The effect of anthropogenic activities on fish composition and diversity of river Chanchaga in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fish species composition and diversity of River Chanchaga which is located in theSouthern part of Niger state, Nigeria were studied. The sampling was conducted for a period of 4months, 20 species from 8families were identified. These families are Bagridae, Clariidae, Cichlidae, Characidae, Claroteidae, Mochokeidae, Malapteruridae and Mormyridae. The total catch for all species during the sampling period was 282, Cichlidas were the most dominant with total catch of142, while Bagridae had the lowest 'diversity with total catch of 3. On the monthly fish species, the result indicated that August had the highest composition and diversity 7.190±7.520°while June had the lowest of 5.714 ± 13.330a Therefore, there is need for effective monitoring and conservation strategies to ensure sustainability of the River.