Fish abundance and community composition in Bontanga Reservoir in the northern region of Ghana

Kezia BAIDOO, Abdul Halik MUSTAPHA, Doreen Aning YAMOAH, Set Mensah ABOBI, Samuel Opoku DANDI, Christian Larbi AYISI

Abstract

Bontanga Reservoir is a vital inland water resource in the Northern regio of Ghana, supporting diverse fish communities and sustaining local livelihoods. However, increasing anthropogenic activities, climate change, and ecological disturbances threaten its fish populations and overall ecosystem health. This study investigates fish abundance and community composition in the reservoir to contribute to conservation and sustainable management efforts. A total of 1,176 fish specimens were sampled, with total lengths ranging from 8.0 cm in Coptodon zillii and Brycinus nurse to 26.6 cm in Clarias gariepinus. Sarotherodon galilaeus was the most dominant species, with an Index of Relative Importance (IRI) value of 7.757%. In the midstream section, Synodontis violaceus (20.50 cm), Hippopotamyrus pictus (18.70 cm), and Synodontis clarias (17.90 cm) had the highest mean lengths. Oreochromis niloticus was present in all three sampling stations, with higher IRI values in upstream and downstream sections. Seasonal variations influenced fish community structure, with certain species displaying seasonal occurrence patterns.

Keywords

Community composition, Reservoir, Ecosystem, ecological health, Human activities

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References

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