Fish species recorded in two small rivers (Nabongo and Muyembe) in Eastern Uganda

Study Extent

The study was conducted on rivers Nabong and Muyembe found along the western slopes of Mt. Elgon in Bulambuli district. Sampling sites were located along reachable river sections with observable anthropogenic activities.

Sampling

Fishing was done using an electric fishing equipment (HT-2000 battery Back pack electro fisher) at each sampling site. The electro fisher was run for 40 minutes across the river section at each site. Fish captured were collected in plastic buckets and sorted to the lowest taxon possible. Number and weight for each taxon were determined and recorded. Portable digital weighing scale and a measuring board were used to measure weight and length respectively.

Quality Control

Fish not identified to species level were fixed in 10% formalin in air tight containers and transported to the laboratory for a detailed taxonomic identification. In the laboratory, fish specimens were washed by soaking in tap water for 72 hours to get rid of formalin and then identified to species level with the guide of fish identification keys including Green wood 1966 and fish base online guide (https://www.fishbase.se/search.php. All scientific names were validated using FishBase (Froese & Paully, 2018) and the catalogue of fishes (Fricke et al. 2021).

Method steps

1. Processing and identification Fish not identified to species level were fixed in 10% formalin in air tight containers and transported to the laboratory for a detailed taxonomic identification. In the laboratory, fish specimens were washed by soaking in tap water for 72 hours to get rid of formalin and then identified to species level with the guide of fish identification keys including Green wood 1966 and fish base online guide (https://www.fishbase.se/search.php. All scientific names were validated using FishBase (Froese & Paully, 2018) and the catalogue of fishes (Fricke et al. 2021).

Fishes under class Actinopterygii

1. Amphilius jacksonii
   rank: species
2. Auchenoglanis occidentalis
   rank: species
3. Clarias alluaudi
   rank: species
4. Clarias gariepinus
   rank: species
5. Enteromius kersterni
   rank: species
6. Enteromius paludinosus
   rank: species
7. Enteromius species
   rank: species
8. Labeo victorianus
   rank: species
9. Enteromius
   rank: genus

The study was conducted along rivers Nabongo and Muyembe located within the Mt. (mountain) Elgon region in Eastern Uganda