Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Simulation of reproductive rate, prey selection and the survival of pelagic fish of the African Great Lakes

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Populations of two prey groups of pelagic mainly zooplanktivorous fish with differing life history strategies, were simulated with a Lotka-Volterra model with predation. Group r fish are r-selected species and have a high rate of biomass increase. These comprise of the small pelagic cyprinids of Lakes Malawi and Victoria and the clupeids of Lake Tanganyika. Group K fish are K-selected species and have a lower intrinsic rate of biomass increase. These comprise of the haplochromine cichlids of Lakes Victoria and Malawi. Piscivorous cichlids and Lates spp. form the predators. The model shows that the different rates of increase of the two prey groups and the relative predation pressure upon them, determines the equilibrium biomasses. The cyprinid/clupeid Group r fish only have a high biomass when heavy predation reduces the cichlid Group K fish populations. This is because more food is available to Group r fish, as well as a reduction in predation pressure from the piscivorous cichlids. Group K cichlid fish only have a high biomass when predation pressure is low. This occurs when adult zooplanktivorous cichlids are too large too be eaten by predators.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adams, P. B., 1980. Life history patterns in marine fishes and their consequences for fisheries management. Fish. Bull. 78: 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison, E. H., G. Patterson, K. Irvine, A. B. Thompson & A. Menz, 1995a. The pelagic ecosystem. In A. Menz (ed.), The Fishery Potential and Productivity of the Pelagic Zone of Lake Malawi/Niassa. Natural Resources Institute, Chatham, U.K.: 351–367.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison, E. H., A. B. Thompson, B. P. Ngatunga & K. Irvine, 1995b. The diet and food consumption rates of the offshore fish. In A. Menz (ed.), The Fishery Potential and Productivity of the Pelagic Zone of Lake Malawi/Niassa. Nat. Res. Inst. Chatham, U.K.: 233–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison, E. H., A. B. Thompson & B. P. Ngatunga, 1995c. Identification of pelagic fish. In A. Menz (ed.), The Fishery Potential and Productivity of the Pelagic Zone of Lake Malawi/Niassa. Nat. Res. Inst. Chatham, U.K.: 159–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barel, C. D. N., R. Dorit, P. H. Greenwood, G. Fryer, N. Hughes, P. B. N. Jackson, H. Kawanabe, R. H. Lowe-McConnell, M. Nagoshi, A. J. Ribbink, E. Trewavas, F. Witte & K. Yamaoka, 1985. Destruction of fisheries in Africa's lakes. Nature 315: 19–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barel, C. D. N., W. Ligtvoet, T. Goldschmidt, F. Witte & P. C. Goudswaard, 1991. The haplochromine cichlids of Lake Victoria: an assessment of biological and fisheries interest. In M.H.H. Keenleyside (ed.), Cichlid Fishes, Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution. Chapman & Hall, London: 258–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Begon, M., J. L. Harper & C. R. Townsend, 1986. Ecology. Blackwell Scientific.

  • Blueweiss, L., H. Fox, V. Kudzma, D. Nakashima, R. Peters & S. Sams, 1978. Relationships between body size and some life-history parameters. Oecologia (Berl.) 37: 257–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter, G. W., 1991a. Pelagic fish. In G. W. Coulter (ed.), Lake Tanganyika and its Life. Oxford University Press, U.K.: 111–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter, G.W., 1991b. The benthic fish community. In G.W. Coulter (ed.), Lake Tanganyika and its life. Oxford University Press, U.K.: 151–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Degnbol, P., 1993. The pelagic zone of central Lake Malawi – a trophic box model. In V. Christensen & D. Pauly (eds), Trophic Models of Aquatic Ecosystems. ICLARM Conf. Proc. 26: 110–115.

  • Fryer, G. & T. D. Iles, 1972. The cichlid fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa: Their biology and evolution. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh: 641 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldschmidt, T., F. Witte & J. Wanink, 1993. Cascading effects of the introduced Nile perch on the detritivorous/ phytoplanktivorous species in the sublittoral areas of Lake Victoria. Conserv. Biol. 7: 686–700.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gréboval, D. & M. Fryd, 1993. Inland fisheries of Eastern/ Central/ Southern Africa: basic fisheries statistics. UNDP/FAO RAF/87/099-TD/52/93: 1–98.

  • Greenwood, P. H., 1974. The cichlid fishes of Lake Victoria, East Africa: the biology and evolution of a species flock. Bull. Br. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), Zool., Suppl. 6: 1–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hecky, R. E., F. W. B. Bugenyi, P. Ochumba, J. F. Talling, R. Mugidde, M. Gophen & L. Kaufmann, 1994. Deoxygenation of the deep water of Lake Victoria, East Africa. Limnol. Oceanogr. 39: 1476–1481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Irvine, K., 1995. Ecology of the lakefly, Chaoborus edulis. In A. Menz (ed.), The Fishery Potential and Productivity of the Pelagic Zone of Lake Malawi/Niassa. Nat. Res. Inst. Chatham, U.K.: 109–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Irvine, K., 1997. Food selectivity and diel vertical distribution of Chaoborus edulis (Diptera, Chaoboridae) in Lake Malawi. Freshwat. Biol. 37: 605–620.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, L., 1992. Catastrophic change in species-rich freshwater ecosystems: the lessons of Lake Victoria. BioScience 42: 846–858.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menz A., A. Bulirani & C. M. Goodwin, 1995. Acoustic estimation of fish biomass. In A. Menz (ed.), The Fishery Potential and Productivity of the Pelagic Zone of Lake Malawi/Niassa. Nat. Res. Inst. Chatham, U.K.: 307–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mkumbo, O. C. & W. Ligtvoet, 1992. Changes in the diet of Nile perch, Lates niloticus (L.), in the Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria. Hydrobiologia 232: 79–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moreau, J., W. Ligtvoet & M. L. D. Palomares, 1993a. Trophic relationship in the fish community of Lake Victoria, Kenya, with emphasis on the impact of Nile perch (Lates niloticus). In V. Christensen & D. Pauly (eds), Trophic Models of Aquatic Ecosystems. ICLARM Conf. Proc. 26: 144–152.

