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Moliwe River, Southwest Region, Cameroon
Cameroon, Southwest Region, Fako Division, near Limbe
The Moliwe River is a clear, slow to moderately flowing stream located in the coastal lowlands of southwestern Cameroon. It flows through a mix of forest and farmland. The water is neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.8-7.5) with moderate hardness and conductivity. The substrate consists mostly of sand and gravel, with little leaf litter or wood.
Due to the open banks, light penetration is relatively high, allowing for patches of aquatic vegetation. Grasses and emergent plants line the river’s edges. The river is home to West African fish species such as Pelvicachromis taeniatus “Moliwe”, Aphyosemion australe, and small barbs. These species thrive in well-oxygenated, mineral-rich waters with stable parameters and natural shelter from rocks and plants.
- Submitted by
- Frank Reinders
- Approved by
- Ad Konings & Anton Lamboj
- Geographical region
- Central Africa
- Drainage Basin
- Atlantic ocean
- River catchment
- Moliwe River
- Water body type
- Stream
- Water body name
- Moliwe River
- Water body part
- Flood plain
- Water body course
- Headwaters
- Water body: tributary of
- Tributary name
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Water Chemistry
Water information
- Water type
- fresh-water
- Water color
- Clear water
- Water transparency
- Medium
- Concentration of sediments
- Low
- Water temperature
- 26-28 °C
- Water flow/curent
- Strong
Chemical parameters
- pH
- 7.5
- Conductivity
- GH
- 71 mg/l
- dGH
- KH
- 3 mg/l
- dKH
- Dissolved Oxygen
Substrate in nature
- Sand
- Beige
- Pebble/Gravel
- Beige
- Stone
- Reddish
- Stone form
- Irregular
- Silt/Mud
- Reddish
- Leaves
- Few
- Driftwood
- Few
- Submerged terrestrial vegetation
- None
Aquatic Biotope
- Date of collecting
- 2008-2019
- Collecting area
- River bank
- Water depth
- 0,5m
- Air temperature
- 30 °C
- Sunlight
- Full sun
Environment
- Environment
- Affected by human activity
- Affected by human activity
- Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Massive
- Surrounding area
Riparian vegetation: grasses, occasional shrubs, limited shade
- Surroundings: formerly tropical rainforest, now largely replaced by oil palm plantations
- Soil: prone to erosion, sparse root systems
- Light conditions: full sun, minimal tree cover
- Underwater landscape
- Water depth: approx. 0.5 m
- Current: strong, prevents sediment deposition
- Substrate: sand, gravel, rounded stones, occasional algae and cyanobacteria.
- Water color: clear, transparent.
- Vegetation: minimal aquatic plants – only Ledermanniella sp. attached to rocks in fast currents.
- Fish species: e.g., Benitochromis nigrodorsalis, Procatopus similis, Enteromius spp.
- Crustaceans: Macrobrachium sp. (freshwater shrimp)
Fish list:
- Benitochromis nigrodorsalis (Cichlidae)
- Pelvicachromis kribensis (Cichlidae)
- Procatopus similis (Procatopodidae)
- Epiplatys infrafasciatus (Nothobranchiidae)
- Aphyosemion splendopleure (Nothobranchiidae)
- Enteromius thysi (Cyprinidae)
- Labeobarbus habereri (Cyprinidae)
- Enteromius callipterus (Cyprinidae)
Wetland plant:
- Justicia sp. (Acanthaceae)
- Culcasia sp. (Araceae)
- Cyperus sp. (Cyperaceae)
- Pennisetum purpureum (Poaceae)
- Drypetes moliwensis (Euphorbiaceae)
- Threats to ecology
Deforestation: Loss of the original rainforest; only the headwaters remain forested.
- Oil palm monocultures: Replacement of native vegetation; promotes erosion and nutrient runoff
- Eutrophication: Excess nutrients stimulate the growth of algae and cyanobacteria
- Use of pesticides: Disrupts ecological balance; harms microbial communities
- Loss of biodiversity: Decline of sensitive species due to deteriorating water quality and habitat fragmentation
Riparian zone
- Trees near the aquatic habitat
-
Few -
