Ethmalosa Research Articles

Growth Patterns of Small Pelagic Fish in West Africa

Small pelagic fishes play important ecological roles in marine ecosystems, constitute some of the most economically valuable fisheries resources, and play a vital role in West African food security. Often living in upwelling regions, these species appear to have developed mechanisms to cope with environmental variability, such as opportunistic reproductive tactics, enhancing their growth performance, or increasing their egg production by following the more predictable system attributes of seasonal cycles. To test this hypothesis, we investigated size-dependent patterns of the two growth mechanisms (i.e., growth rate) of two West African small pelagic populations (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sardinella maderensis) in upwelling environments. These results were discussed with other areas in African tropical Atlantic waters. The monthly mean length of both species showed a large variation over the study period. Based on the fish length-frequency data and a coastal upwelling index, we found that the growth peaks of the species tended to occur during the most intense periods of upwelling (March–April). This study showed a significant decrease in size compared with other species found in other regions. It demonstrates how the geographical distribution of the same species, together with location-specific variation in temperature and food, can combine to determine local and regional growth responses in pelagic fish. Changes in growth rate may be an adaptive tactic in response to environmental change, as well as phenotypic plasticity in fish. This knowledge is essential to predict future changes in fish productivity and distribution vs. climate and to provide effective advice for ecosystem-based management.

Intra and interspecies discrimination of three teleost species collected from the Komo Estuary in Gabon in relation to living depth levels using otolith shape analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine otolith shape and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in pelagic Ethmalosa fimbriata, demersal Galeoides decadactylus, and benthic Cynoglossus monodi and assess their population status to inform on management procedures and verify whether or not otolith shape differs with living depth levels of these species in Lebe fishing site located along Komo Estuary, central-western Gabon. At intraspecies level, otolith shape analysis showed a bilateral asymmetry only in left and right otoliths between males and females of E. fimbriata and C. monodi. DFA separated between left and right and left-left and right-right otoliths shape of males and females within each species. At interspecies level, a significant bilateral asymmetry in left and right otolith shape was found among males and females of each species. DFA completely separated the left and right otoliths of both males and females of three species and confirmed the presence of three separate populations representing the three species, which should be managed separately. A significant FA on right and left otolith shapes was found among males and females at intra and interspecies levels. Accordingly, results indicated a close relationship between asymmetry of otolith shape and pelagic and benthic life characteristics of E. fimbriata and C. monodi.

Study of Fungal Organisms Associated with Smoked and Dried Fish Sold in Awka Markets, Anambra State

Fungal contamination of fish is considered as the major cause of spoilage and it constitutes a significant public health problem. This study was carried out to determine the fungal organisms associated with smoked and dried fish samples: Scomber scombrus (Mackerel), Sardinella longiceps (Sardine), Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia), Clarias gariepinus (catfish), Gadus morhua (Stock fish), Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bonga fish), and Citharinus citharus (Mangala) sold in Awka markets, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of fifty (50) (25 smoked and 25 dried) fishes were obtained from three markets in Awka and examined microbiologically for viable fungal infestation using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. A total of 121 fungal organisms were isolated from 25 smoked and 25 dried fish samples and identified. The isolated fungi were Mucor spp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp and Rhizopus spp. It was observed that all the fish samples harboured multiple fungal organisms. Aspergillus niger was the fungus with the highest mean fungal count of 9.00±5.568, followed by Mucor spp (8.00±1.732), while Aspergillus flavus was the lowest (3.67±1.528). In the dried fish samples, Gardus morhua (stock fish) had the highest infestation with fungi (1.08±1.083), while in smoked fish, Clarias gariepinus (catfish) had the highest infestation. The high level of fungal contamination can be attributed to poor handling of fish and the environment. Considering the danger to public health, food and safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling fish contamination, and fish sellers should also be sensitized on hygienic fish handling techniques.

