Jonathan Armel Mbondo, Marie Dieudonnée Laure Tchiedjo, Adrien Mariel Essoh Etouke, Étienne Didier Bassock Bayiha and Dieu Ne Dort Bahanak
This study investigated the length–weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K), and reproductive characteristics of Synodontis rebeli from the lower Sanaga River, Cameroon. A total of 257 specimens were collected bimonthly between January 2024 and March 2025. The LWR, K, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were determined, while linear regression, Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses. The specimens exhibited negative allometric growth (b = 2.82), indicating that body weight increased at a slower rate than the cube of body length. A strong positive correlation was observed between standard length (SL) and body weight (r = 0.93). The inverse relationship between the K and the GSI suggests that energy reserves are progressively allocated from somatic growth to gonadal development during the reproductive period. Peak reproductive activity occurred in March and from September to November, corresponding to the onset of the short and long rainy seasons, respectively. These findings provide valuable baseline biological information for stock assessment, the development of seasonal fishing regulations, and the sustainable management and conservation of S. rebeli in the lower Sanaga River.
Key words: Allometric growth, reproductive biology, gonadosomatic index, spawning season, freshwater catfish, fisheries management.