TITLE:
Phenotypic Variability of Coptodon walteri Populations in the Cavally River (West, Côte d’Ivoire), a Tool for the Conservation of an Endemic Species
AUTHORS:
Ouangbo Yaya Ouattara, Ahou Nicole Kouame-Yoboue, Koffi Charles Boussou, N’Goran Mathurin Koffi, Abouo Béatrice Adepo-Gourene
KEYWORDS:
Phenotypic Variability, Coptodon walteri, Endemic Species, Cavally River, Ivory Coast
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: To acquire basic biological data on endemic species living in threatened hydrosystems, the morphological characteristics of the species Coptodon walteri from the Cavally River were evaluated in this study. Specimens of C. walteri were sampled at four stations (Niampleu, Bakatouo, Daapleu, and Floleu) located along the Cavally River from July 2023 to February 2024. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) specimens were sampled, with 30 individuals per station. The analysis using geometric morphometrics focused on sixteen (16) variables measured on each individual using landmarks (a system of reference points), via the software TpsDig and TpsUtil. The sixteen (16) measured parameters were subjected to four statistical analysis: one-way ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Ascending Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). The one-way ANOVA test revealed 13 discriminating variables out of the 16 measured. The Principal Component Analysis, Ascending Hierarchical Clustering, and Discriminant Function Analysis structured the Coptodon walteri populations into two distinct groups. The first group consists of specimens from Niampleu, Bakatouo, and Floleu. The second contains only the individuals collected at Daapleu. The Discriminant Function Analysis revealed six variables that best discriminate the Coptodon walteri individuals: dorsal fin base length (LD), caudal peduncle depth (HPC), pelvic fin length (LPe), dorso-anal length (LDA), pre-dorsal fin length (LPrD), and pre-anal fin length (LPrA). This study concluded that there are two sub-groups within the Coptodon walteri specimens, which is likely attributable to the characteristics of the specimens’ living environment. The preservation of this species appears feasible in light of its phenotypic variability.