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