Diversity and Distribution of Ichthyofauna and Decapods within Colombo Port, Sri Lanka

The taxonomic composition of ichthyofauna and decapods inhabited in Colombo port were studied. Sampling was carried out for nine months from April to December 2013 using multiple sampling techniques such as crab traps, hook and lines, gee-minnow traps, fish cage traps, cast nets, scoop nets as well as visual observations. Out of the 45 species of ichthyofauna, 44 species were belonging to Class Actinopterygii, and only one species belonged to Class Chondrichthyes. 5 species of crabs of the families Xanthidae, Portunidae, Grapsidae, and Menippidae were also recorded. The highest number of species were recorded from the site South Jetty followed by Passenger Jetty, Tug and Launch and South Asia Gateway Terminal. According to the findings, 30 species of fishes and 4 species of crabs were new records for the Colombo port environment. Two near threaten fishes, Epinephelus malabaricus and Epinephelus coioides were also recorded. KEYWORDS: Taxonomic composition, Colombo port, Near Threaten, Fish, Crabs