Ichthyofaunal composition and diversity of Stubbs Creek, Ibeno, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The fish abundance and distribution of Stubbs Creek were examined in order to provide information for the management and sustainable exploitation of the ecosystem services. Fish samples obtained from the fishermen landing sites were identified using FAO species identification guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Species diversity and community abundance were determined using Shannon-Weiver diversity index (H) and Margalef's species richness (d). Twenty nine fish species, twenty two genera in nineteen families and eight orders were identified from the three landing stations during the study. Station 1 (Iwokpom) recorded the highest taxa (24) consisting of 993 fishes (43.14%) of the total catch. Landing site 2 (Iwuchang) and 3 (Ubenekang) both recorded 22 taxa each comprising 556 (24.15%) and 753 (32.71%) fishes, respectively. Iwokpom recorded the highest diversity in fish species d = 3.333, but the lowest general ecosystem diversity (H = 2.781). Ubenekang (Station 3) had the lowest species richness d = 3.17, but recorded the highest biodiversity (H = 2.839) in the study. Evenness was generally high among the stations but Iwopom recorded the lowest value of e = 0.6722 and Ubenekang had the highest, e = 0.7769. Iwuchang (Station 2) came next to Iwopon in species richness d = 3.322, but was next to Ubenekang in general diversity (H = 2.833) and evenness e = 0.7725, respectively. The present study indicated that stub creek is rich in fish biodiversity. Therefore users of this water body should maintain responsible fishing activities in order to conserve this biodiversity.