Studies on the Spatial Distribution and Abundance of Selected Estuarine Fish Species in the Indus Delta Creek System Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

T here are four main categories of important fish species found in the Sindh Creek areas: permanent residents, partial residents, tidal visitors and seasonal visitors. About 400 aquatic species have been recorded, belonging to 21 orders, 9 suborders, and 118 families (Ahmad, 1988). Out of these, 40Abstract | This research was conducted in 13 Indus Delta creeks. A total of 583 samples were collected from study area and 246 species or groups of species have been identified. Significant variation was noted in the frequency of fish catch/kg/hr tow per month, particularly during pre-monsoon, post-monsoon. High abundance (74.95%) of estuarine fish species was found followed by marine fish species (23.27%) and freshwater fish species (1.78%). The estuarine fish species belonging to the family Clupeidae are most dominant (28.5%), followed by Carids shrimp (23.6%), Engraulidae (14.3%), Mugilidae (13.8%), Jellyfish (6.9%), Leiognathidae (6.5%), Sciaenidae (3.4%), Pristigasteridae (.0.9%), Penaeidae (0.8%), Ariidae (0.7%) and Carangidae (0.5%). In family Clupeidae; Escualosa thoracata was abundantly found and accounts for 95.4%, Hilsa kelee (2.7%). In Engraulidae; Stolephorus indicus (60.3%), Thryssa hamiltonii (13.6%). In Mugilidae; Mugilidae sp. (47.2%), Mugil sp. (36.0%). In Leiognathidae; Nuchequula blochii (92.7%), Secutor insidiator (4.5%). In Sciaenidae; Johnius sp. (58.85%), Sciaenidae (32.92%). In Pristigasteridae; Ilisha sp. (90.5%), Ilisha elongata (7.0%). In Penaeidae; Penaeus indicus (99.0%), Penaeus merguiensis (0.9%). In Ariidae; Arius maculatus (38%), Plicofollis layardi (36%) and in Carangidae; Carangidae (61.0%), Carangoides sp. (20.0%), and in Sergestidae; Carids shrimp (80.3%), Sergestes sp. (19.7%). Despite this, jellyfish make up 6.96% of all estuarine fish caught and are extensively dispersed throughout the survey region as well as marine waters. The distribution of fish stocks is greatly impacted by seasonal changes in the creeks, and the presence of these species aids in the management of fisheries resources in the stream system of the Indus delta.