Fishes of Thale Noi and its tributaries, South Thailand

Abstract

Thale Noi is a small freshwater lake in the Songkhla Lagoon system in south Thailand. Songkhla Lake basin has been developed under the Thailand National Socio-Economic Plan with well-documented recent changes in its physical environment. The objective of this report is to update the current fish species that inhabit the Thale Noi. This report refers to native species only. Fish diversity was assessed along with the environmental alteration. The present study recorded 51 and 49 native species in 1982-1983, and 2005-2009 respectively, with a total of 54 species belonging to 26 families had been listed. The findings of this study could also be of great value as a starting point for further studies. Regular monitoring for species composition of Thale Noi is needed, and it is essential that the current data and all points of view be considered by decision makers.