Chemical composition of stored smoked clupeids, Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sardinella maderensis after preservative treatment with citrus essential oil

Chemical composition of stored smoked clupeids, Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sardinella maderensis after preservative treatment with citrus essential oil

Assessment of cooking methods and freezing on the nutritional value and health risks of heavy metals in four fish species consumed in Douala, Cameroon

The effects of smoking, boiling and freezing on the nutritional value and health risks of heavy metals in four fish species consumed in Douala was investigated. Fish samples from Cyprinus carpio, Arius parkii, Ethmalosa fimbriata and Polydactilis quadrifilis were collected at the Douala Fishing seaport, carried to the laboratory, washed with distilled water and processed. Proximate composition, mineral content, heavy metals and lipid quality were analyzed using AOAC standard methods. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) were used to estimate the human health risk. Results showed that smoking and boiling increased significantly (P < 0.05) protein and ash levels. Lipid were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) with boiling and freezing compared to raw and smoked sample. Smoking increased significantly (P < 0.05) cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic contents compared to boiling and freezing. EDI values of cadmium in all species of fish smoked were not acceptable for human consumption. THQ values of mercury in raw, smoked, boiled and frozen were not acceptable for human consumption. HI suggested a non potential carcinogenic effect for all fish while CR for cadmium and arsenic suggested a carcinogenic health risk for Arius parkii (smoked and boiled). All treatment decreased significantly (P < 0.05) iodine value and increased acid, peroxide, anisidine values, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total oxidation index compared to raw fish. Boiling was the best cooking method compared to smoking.

Population Size Structure and Length–Weight Relationships of Selected Pelagic Fishes From The Gambian Waters (West Africa)

The population size structure and length–weight relationships (LWRs) are fundamental tools in fishery science, providing valuable insights into the health, dynamics, and management of fish populations and contributing to the sustainable use of aquatic resources. The data used in this study were estimates from the main small pelagic fishes exploited in the Gambia. They were collected using surface and bottom gillnets between November 2020 and October 2021 during scientific fishing operations. The main small pelagic fish size composition showed a modal class of 20 cm for Ethmalosa fimbriata, 21 cm for Sardinella aurita, 22 cm for Sardinella maderensis, and 30 cm for Trachurus trecae. The parameter b value of these fish species ranged from 1.6831 to 2.9461, and the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.81 to 0.95. Statistical LWRs for all species were very significant. Information obtained is essential in reviewing and establishing basic management measures for depleted shared pelagic stocks in the Gambian fisheries and the sub‐region. In the context of poor data fisheries, such results also encourage the Gambian government and intergovernmental subregional organizations to support data collection in the long term.

Heavy metal concentrations in four fish species from the Lagos lagoon and their human health implications

BackgroundLagos lagoon is constantly being polluted from industrial and human activities. Fishes from Lagos lagoon contribute significant percentages of fish consumption in the Lagos metropolises. Therefore, this study evaluated heavy metal concentrations in tissues of four fish species (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, C. gariepinus, and Ethmalosa fimbriata) from Lagos lagoons and their human health implication. Concentrations of heavy metals and potential health hazard to consumers were evaluated with reference to Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR). ResultsConcentration of the heavy metals in the fish tissues was below the maximum permissible limit in fish. Similarly, the. EDI of the heavy metals in all the tissues was below the recommended allowance whereas, the. THQ estimated for the heavy metals in the tissues of the fish were less than 1. Consumption of arsenic, nickel, and cadmium in the fish might however pose carcinogenic risk. ConclusionsAlthough, the measured heavy metal concentration were within permissible limits for human consumption, the calculated health risk values indicated that Arsenic, cadmium and nickel might pose significant health risks to consumers. Therefore, biomonitoring of heavy metal accumulation in tissues of fishes must be put into consideration by regulatory authority.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons distribution in fish tissues and human health risk assessment on consumption of four fish species collected from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.

Lagos Lagoon is a very popular lagoon in Lagos state that receives effluents from neighboring industries. These effluents tend to increase the level of contaminants in the lagoon, thereby creating more stressors for aquatic animals. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in four commonly consumed fish species from the lagoon and the prediction of possible health risks associated with their consumption were performed in this study. Various levels of PAH were detected in the fish tissues with the highest total concentration of PAH in Sarothoredon melanotheron. High concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene were noticed in Sarothoredon melanotheron and Ethmalosa fimbriata, and their values were above the guideline value of 0.002 μg/g. The dietary daily intake (DDI) value in S. melanotheron 82.00 ×10-5 μg/g/day was highest. Carcinogenic toxic equivalents (TEQ) showed that consumption of S. melanotheron had higher potential to pose carcinogenic risks, while the excess cancer risk (ECR) index for the PAHs in all the assessed fish species was beyond threshold values indicating potential carcinogenic risk from their consumption. No significant association was found between the concentration of PAHs and the size of the fish. Target hazard quotient (THQ) results suggested absence of potential non-carcinogenic risk if individual PAH in the fish are consumed frequently. The study however established possible carcinogenic human health risk from consumption of the fish obtained from Lagos Lagoon. The study recommends monitoring of contamination and consumption of fish from harvest sites within the study region.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bowdish, 1825) and Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Coastal Waters of Ondo State

