Fish Community Structure in Iyi-Ekpen Stream, Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The use of fish community structure and diversity in bioassessment is a fundamental and an important water management issue worldwide. This study examines the spatial variations in fish community structure at three stations along Iyi-Ekpen stream, southern, Nigeria between January and July, 2011 as part of a baseline data for effective fisheries management of the stream. A total of 24 fish species from 15 families and 19 genera were recorded. Of the 24 species recorded 62.5% occurred in station 1 while 79.2% occurred in station 2 and 50% occured in Station 3. Only 33.3% of the species were ubiquitous. The cichlid, Tilapia zillii and the clariid, Clarias species were the most dominant in the stream, accounting for 18.46% and 12.02% of the total catch respectively. The species richness and general diversity were relatively higher in Station 2 than in any other station. The cichlids had the highest condition factor values than any other fish family. With good management, the fishery resources of the stream can be profitably exploited.

Key Words: Condition factor; diversity; Iyi-Ekpen stream; fish community; species richness