Ichthyodiversity in relation to physico-chemical parameters of River Swat.

Abstract

The study was conducted on ichthyodiversity in relation to physico-chemical parameters of river Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Twelve fish species belonging to ten genera, four families and three orders were recorded during (May to December 2012). Family Cyprinidae was dominant with seven species followed by family Balitoridae with three species, Sisoridae and Salmonidae each with single species. Ichthyodiversity was assessed by calculating the diversity indices. High values for ShannonWeiner index, Simpson’s diversity index and Pielou’s evenness were observed in Khwaza Khela, followed by Fatehpur, Madyan and Kalam. High diversity was observed from May to October and low in the months of November and December. Significant correlation (p < 0.05) between fish abundance and physico-chemical parameters (Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen) were found. The effects of remaining parameters like pH, Electrical Conductivity, Chlorides, Salinity and Total Dissolved Solids were negligible.