Dharamtar estuary: Unexplored ichthyofaunal diversity, a thrust area for diversity conservation

Abstract

The Dharamtar estuary has been receiving ecologists’ attention, as the ecosystem is highly-stressed due to anthropogenic activities. This mangrove-associated critical ecosystem plays a vital role in the ichthyofaunal assemblages. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe the ichthyofaunal diversity and their assemblages. The samples of the fishes were collected from Dol net landings from the Dharamtar estuary, part of the Arabian Sea. During the investigation, a total of 91 fish species belonging to 37 families and 12 orders were recorded. The exotic species Clarias gariepinus was recorded for the first time from the estuary. The fishes of the Dharamtar estuary were categorized as Not Evaluated (32 %), Data Deficient (5 %), Least Concerned (56 %), Near Threatened (3 %), Vulnerable (3 %) and Endangered (1 %) as per the IUCN criteria; where, 7 % of the species were traumatogenic, 5 % poisonous, 2 % venomous, and 1 % were with potential pest characteristics. The rich diversity of the estuary is associated with the sheltered area provided by mangroves that facilitates the assemblages, growth and survival of larval and juvenile fish. The results of the present investigation will be helpful in stock differentiation, biological study, conservation, etc.