Aquaculture and Fishery Management

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    FEEDING HABITS AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN BIG BARB, Labeobarbus intermedius (RÜPPELL, 1836) (PISCES: CYPRINIDAE) IN RIVER BELES, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2023-10) HAYMANOT ATENAFU
    Labeobabus intermedius is the 3rd most important fish species in Ethiopian water bodies and the most important in Beles River. The study aimed on reproductive biology, feeding habits and condition factor of L. intermedius were investigated in Beles River based on samples collected from February 2023 to July 2023. The findings of this study were given using figures, Tables, frequency of occurrence, and volumetric methods of analyses. A total of 464 fish samples were caught, ranging from TL 13.5 cm to 49.3 cm and TW 19 g to 1,278 g, for males and TL 11.6 cm to 48.2 cm, and TW of 18 g to 1491 g for females using long lines. Detritus (42.1%), phytoplankton (41.5%), macrophytes (7.2%), insects (4.3%), gastropods (1.5%), and zooplankton (3.4%) were using frequency of occurrence and volumetric analyses, respectively. The overall male-to-female sex ratio was significantly different from 1:1 (χ2 = 4.2*, p<0.01). Lm50 for males and females was 28.6 cm and 26.4 cm TL, respectively. GSI values ranged from 0.15 to 28.8 % for males and 0.1 to 40.43 % for females. The fish breeds throughout the sampling period, with intensive breeding in February. The length-weight relationship was found to be curvilinear (TW = 0.01 TL2.88). The FCF was ranged from 0.4 to 1.02 ± 0.01 for males and 0.38 to 1.004 ± 0.01 for females. In general, FCF and ripe gonad were inversely proportional, and compered to other studies the fecundity L. intermedius in Beles River were relatively high. There was no observable variation in the food items between dry and wet months, but noTable ontogenetic variation was seen in the diet. Fish under 28.2cm should be protected from unwise exploitation. The study offers crucial insights into the ecological role and life history of L. intermedius in the Beles River ecosystem, thereby aiding in its conservation in Ethiopia.