Contribution to the Study of the Growth of the Bonga Ethmalosa Fimbriata (Bowdich) in Senegalese Coastal Waters

Abstract

The Bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata) is the third most abundant clupeid in Senegal after the round and flat sardines. This study allowed updating some growth parameters of Ethmalosa fimbriata witch can contribute to the management of the fishery.The size frequency distribution showed that bonga whose size range from 19 cm to 21 cm are more common in the landings of the estuary. At sea fisheries generally target individuals of average size from 18 cm to 22 cm with the dominance of class size from 19 cm to 20 cm. The study of the condition factor shows that the diet of Ethmalosa fimbriata is the best during the hot season also in estuary and at sea. This study also allowed estimating the growth parameters of marine and estuarine Ethmalosa fimbriata from size frequency by ELEFAN (Electric Length Frequency Analysis) software. Seasonal growth is faster in hot season in estuary and at sea.