CONDITION FACTOR AND LENGTH-MASS RELATIONSHIP OF THE MAIN FISH SPECIES IN THE BANDAMA RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF THE TAABO DAM (COTE DIVOIRE)

Length-mass relationship and condition factor are important tools used in biology, ecology and stock assessment for the management and conservation of fish populations and also to assess the level of disturbance of an aquatic ecosystem. The present study aims at providing baseline data on the length-mass relationship and condition factor of sixteen (16) fish species landed at NDènou, downstream of the Taabo dam, prior to the impoundment of the dam under construction on this part of the Bandama River. The fish were collected monthly from november 2019 to october 2020.They were measured (standard length in cm) and weighed (mass in g). The data were processed in Excel and Statistica 7.1 software. A total of 16047 fish were examined. The standard lengths of these fish varied from 3.50 to 40 cm with masses ranging from 2.87 to 1400 g. The values of the allometry coefficient ranged from 1.64 for Hemichromisbimaculatus to 2.99 for Labeocoubie. Fourteen (14) fish species studied have negative allometric growth (b < 3 p < 0.05). Distichodusrostratus and Labeocoubie species have isometric growth. The condition factor has values between 0.83 ± 0.39 (Mormyropsanguilloides) and 3.65 ± 0.74 (Coptodonhybrid).