Artisanal fisheries knowledge and socioeconomic characteristics of giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) fishers in Kainji and Jebba Lakes, Nigeria

The giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is an indigenous freshwater species of ecological and economic importance in Nigerian inland waters but remains underutilized in aquaculture. This study assessed artisanal fishers’ knowledge, socio-demographic characteristics, and fishing practices related to A. occidentalis in selected communities around Kainji and Jebba Lakes, Nigeria. A total of 95 fishers were surveyed using structured questionnaires and direct field observations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to summarize age, marital status, education, fishing experience, gear use, and perceptions of species biology, seasonal availability, and reproductive behaviour. Results indicated that the majority of respondents were middle-aged (35-44 years), married (95.8%), with limited formal education (61.1%), and primarily engaged in artisanal fishing (70.5%). Fishers demonstrated considerable indigenous knowledge of A. occidentalis, including identification features, size distribution, seasonal abundance, and reproductive traits such as egg-bearing periods and sex differentiation. The species was reported as most abundant during low-water and high-water periods, with daily catches ranging between 1-300 individuals. Findings highlight the reliance of local communities on A. occidentalis for livelihood and the potential to leverage fishers’ knowledge for sustainable management and aquaculture domestication. Integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific assessments could support conservation strategies, broodstock selection, and diversification of aquaculture species in Nigeria.