Species of Genus Barbus and its Distribution in the Ivorian Hydrosystems, West Africa.

ABSTRACT

Thirteen hydrosystems from Côte d’Ivoire were sampled between May 2000 to September 2002 and August 2004 to March 2006. A total of 8 species of Barbus have been identified in all the rivers studied. Among these species, Barbus ablabes was captured in all rivers investigated and constitutes the most abundant specie. Furthermore, 2 species were appeared only in one river. There are B. tiekoroi captured in Néro and B. macinensis in Bandana.The main factor influencing the Barbus species distribution in costal basins is the closure canopy. Nevertheless, in the other rivers, the distribution of Barbus species is influenced by pH, water temperature, width, depth, rocks and aquatic plants.