  • Moreau, J., B. Nyakageni, M. Pearce & P. Petit, 1993b. Trophic relationships in the pelagic zone of Lake Tanganyika (Burundi Sector). In V. Christensen & D. Pauly (eds), Trophic Models of Aquatic Ecosystems. ICLARM Conf. Proc. 26: 138–143.

  • Ochumba, P. B. O. & D. I. Kibaara, 1989. Observations on bluegreen algal blooms in the waters of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Afr. J. Ecol. 27: 23–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., 1990. The decline of the native fishes of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga (East Africa) and the impact of introduced species, especially the Nile perch, Lates niloticus and the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Envir. Biol. Fishes 27: 81–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. & O. Kachinjika, 1993. Effect of wind-induced mixing on the vertical distribution of nutrients and phytoplankton in Lake Malawi. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 25: 872–876.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pauly, D., 1982. Studying single-species dynamics in a tropical multispecies context. In D. Pauly & G.I. Murphy (eds), Theory and Management of Tropical Fisheries. ICLARM Conf. Proc. 9: 33–69.

  • Pitcher, T. J. & P. J. B. Hart, 1982. Fisheries ecology. Chapman & Hall, U.K.: 414 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roest, F. C., 1992. The pelagic fisheries resources of Lake Tanganyika. Mitt. int. Ver. Limnol. 23: 11–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer, M. B., 1954. Some aspect of the dynamics of populations important to the management of commercial marine fisheries. Bull. Inter-am. Trop. Tuna Commission 1: 27–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1966. The annual cycle of stratification and phytoplankton growth in Lake Victoria (East Africa). Int. Rev. ges. Hydrobiol. 51: 545–621.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, A. B., E. H. Allison & B. P. Ngatunga, 1996a. Distribution and breeding biology of offshore cichlids in Lake Malawi/Niassa. Envir. Biol. Fishes 47: 235–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson A. B., E. H. Allison & B. P. Ngatunga, 1996b. Distribution and breeding biology of offshore pelagic cyprinids and catfish in Lake Malawi/Niassa. Envir. Biol. Fishes 47: 27–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, J. L., 1982a. Lake flies, water fleas and sardines. In Biological studies on the pelagic ecosystem of Lake Malawi. F.A.O., Rome, FI:DP/MLW/75/019 Tech. Rep. 1: 165–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, J. L., 1982b. Analysis of purse seine and gillnet catch data off Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, from March 1980 to April 1981. In Biological Studies on the Pelagic Ecosystem of Lake Malawi. F.A.O., Rome, FI:DP/MLW/75/019 Tech. Rep. 1: 154–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walczak, P. S., 1982. Feeding habits and daily food consumption rates of the major pelagic fish species of Lake Malawi. F.A.O., Rome, FI:DP/MLW/75/019 Field Doc. 25: 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wanink, J. H., 1991. Survival in a perturbed environment: the effects of Nile perch introduction on the zooplanktivorous fish community of Lake Victoria. In O. Ravera (ed.), Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems.: Perturbation and Recovery. Ellis Horwood Ltd., Chichester: 269–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wanink, J. H., 1992. The Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis and dagaa Rastrineobola argentea: estimating the food-intake of a prudent predator. In L. Bennun (ed.), Proc. 7th Pan-afr. Ornith. Congr., Nairobi, 28 August–5 September 1988: 403–411.

  • Wanink, J. H., Kees P. C. Goudswaard & M. R. Berger, 1998. The sustainable role of the small pelagic cyprinid Rastrineobola argentea as a major resource in the ecosystem and the fishery of Lake Victoria. In W. L. T. Van Densen & M. J. Morris (eds), Lacustrine Fish Communities in S.E. Asia and Africa: Ecology and Exploitation. Samara House, Traeth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witte, F., T. Goldschmidt & J. H. Wanink, 1995. Dynamics of the haplochromine cichlid fauna and other ecological changes in the Mwanza Gulf of Lake Victoria. In T. J. Pitcher & P. J. B. Hart (eds), Impact of Species Changes in African Lakes. Chapman & Hall, London: 83–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witte, F., T. Goldschmidt, P. C. Goudswaard, W. Ligtvoet, M. J. P. Van Oijen & J. H. Wanink, 1992a. Species extinction and concomitant ecological changes in Lake Victoria. Neth. J. Zool. 42: 214–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witte, F., T. Goldschmidt, J. Wanink, M. Van Oijen, K. Goudswaard, E. Witte-Maas & N. Bouton, 1992b. The destruction of an endemic species flock: quantitative data on the decline of the haplochromine cichlids of Lake Victoria. Envir. Biol. Fishes 34: 1–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Worthington, E. B. & R. H. Lowe-McConnell, 1994. African lakes reviewed: Creation and destruction of biodiversity. Envir. Cons. 21: 199–213.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. A.B. Thompson

    Present address: F.M.S., House 42, Road 28, Gulshan, Dhaka –, 1212, Bangladesh

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UK/SADC Pelagic Fish Resource Assessment Project, P.O. Box 311, Salima, Malawi

    A.B. Thompson

Authors
  1. A.B. Thompson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Thompson, A. Simulation of reproductive rate, prey selection and the survival of pelagic fish of the African Great Lakes. Hydrobiologia 407, 207–218 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003704523990

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003704523990

Search

Navigation