Distribution of the three major species of fish in the Hartbeespoort Dam in relation to some environmental factors

Abstract

The catch per unit effort of Oreochromis mossambicus, Clarias gariepinus  and Cyprinus carpio at different localities at Hartbeespoort Dam was investigated. Catches of the three species were between three and ten times higher on the southern shore of the lake than on the northern shore. The gradient of each locality was found to be the most important variable determining catch. Gill-net catches of O. mossambicus from littoral and limnetic stations indicated equal abundance of the species in these two habitats. The implications of the results for improved predictions of fish yield from lakes, and for management are discussed.