摘要
Opsaridium microlepis migrates for spawning during the rainy season （November to May） to major affluent rivers. Linthipe River is one of the major rivers, into which this species migrates. Determination of reproductive seasonality of O. microlepis is paramount in the improved management of this endangered species. Reproductive seasonality ofO. microlepis in the Linthipe River in Central Malawi was estimated using 546 specimens for 12 months. The GSI （Gonadosomatic Index） ranged between 5.6% and 13% for females and between 0.3% and 1.4% for males, respectively. GSI variation between the months was significantly different （one-way ANOVA （analysis of variance）, P 〈 0.05）. The peak breeding activity was observed between January to April. This was at the onset of rainy season while the condition factor of O. microlepis was found to be variable with lowest value in the month of August. The study revealed that for O. microlepis fishery to be sustainably exploited, proper management regimes should be instituted along the migratory rivers during the peak breeding periods. These sustainable methods need to be managed in a participatory manner together with the majority of people living along these rivers.