The study aimed at examining the Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) and Condition factor of M. cephalus and E. fimbriata. 240 fish specimens were collected from November 2021 to April 2022 from Obi, Idiegbin, Okesiri and Araromi following standard methodologies subjected to length-weight relationship and condition factor analysis. The results showed that the mean total length of M. cephalus ranged from 30.96 ± 0.56cm (Araromi) to 23.80 ± 1.16cm (Okesiri) and weight ranged from 118.86 ± 9.36g (Araromi) to 71.32 ± 18.12g (Okesiri). E. fimbriata total length ranged from 21.04 ± 0.74cm (Araromi) to 13.96± 0.38cm (Okesiri) and weight ranged from 150.90 ± 1.14g (Araromi) to 70.54 ± 5.76g (Okesiri). The regression coefficient (b) revealed that both M. cephalus (2.19-1.97) and E. fimbriata (2.06-1.05) sampled in Araromi, Okesiri, Idiegbin and Obi respectively exhibited negative allometric growth. Condition factor range (2.41-1.50) recorded for E. fimbriata was higher than (0.50-0.45) range value recorded for M. cephalus. The study concluded that the two species exhibited negative allometric growth pattern and the environment was for conducive for E. fimbriata than for M. cephalus. The variations in growth of the species could be attributed to prevailing ecological conditions of the environment. Therefore, sustainable fish stock management should be carried out.

Fishing methods, catches composition and exploited biomass in the Aby lagoon (Adiaké, Côte d’Ivoire)

Ivorian lagoon water bodies contribute to the fight against food insecurity through fisheries. They provide fresh and competitive products to the local population. Thereby, strategies for their rational and sustainable exploitation must be put in place. This study aimed at contributing to the improvement of fishing activities in the Aby lagoon. It is the result of three months of surveys (from January to March 2020) with the fishermen and the fisheries administration. It appears that fishing is practiced by indigenous peoples. The most represented were aged over 45 years old (71.30%). Gillnets (65.59%) and nailed plank canoes (67%) were the most used. However, Aly nets (5.63% of fishing gears types) remain the most productive providing 80% of catches. The main fish species recorded were Ethmalosa fimbriata (Clupeidae), Elops lacerta (Elopidae) and Sarotherodon melanotheron (Cichlidae). However, the effective management of the water body still remains a major concern. Indeed, constraints were mainly: the non-submission of individual fishermen to the fisheries administration, the struggle for space reserved for fishing between individual and collective fishermen, the use of non-selective gears such as the Aly net. Thus, it seems necessary to train and sensitize the actors on the concept of sustainable development and to apply the management rules for a rational exploitation of this fishery.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contents of Four Species of Smoked Fish from Different Sites in Senegal.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds resulting from any incomplete combustion process. These are pollutants that have proven toxicity due to their carcinogenic nature and can contaminate food during traditional smoking methods. Their highly toxic effect on human health requires monitoring of their levels in food products and the development of appropriate analytical methods for their determination. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the level of PAHs contamination of four (4) species of smoked fish (Arius heudelotii, Sardinella aurita, Ethmalosa fimbriata, and Sardinella maderensis) which were sampled in seventeen (17) localities in Senegal. The compounds targeted in this study were benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), benzo(a)anthracene (B(a)A), benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F), and chrysene (Chr). The QuEChERS method was used for the extraction of PAHs, and their contents were quantified by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS). The validation method was performed in accordance with the French standard NF V03-110 (2010). Satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.999), LOD (0.05-0.09 μg/kg), LOQ (0.19-0.24 μg/kg), and precision (1.33-3.13%) of the four PAHs were obtained. The results of analysis in the 17 localities showed that all samples are contaminated by the four (4) PAHs with great variability of the contents between the different species and their origin. The B(a)P and ∑4PAHS contents in the samples ranged from 1.7 to 33 µg/kg and from 4.8 to 1082.3 µg/kg, respectively. Twelve (12) samples showed high levels of B(a)P, ranging from 2.2 to 33 µg/kg, thus exceeding the maximum authorized level (2 µg/kg). Fourteen (14) samples showed an overall ∑4PAHS content varying from 14.8 to 1082.3 µg/kg, which is above the maximum authorized limit (12 µg/kg). The principal component analysis showed that sardinella (Sardinella aurita and Sardinella maderensis) have very low levels of B(a)P, B(b)F, B(a)A, and Chr contents. However, high ∑4PAHS contents characterize smoked fish of the Kong species (Arius heudelotii), from Cap Skiring, Diogne, Boudody, and Diaobé, and of the Cobo species (Ethmalosa fimbriata) from Djiffer. Thus, based on the authorized limits for PAHs in smoked fish, it appears that smoked fish of the sardinella species are less carcinogenic for human consumption.

