Fish diversity in three selected areas of mid-coastal region, Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was conducted in three selected coastal areas of Noakhali and Laxmipur region of Bangladesh to know the diversity status of wild and farmed fishes. Fish samples were collected from the selected site based on the spot inspection of fish landing center, physical market place, taking photographs of fishes, interviewing of the fisherman and Arotdars and sample collection. However, during the study period, only 63 species of fish mostly commercial in nature were found. Among the documented species, 47 were from fresh water sources and the rest (16 species) from salt and or brackish water. The highest number of species (13) belonged to the family Cyprinidae. Maximum (39%) species were recorded from Laxmipur and minimum (24%) from Chairmanghat. Among the total number of species recorded, 29 species were considered as not threatened (NO) in Bangladesh, 9 were vulnerable (VU), 5 were considered as critically endangered (CR), 8 were endangered (EN) and12 were Data Deficient (DD). The marine fish and freshwater fish composition in the study area were 26.4 and 74.6%, respectively. The non-availability and less availability of some species indicate the decline of the diversity of fishes in the study area in general and perhaps in the country as a whole.