Abstract
M.Sc. (Zoology)
An investigation was made into the ecology of Barbus brevipinnis and Opsaridium zambezense in the Incomati River System in the Eastern Transvaal. Special attention was given to factors which may threaten the existence of both species. New information was collected on aspects concerning their length:mass relationship,
condition, fecundity, feeding habits as weIl as parasites. Measurements were made of the standard, fork and total lengths of both species, which in each case was related to the specific mass of the fish. Both species are, according to the information obtained, capable of successive spawning over an extended period during the breeding season. This implies that the evaluation for fecundity according to standard procedures may in both species be conservative in terms of estimates of the total numbers of eggs
produced during the breeding season. Indications are, however, that of Zambezense may produce relatively low numbers of eggs and this as weIl as certain environmental factors, may in combination explain the relative scarcity of this fish in the Inkomati River
System. Environmental pollution may further complicate this issue. One of the main objectives of this study was to investigate the habitat requirements of both species. In doing so, both species can now be better defined in terms of certain biological
requirements as welI as environmental conditions under which they occur. It is hoped that this information may contribute towards a better understanding of the environmental conservation status of both species. The scarcity collection of studies into including GSI. of both species prohibited the large scale specimens normally required to enable intensive factors such as feeding, growth and breeding, It was therefore not possible during this study to obtain an accurate assessment of parameters such as fecundity, which should be investigated in more detail if and when material on both species becomes available. Recommendations are made concerning morphometric and electrophoretic investigations of both species in order to
evaluate their species status more accurately. It is suggested that the habitats where B.brevipinnis and O.zambezense occur be closely monitored in future to observe any further deterioration which may be caused by agricultural and mining activities. It is
recommended that because of the relative scarcity of Zambezense in the Inkomati River System, and to the apparent sensitivity of this species to environmental disturbance of its habitat, its conservation status be changed from indeterminate scarce to vulnerable.