Evaluation of Biological Aspects of Baringo Barb i (Ruppell 1835) in Lake Baringo
Baringo barb Labeobarbus Intermsdius, one of the most neglected native fish species, is found in Lake Baringo. It is a shallow freshwater lake in the Rift Valley of Kenya. The study examined aspects of the biology to establish baseline scientific information about the species. The length and weight of the fish were measured using gillnets. The power equation W=ax Lb was used to calculate the length-weight relationship. For analysis of stomach contents, each fish was removed from its stomach. Gonads examined the gonads to determine maturity stage and sex. The total number of fish size ranged between 6.0 to 36.0 cm in length and 4.3 to 1304 g in weight. Positive allometric growth was indicated by the 3.1177 b value in length-weight ratio. The sexes of 254 individuals were 107 males and 147 females. This was significantly lower than the expected 1:3 sex ratio (chi square test, p0.05). All stages of maturity were observed in this study except for VI and VII in males and VII in women. Baringo barb was a solitary fish that eats detritus, seeds and algae. However, other food items were eaten in conjunction with benthic feeding. To guide sustainable exploitation of this species, there is a need to conduct long-term research on its biology.