Seasonal Abundance of Fin Fishes in the Padma River at Rajshahi District, Bangladesh

Abstract

The Padma River is one of the longest and major rivers in Bangladesh supporting a large number of aquatic species and livelihood for many fishermen living beside it where this study was conducted from July 2009 to June 2010. This study reveals the seasonal variation of fish fauna in the river. A total of 69 species were recorded belonging to 10 orders, 25 families and 47 genera. The most dominant fish order was Cypriniformes contributing 25 species in 15 genera. Cyprinidae was most dominant family contributing 22 species in 13 genera. Seven alien species were found. Maximum 67 species were recorded in the month of August, September and December of 2009 and in May and June of 2010; whereas the lowest number of fish species (65) was observed in April (2010). Twenty six species have been considered threatened by IUCN Bangladesh. These fishes were belonging to the following categories, Vulnerable (13.04%), Endangered (13.04%) and Critically Endangered (8.70%) of the total fish species. Comparing the results with the previous findings, it was revealed that the species abundance and diversity have declined in the Padma River over time. Considering all the findings it is concluded that the Padma River can be considered a refuge for conservation of threatened freshwater fishes of Bangladesh. The conservation efforts should ensure minimization of anthropogenic impacts, especially the fishing pressure and introduction of alien invasive species.

Citation: Mohsin ABM, Haque SMM, Galib SM, Fahad MFH, Chaki N, Islam MN and Rahman MM (2013) Seasonal Abundance of Fin Fishes in the Padma River at Rajshahi District, Bangladesh. World Journal of Fish and Marine Sciences 5(6): 680-685. DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjfms.2013.05.05.75109