Diversity and distribution of freshwater fish assemblages in lake taal river systems in Batangas, Philippines

Issue Date

6-2016

Abstract

An ichthyofaunal survey was conducted to evaluate the diversity and distribution of freshwater fishes in Looc, Magapi (inlets), and Pansipit (outlet) rivers surrounding Lake Taal (Batangas, Philippines) during the wet (July) and dry season (January) of 2011. The study collected 3,342 individuals comprising 37 species (19 families). In terms of fish species richness, 36 species were identified in Pansipit, whereas Looc and Magapi had 21 species each. The fish samples were mostly included eurayhaline, secondary freshwater fishes. The three most abundant groups were eleotrids, cichlids, and gobiids. Shannon-Weiner’s diversity indices ranged from 2.17-3.05, which suggest that the studied rivers were moderately to slightly impacted. Significant differences in the composition and abundance of native and introduced fishes for the two sampling seasons were also observed (P76%) was computed in the abundance data among the studied rivers. Canonical correspondence analysis identified the distance to the adjacent sea, depth, and vegetation as the most important environmental parameters influencing the distribution of fish assemblages. Baseline dataset from this study can be coordinated to concerned entities as a rational basis for future conservation and rehabilitation endeavors of Lake Taal river systems.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

19

Issue

1

Page

85-95

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

maps, illustrations, tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Diversity, Freshwater fish, Lake Taal, Pansipit River, Shannon’s index

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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