Nutritional composition, heavy metal contents and lipid quality of five marine fish species from Cameroon coast

The nutritional value, heavy metal content and lipid quality of five marine fishes from, Cameroon coast were be investigated. Fish samples from Ilisha africana, Sardinella, maderensis, Cyprinus carpio, Arius parkii and Ethmalosa fimbriata were collected at, the Douala sea port, carried to the laboratory, washed with distilled water and, processed. Proximal composition, minerals, lipid quality and heavy metal analyses, were performed using AOAC standard methods. Results show that proteins (18.43%), and lipids (3.69%) contents were higher in Ilisha africana. Cyprinus carpio had the, highest ash content (4.59%). Contents of minerals and heavy metals were found as, follows: P > Mg > K > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn and Hg > Pb > Cd > As. Oils extracted from C. carpio, A. parkii and E. fimbriata were semi-siccative while those of I. africana and S. maderensis were siccative. Thus, these fish species are good sources of proteins and, minerals that can be used for managing mineral deficiencies in humans and animals.

Comparing Smoked Fish Quality of Traditional and Improved Modern Ovens Using Dendro-Energy from Mangrove and Tropical Forest Woods and Implications for Conservation in Central African Atlantic Coast, Cameroon

Smoked fish qualitative organoleptic parameters (color, smell, texture and taste) and quantitative proximate parameters (protein and ash content and salt mineral: Ca, Iron, Mg, Zn content in ash) of two species (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus) smoked in traditional and modern ovens with wood from mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa) and two tropical forest (Sacoglottis gabonensis and Albizia glaberrina) species in Douala-Edea Atlantic coast, Cameroon are presented. Women processors significantly spend more time, consume more wood and consequently release significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the environment with traditional smoking system. Organoleptic characteristics were significantly different with ovens types but not with different wood species except color (black and marron from inland forest wood species and preferred brownish and golden brown colored smoked fish from mangrove wood). Fish food constituents yielded for improved smoked oven: Protein content (65.52%; 69.45%), ash content (6.21%; 5.57%) and traditional oven: Protein content (70.65%; 75.00%), ash content (5.73%; 6.33%) for Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus respectively. Results also confirmed good dietary quality of fish samples (source of calcium, iron and magnesium). Some energy efficient management techniques and conservation implications were proposed regarding qualitative and quantitative improvement of smoked fish.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bowdich, 1825) From the Escravos Estuary, Delta State, Nigeria

This data is therefore valuable for establishing a monitoring and management system of this fish species.

Length-based assessment of five small pelagic fishes in the Senegalese artisanal fisheries.

Fisheries management is an important strategy for ensuring sustainable use of resources. However, in West Africa, in the absence of quality data for many stocks and effective stock assessment models, the cases where this has been truly successful are notable for their rarity. In West Africa, small pelagic fish are of great socio-economic importance, as well as good indicators of fish stressors. Here, historical data (2004-2019) of five small pelagic species (Sardina pilchardus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Trachurus trecae, Scomber colias and Mugil cephalus) were collected in Senegalese waters. The B/BMSY results showed stocks to be collapsed (B/BMSY = 0.13 and 0.1 for M. cephalus and S. pilchardus, respectively) and heavily overfished (B/BMSY = 0.24; E. fimbriata). Only S. colias and T. trecae stock were considered to be in good condition (B/BMSY = 1.7 and 1.4 respectively). The Lc/Lc_opt ratio was ≤ 1 for E. fimbriata and M. cephalus, suggesting that the individuals caught for these species were too small. To reverse these bad stock statuses, catching individuals at Lc_opt, 25, 21, 43 and 18 cm for S. colias, E. fimbriata, M. cephalus and S. pilchardus, respectively should be a natural guarantee against recruitment failure and allow individuals to ensure the long-term survival of populations, in a context of data poor fisheries. In conclusion, this study shows that, despite limitations, the LBB model can provides indicators of stock status for species to encourage management measures, especially in data poor countries. It is hoped that these results can help to better assess many stocks currently considered too data poor to be assessed or at least encourage data collection effort on stocks discerned as in bad or critical status.

