Ethnoichthyology of Fishing Communities in the Lower Valley of Ouémé in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Ethno-ichthyological knowledge can improve fisheries management. This study covers interactions between ecological, morphological, and sociocultural aspects pertaining to the fish of the Tovè River, which is located in the largest fishing area in the Republic of Benin (Ouémé Valley), West Africa. In particular, data were collected on fishing methods and techniques, fishing equipment, and ichthyofauna by noting vernacular names followed by identification traits, taste and dietary value, medicinal use, and related knowledge of different species. Through data related to names given locally to fish, this paper highlights the manner in which physical or behavioral traits are coded in terminology. Most of these species have a high market value, either because they are considered to be delicacies and/or for their medicinal uses. The results suggest that ethno-ichthyological information can successfully be applied to improve fish conservation and fisheries management.

Cross-cultural diversity analysis: traditional knowledge and uses of freshwater fish species by indigenous peoples of southern Punjab, Pakistan

“…The quick growth and good nutritional content of this great food fish prompted research into its aquaculture potential [ 51 ]. Catfish, for example, is a popular food in the fishing community, indicating a complex interaction of symbolic and cultural aspects, as well as materialistic or practical factors, such as the region's availability of this resource [ 52 ]. Hasan, Ahmad [ 53 ] reported that some fishes from the river Swat, Pakistan, such as Racoma labiata , Schizothorax plagiostomus , Mastacembelus armatus , Tor macrolepis , Cyprinus carpio and trout species are consumed as food hence deemed more economically important.…”

Ethnoecology of Banjarese in Managing the Snakehead Fish in Barito River Basin and Tributaries

“…We collect and analyze the qualitative and quantitative data with descriptive statistical analysis. This methodology is summarized and adopted from Djidohokpin et al (2020).…”

Ethnoichthyology: Critical analysis and perspectives

“…These remarks show the importance of studying the classificatory value of local names of fish in each tribe. Similarly, Djidohokpin et al [21] did not explain the etymology of the names or their theoretical basis.…”

“…In Benin, Djidohokpin et al [21] interviewed fishermen in Tovè locality on ethnoichthyological issues of fishes in the Tovè River. They noted that the name Hotoun attributed to Parachana obscura is due to its snake-like morphology.…”

“…Among the Bakwele, the spines on the fins of the fish Tetraodon mbu are removed and poured into water in order to kill whoever drinks the water. In Benin, in the Ouémé region, Djidohokpin [21] noted that only two fish species are used for medicinal purposes: Parachana obscura and Malapterus electricus.…”