Inventory of the Ichthyological Biodiversity of the Congo River at Kindu (Lualaba Section)

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Published: 2026-02-04
Keywords:
Diversity, fish, ecosystem, index, Congo River, Lualaba

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Ngoy A Ngoy Chuck
University of Kindu, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Democratic Republic of the Congo
domatanaanicet
University of Kindu, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Democratic Republic of the Congo
mulungosangwahugues
University of Kindu, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Democratic Republic of the Congo
kitengekitokogermaine
Higher Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences of Maniema, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Manga Tshomba Joseph
University of Kindu, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the different fish species inhabiting the Congo River at Kindu, specifically in the Lualaba section. To collect the data, several fishing gears were used, including hooks, baited traps, cast nets, and gillnets. A total of two hundred and sixty (260) specimens belonging to 13 families and 28 species were identified. The most abundant species were Distichodus sexfasciatus (9.6%), Labeo senegalensis and Auchenoglanis occidentalis (8% each), Citharinus latus (7.3%), Marcusenius mento and Distichodus rostratus (7% each), Cyphomyrus psittacus (5.8%), and Oreochromis niloticus (5%). The calculated Shannon index indicates that Station 1 was more diverse (3.043), whereas Station 2 was moderately diverse (2.718). Pielou’s evenness index was high at Station 1 (0.94) and relatively low at Station 2 (0.92). These calculated indices confirm that the Congo River, in its section at Kindu, is rich in fish biodiversity.

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): february 2026

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How to Cite

Inventory of the Ichthyological Biodiversity of the Congo River at Kindu (Lualaba Section). (2026). International Journal of Conservation and Aquatic Innovation Research, 1(1). https://cair.jbashaedu.com/cair/article/view/9

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