Tigu

Tigu is a small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. The genus Tigu was first described in the late 19th century by ichthyologist George S. Dudgeon, who collected specimens from the River Niger basin in West Africa. The name is derived from the local Bantu word “tigu” meaning “quick swimmer”, reflecting the species’ swift movements in clear, slow‑moving streams.

Species within the genus are characterized by elongated bodies, silver‑green lateral stripes, and a distinctive small terminal mouth adapted for planktivorous feeding. They are typically 5–8 centimetres in length and inhabit shallow, vegetated waters with moderate current. Their diet consists mainly of zooplankton, insect larvae, and detritus, making them an essential link between primary producers and larger predatory fish.

Tigu populations are widely distributed across the Niger, Benue, and Senufo river systems, inhabiting both riverine and reservoir habitats. They reproduce during the rainy season, spawning in substrates of fine sand and gravel. Females release pelagic eggs that hatch into free‑swimming larvae within a few hours.

The species is of low commercial value; however, local communities sometimes fish for Tigu as a pocket food and for use in aquaculture experiments aimed at studying fish growth rates. Several conservation assessments have highlighted that habitat modification, pollution, and overfishing of larger predatory species can indirectly impact Tigu populations. Protection of riparian vegetation and regulation of dam construction are recommended to preserve their natural habitats.

Scientific interest in Tigu primarily focuses on its role in freshwater ecosystems, its adaptive mechanisms to low‑oxygen environments, and its potential as a bioindicator for river health. Research efforts include telemetry studies tracking movement patterns and genetic analyses exploring phylogenetic relationships within the Cyprinidae family.