Soukou River, Nianaya, Kindia Prefecture, Guinea

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Deforestation

Deforestation

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Surrounding area

The Soukou River in Guinea is nestled within a striking landscape characterized by its rich deposits of bauxite, lending the ground a distinctive rusty hue. This remote and relatively small stream, near the hamlet of Nianaya, is surrounded by a savannah environment dominated by tall grasses and trees near the riverbank. Despite its isolation, the area is frequented by locals and supports diverse aquatic life, including the notable Pelvicachromis roloffi, Anomalochromis thomasi and others.

The surrounding area of the Soukou River features both savannah and remnants of primary forest. The forrest nearest the river still remains relatively untouched, but large areas has also been cutdown by locals who rely on firewood. This blend of dry, grassy terrain and shaded, forested banks creates a unique habitat for various species. Large stone plateaus on the riverbed, often covered with algae due to the sun exposure during the dry season, provide ideal feeding grounds for fish.

The Soukou river are characterized by overhanging grasses and branches, creating dense roots under the water surface. This offers necessary hiding places for smaller species and supporting aquatic plants such as Anubias, Bolbitis, and Vallisneria. These elements make the Soukou River and its surroundings a vital habitat in Guinea’s diverse ecosystem.

Underwater landscape

The underwater landscape of the Soukou River in Guinea is a captivating and diverse environment. The river’s relatively clear waters, with visibility reaching up to six meters in some parts, reveal a vibrant ecosystem below the surface. The water cannot be cathegorized as ‘blackwater’, although it is brown colored to some degree. The riverbed is dominated by large stone plateaus.

The river, relatively shallow with maximum depths of about 100 cm, features areas with overhanging grasses and branches that extend into the water from the banks. These overhanging plants provide crucial hiding spots for smaller fish species, such as the Pelvicachromis roloffi. These overhaning areas are also dominated by roots from time to time. Additionally, the Soukou River supports a range of aquatic plants, including species of Anubias, Bolbitis, and Vallisneria. These plants contribute to the river’s biodiversity and offer shelter and breeding grounds for aquatic life.
The riverbed is dominated by a thick layer of sediment, which also serves as a hiding place for spawning fish and fry.

The water values of the Soukou River are distinctive, with a pH of 5.83, conductivity of 6µS, and a temperature of 22.8°C. These conditions support a unique community of organisms adapted to the specific parameters of this habitat. The combination of freshwater, diverse plant life, and sediment covered stones and river bottom creates a dynamic and thriving underwater landscape that is essential for the river’s ecological balance.

Fishes

• Amphilius sp. (Amphiliidae)
• Ctenopoma sp. (Anabantidae)
• Ladigesia roloffi (Alestidae)
• Anomalochromis thomasi (Cichlidae)
• Hemichromis fasciatus (Cichlidae)
• Hemichromis cf. guttatus (Cichlidae)
• Coptodon sp. (Cichlidae)
• Pelvicachromis roloffi (Cichlidae)
• Auchenoglanis sp. (Claroteidae)
• Chiloglanis sp. (Mochokidae)
• Enteromius sp. (Cyprinidae)
• Epiplatys sp. (Nothobranchiidae)

Aquatic plants:

• Vallisneria sp. (Hydrocharitaceae)
• Bolbitis sp. (Dryopteridaceae)
• Nymphaea lotus (Nymphaeaceae)

Threats to ecology

The list of threats to this area is long and includes deforestation, aggriculture, water pollution, dams, over fishing, human settlement and invasive species.

However, the greatest threats are deforestation and agriculture, which are often two sides of the same problem.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many -

Bibliography

• → Cambridge Publishers - THE STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY IN WESTERN AFRICA by Smith, K.G., Diop, M.D., Niane, M. and Darwall, W.R.T.
  ISBN 978-2-8317-1163-8
  
• → Practical Fishkeeping Magazine. 20th of june 2024 - A soft couple by Michel Keijman
  

Sitography

Comment by the expert