Variability and Linear Regression of Morphometric Characters of Squeaker-Catfishes ( Synodontis l evequei Paugy, 1987) Specimens Endemic to Republic of Guinea Freshwaters

Abstract

Synodontis levequei is a species of upside-down catfish endemic to Guinea, where it occurs in the Konkouré River basin. The present research focuses on examining the variability and correlation among 10 morphometric characters of S . levequei through 82 specimens collected from fishermen working on the Konkouré River. The specimens were collected between November 2024 and January 2025, corresponding to the favourable period for artisanal fishing in Republic of Guinea. Statistical analyses of linear regression relationships showed that there was a positive linear relationship between various morphometric measurements and total length (TL). Mostly strong correlations (correlation coefficients r ≥ 0.70; p < 0.05) between total length (TL) and most morphometric characters, except the Maxillary Barbel Length (MBL). All morphological characters of Synodontis levequei examined in this study showed a coefficient of variation lower than 10%. Hence, according to our present results, there is a direct relationship between the total length of fish (independent variable) and all morphometric characters (dependent variables), where there is a gradual increase in morphometric measurements with an increase in body length. As a result of the applied Correlation matrix among the morphological characters of Synodontis levequei , a very strong, positive relation between all morphological characters examined in this study was proved, except the correlation between Pelvic Fin Length (PVFL) and Inter Orbital Distance (IOD). A negative and significant association was observed between these two variables. Thus, our present study could be valuable for further exploration into the species’ ecological adaptations, contributing to our comprehension of its biological characteristics and management of this species endemic to Republic of Guinea. Other studies, particularly on genetic aspects and investigations of the influences of environmental subtleties, are desirable to overlay the mode of saving this species, which is already vulnerable.