Fish Species Composition and Distribution from 2015 to 2019 in the Ibulao River, Ifugao, Cordillera, Philippines

Abstract

The composition, diversity, and distribution of fish species in the Ibulao River were surveyed from January to December 2015-2019. The samples for fish species identification were collected from the landed catch of three landing centers in the Ibulao River, namely: Lamut, Kiangan, and Lagawe in the Province of Ifugao, Philippines. The sampling of stocks was conducted using the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) methodology. A total of 18 fish species from 11 families were recorded. The river supports four endemic species, two native species, 11 introduced species, and one species for further identification. The status of one goby species will be determined upon identification at the species level. In 2015 and 2016, the most dominant catch in the Ibulao River was Cyprinus carpio (common carp), but from 2017 to 2019, the most dominant catch was Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). These two introduced fish species constituted the top 2 fish species in the Ibulao River from 2015 to 2019. The native fish species, which are the migratory fish Anguilla marmorata (giant mottled eel) and the Awaous melanocephalus (largesnout goby), are found in all the landing centers but with an observed declining catch. This information will serve as a basis for formulating protection and conservation policies for the fish species and their habitat in the Ibulao River.