The breeding period of the ocellated spiny eel Mastacembelus vanderwaali (Teleostei: Mastacembelidae) in the Batoka Gorge, Zambezi River

Abstract

In late October 1990, Mastacembelus vanderwaali was found to be breeding in the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge in protected areas along a rocky shoreline during the low water period prior to the start of the November rains. Two size classes were found together, one of 15–60 mm SL, the other 85–130 mm SL, the latter apparently including adults. Breeding activity in this species appears to begin in spring (August/September).