Growth Parameters, Mortality Variables and Levels of Exploitation of PetrocephalusWesselsi (Kramer and Van Der Bank, 2000) in Lufupa River, Zambia

This study was aimed at documenting the growth parameters, mortality variables and levels of exploitation of Petrocephalus wesselsi in Lufupa River.It was the first study which was conducted on P. wesselsi in Lufupa River.P. wesselsi (n = 913) were collected along the course of Lufupa River, Zambia at Tree tops and at Mushingashi study sites in August, 2017.Fish samples were collected by Gillnetting using Trammel nets, 25 mm nets and 37 mm monofilament nets.The results showed that growth in P. wesselsi was sub-optimal (K = 0.179 to 0.289).The sampled fish showed a larger natural mortality (overall M = 0.27) than fishing mortality (overall F = 0.15).Overall data showed below-average levels of exploitation (E = 0.351).The study showed that the major cause of mortality among P. wesselsi in Lufupa River were natural causes, and the fish species is under-exploited.