Abstract

This study aims to characterize the spatio-temporal variation of the fish assemblages in relation to the environmental variables of Buyo Dam Lake. Sampling was performed from July 2017 to June 2018 using experimental fishing and commercial fishing. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated a significant variation (p <0.05) in pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and water transparency. A total of 45 species from 27 genus and 15 families were collected in the samples sites. Two species (Chrysichthys johnelsis and Malapterurus barbatus) are reported for the first time in the lake of Buyo. Among the fishes sampled, of Cichlidae (35.04%) and Claroteidae (16.43%) were the most abundants. The abundant species are Oreochromis niloticus (15.55%) and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (15.15%). The analysis of the structure of fish assemblages (H' from 2.28 to 2.75, E from 0.68 to 0.84) revealed a fairly diverse lake environment. The canonical correspondence analysis revealed the significant influence of water pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved solids content, water transparency and nitrite in the distribution of fish species in the lake of Buyo. This work constitute a baseline study for future investigations and will contribute to the implementation of a sustainable management plan for fisheries resources in the continental water.

Key words: Environmental parameters, fishes, settlement, Lake of Buyo, Côte d’Ivoire.