity at a larger size (213？mm) than the males (203？mm). The mean gonadosomatic index ranges from % to %, whereas the mean K factor ranges from to . These two parameters are negatively correlated. The reproduction cycle begins in mid-September and ends in July of the next year, and they are reproductively quiescent for the rest of the year. Labeobarbus batesii is a group-synchronous spawner with pulses of synchronised reproduction spread over a long period. The mean absolute, potential, and relative fecundities are oocytes, oocytes, and oocytes/kg, respectively. The fecundity is higher and positively correlated with the gonad mass than with body size. Its reproductive biology suggests that L. batesii is suitable for pond culture. 1. Introduction In many parts in the world, cyprinid fish species are important in aquaculture, representing 61% of world production in 2008 [1, 2]. Although Asia is the largest aquaculture producer of cyprinids in the world, with its endogenous species, the diversity of freshwater fishes in Africa (3200 species) is comparable to that in Asia (3000 species) [3], but Africa lacks significant cyprinid aquaculture. In general, the problems for aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa are related to poor breeding techniques and a limited number of suitable species [4]. Thus, despite the diversity of African fishes, the main species that are farmed are imported from outside of Africa. Of the nearly 500 species of African cyprinids [5], only Labeo parvus (Boulenger) is used for aquaculture [6–9]. The technological support that accompanies domesticated exotic species contributes to the neglect of indigenous species that would require a long process of domestication for aquaculture [3]. Moreover, the harmful impact of the introduction of exotic species is likely to divert attention from the aquaculture potential of native species [10]. Indeed, the introduction of new species is the main cause of extinction of native freshwater fishes in Africa [11]. Endogenous fish species found in several agroecological zones of Cameroon are important candidates for