Journal de la biodiversité et des espèces menacées

Biodiversity and Abundance of Fish Species in Ekpene Ukpa River, a Tributary of Qua Iboe River Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Asuquo I.E, Akpan I.I, Abiaobo N.O, George I.E, Udosen I.E, Essien-Ibok M.A and Udoinyang

The diversity and abundance of fish species in Ekpene Ukpa River were studied from July-October, 2020. Sampling was by direct observation of the fish species at the sampling sites following landing by fishermen. Frequency, counts, and percentages were employed to determine the fish species composition and abundance, while a Microsoft Excel 2003 based program was used to determine the ecological indices. A total of 84 species belonging to seven (7) families were recorded. The most abundant grouping of fish species was Chrysichthys auratus with 25.0% and the least in abundance were Pellonula leonensis and Trachinotus teraia with 1.19%, respectively. The Index of Preponderance (IP) value of 0.06 was recorded for Chrysichthys auratus which makes this species very significant in the study site. The study revealed that species richness and diversity was high in October. An inclusive management approach is recommended, such as educational awareness, involving of the local contents, and comprehensive rational planning on the management and development of the study site.