Fish Diversity Assessment of the Haor Region in Kishoreganj District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fisheries sector play important role in the economy. Diversity status is needed to conserve the fish resources of the haor region. The present study was conducted to assess fish diversity of the Kalai beel and Naoli beel of Karimganj Upazila in Kishoreganj district, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Fish samples were collected from the fishermen and local fish market for taxonomic study from December, 2014-November, 2015. Morphometric and meristic characteristics were identified through direct observation and further identification was done following different books. Results: A total of 46 fish species were identified during the study under 17 families. Among 46 fish species, 15 were found belong to Cyprinidae family followed by Bagaridae (4), Channidae (4), Schilbeidae (3), Mastacembelidae (3), Centropomidae (3), Siluridae (2), Anabantidae (2), Palaemonidae (2) and others (8). During the study period, 22 fish species were marked as abundant species, 15 species were marked as rare and 9 species were found as common species. Conclusion: Ecologically, economically and socially haors are playing essential role with its diversified fish resources. Haor fisheries have great impact on the livelihood of the fishermen and provide nutrition to general people. However, the fish diversity is being threatened by anthropogenic activities. Present study emphasized on the conservation of the fish as it is undergone gradual decrease.