A CHECKLIST OF FISH AND CRUSTACEANS OF THE SOUTH-WEST COAST OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The study was based on the preparation of a list of fish and crustacean species available in the South-west coastal areas of Bangladesh and aimed at establishing a museum at the Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology (FMRT) Discipline. Such a museum in the Discipline was thought to be useful for the teachers, students and researchers in the areas of fisheries management and fish culture. The collections were made from all over the places of rural and urban markets of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira; from fish landing ghats and from fishermen boats of Mongla, Dacope and Khulna. A list of 137 species of fish and belonging to 16 Orders, 69 Families and 106 Genera was produced. The crustaceans were 9 Species belonging to the single Order, Decapoda consisting of 4 Families and 6 Genera. The specimens were identified using standard keys, preserved in 10% formalin, labeled and shelved in the museum of FMRT Discipline. The list, however, was not an exhaustive one. Because the collection could not be made from the offshore areas, it was not possible to include many of the rare and unconventional species of fish and crustaceans from the offshore waters. The museum established, it is hoped, will play a due role in fisheries teaching and research.