Ichthyology Faunal Diversity and Assemblage of Sologo Lake before Its Rehabilitation in Northern Ivory Coast

Abstract

This study, conducted from January 2022 to December 2022, aims to characterize the ichthyology fauna of this lake before its closure in 2023, to better assess the impact of the upcoming closure on the fish assemblage. The fishermen's catches were analyzed monthly. During each mission, each identified specimen was weighed and measured. The results give a total of 1103 specimens divided into four families; seventeen species were listed. Sixteen of them are present in the dry season compared to 12 in the rainy season. The family with the most species is that of Cichlidae (11 species). In terms of specific abundance, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is the most represented fish with 29.74%. This trend is maintained in all seasons. The study of seasonal variation gives Shannon index values ​​equal to 1.49bit/ind and equitability equal to 0.48 during the dry season. While the lowest values ​​are observed during the rainy season (1.06bit/ind) for H' and (0.40) for E. Nevertheless, the Anova test reveals a relatively homogeneous organization, therefore varying little from one season to another, of this population at p > 0.05. This study essentially offers a database, describing the fish assemblage of Sologo lake, to researchers and managers of the fishing industry, before its rehabilitation. This will allow a better appreciation of the impact of this rehabilitation on the population and to consider strategies for planning the management of fisheries resources.