Abstract

The estimation of demographic parameters of Distichodus antonii, in Pool Malebo (Congo River), was obtained from analysis of 36 good scales samples. L_∞ was estimated at 107.91 cm, K at 0.10 .year^-1 and t₀ at -0.67 year^-1. The growth parameters calculated from this method revealed that this fish has a slow growth rate and it reaches a large size. The analysis of marginal increase shows that the formation of annulus takes place to the dry season. During the dry season, the environmental conditions are disturbed and the access to food becomes difficult. This is probably the base of the stress that induces the formation of annuli on the scales.

Key words: Distichodus antonii, age and growth, Congo River, Pool Malebo, Democratic Republic of Congo