Fish community changes associated with a small African reservoir

Fish communities of a small Nigerian reservoir and its upstream were studie d from 1984 - 1985 and 1988 - 1989. The number of species upstream was cons iderably reduced from 1984/1985 to 1988/1989. The fish communities of upstr eam and reservoir were similar in 1988/1989. The comparison of upstream and reservoir showed that benthic invertivores and mud/detritus feeders were a dversely affected by habitat alterations. The numbers of species valued as food were low in both upstream and reservoir. Both these habitats supported a large number of species sought by aquarists. The value of fish communiti es in evaluating biotic integrity of stream ecosystems and the need for the sustainable management of reservoir fisheries resources are discussed.