Aspects on the Ecology of Barbus Kimberleyensis and Barbus Holubi in the Vaal River

Abstract

From the summarized data presented in the present paper several factors contributing to the paucity of Barbus kimberleyensis were illuminated. Soil erosion causes extremely turbid conditions in the waters of the Vaal River for almost the whole year and therefore restricts the ability of the predatory species to see its prey. Another factor which is most certainly one of the major causes of the limited reproduction is the slow growth-rate and the age at which both sexes reach sexual maturity. With the increasing angling pressure this may give rise to a critical situation in the near future.