FISH COMMUNITY IN THE LOWER OF THE EUPHRATES RIVER, THI–QAR CITY, IRAQ

Abstract

A study was conducted for the period from October 2015 to September 2016 to
assess the fish community in the lower of the Euphrates River. Water temperature
values of a wide range of monthly variations, the range of salinity values rates
between 1.5 in December 2015 and 3.8 g / l in July. The pH values were always
within alkaline direction, the rate of turbidity water 12.3 (NTU) in December 2015
and 30.4 (NTU) in September. Two fishing methods were adopted to collect fish,
i.e. electro-fishing by generator engines (provides 300-400V and 10A) and gill
nets (160 m to 200 with 6.4 mm) mesh size. Moreover, the adoption of
commercial fishing samples was investigated, the types and numbers of fish
caught by fishermen. A total of 9988 individual were collected during the study
period ranged from 577 in July and 1095 in April and included 16 species and 15
genera belonging to seven families. The lowest diversity rate (1.464) in November
2015 and highest (2.046) in April. The minimum rate for the evenness index (J)
0.653 encountered in June and the highest (0 .861) in November. The lowest rate
richness (D) value was (1.257) in November and highest (2.345) in June. The fish
classified into two categories, the common species are 98.87% and the occasional
are 1.12% of the total number.