Abstract

The reproductive aspect of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L, 1758) in the Amerti reservoir (9°.63^’ N, 37°. 23^’ E) was studied monthly between August 2011 and July 2012. A total of 496 specimens, comprising 231 males and 265 females were captured during the sampling period. There were no significant differences between the sex ratio (c² = 2.33; P= 0.126). The mean ± SD of Fulton’s condition factor was 1.22 ± 0.14 for both sexes. The size at first sexual maturity (L₅₀) for male Cyprinus carpio was 27.2 cm fork length (F_L) while the females attained L₅₀ at 28.3 cm F_L. Absolute fecundity (F) varied between 36955 and 318584 with a mean ± SD of 170937 ± 13084 for the length group (270-470 mm F_L). The relationship between F and F_L were significant (F=0.224*F_L^3.708, R² = 0.933; p<0.001). The  mean  monthly water  temperature  that  ranged  from  18.9  to 23.1°C  during  the  study  period  appears  to  favor  year  round  spawning  of common  carp  in  the reservoir.

Key words:  Breading season, fecundity, maturity, species introduction.