Histamine content in fresh and frozen pelagic species from the Mauritanian Atlantic Coast

Histamine is a security issue in food safety as an indicator of the freshness of consumed fish product; that is why we aimed in this study to determine the histamine content in 7 fish species (Scomber japonicus; Sarda sarda; Sardinella aurita; S. maderensis; Ethmalosa fimbriata; Pomatomus saltatrix and Trachurus trachurus). Hundred and eight frozen and fresh pelagic of scombroid and non-scombroid species were collected from the Nouakchott fish market (Mauritanian Atlantic coast) in different period of 2020 and 2021. Histamine was quantified by the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). Histamine was detected in all analyzed fresh and frozen species and varied from 4.21 to 201.60 ppm. All evaluated fresh fish species (S. aurita; S. maderensis; E. fimbriata; P. saltatrix and T. trachurus) were conform to the FAO/WHO and the European commission regulations. Regarding investigated frozen fish species (S. aurita; S. japonicus and S. sarda); the scombroid species (S. japonicus and S. sarda) were all under the set limits; however, even its more likely for scombroid fish to develop histamine, our results showed that histamine exceed the limit in one sample of non-scombroid fish (S. aurita). No significant variation in histamine levels between scombroid and non-scombroid fish species was obtained; thereby, the study showed that fish product commercialized at the Nouakchott fish market have a good quality and safe for human consumption.

Ichthyological composition of fishing gear types from marine artisanal fishery of grand-lahou (Ivory Coast)

In Côte d&#39;Ivoire, fishing in Grand-Lahou locality provides 20% of national artisanal catches. From August 2016 to February 2017, fishing units and the ichthyological composition of their fishing gears were characterised on Lahou-Kpanda site. One unit using the beach seine, eleven the purse seines and seven the gillnets were involved. Twenty-two fish species have been identified. Twenty-one of them were caught by purse seines, eleven by the beach seine and six by gillnets. Purse seines and the beach seine preferentially catch Clupeidae, 80.95% and 88.12% respectively. According to species, Sardinella maderensis (55.76%) and Ethmalosa fimbriata (13.73%) dominate purse seines catches and Sardinella maderensis (37.68%), Ethmalosa fimbriata (28.16%) and Sardinella aurita (20.12%) those of the beach seine. The gillnets catch more Sciaenidae (59.10%), Sphyraenidae (16.20%) and Cynoglossidae (15.39%) with Pseudotolithus typus (30.14%) as well as Pseudotolithus elongatus, Sphyraena afra and Cynoglossus canariensis as dominant species.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Twenty Fish Species in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou Sectors Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

Aims: This study investigated Length-weight relationships and condition factors of fish species in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou sector, Côte d’Ivoire)&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-potou sector) from April 2019 to March 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: study was conducted during 3 to 4 days continuously in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou Sector). Furthermore, monthly fish samples were collected from commercial fishing area at random using gillnets, cast nets, traps, hooks and beach seines.&#x0D; Results: All Length-Weight regressions were highly significant with the coefficient of determination (r2) ranging from 0.61 in Schilbe mandibularis to 0.90 in Monodactylus sebae and Chrysichthys maurus. An isometric growth was observed for most of species except three of them namely Ethmalosa fimbriata, Pseudotolithus elongatus, and polydactylus quadrifilis. The k values varied from 0.19±0.001 in S. melanotheron to 6.10±0.3 in Monodactylus sebae. The values of b and k denote that the Ebrie lagoon could provide a favourable environment and suitable habitat for the growth of those fish species.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study provides basic information on length-weight parameters for twenty major fish species collected from Ebrie lagoon (Aghien-Potou sector). Three species namely Ethmalosa fimbriata, Pseudotolithus elongatus and Polydactylus quadrifilis exhibited a trend of positive growth whereas seventeen fish species showed isometric growth. The condition factor k was superior to 1 for 75% of the fish species and inferior to 1 for 25 % of the fish species. These growth trends denote that the lagoon could provide a favourable environment and suitable habitat for the growth of those fish species. Thus it would be interesting to create a protected area near the lagoon in order to ensure the protection of fish species.

Значение рыбных ресурсов в питании населения Сьерра-Леоне

The review provides an analysis of consuming fish resources by the population of Sierra Leone. It has been stated that consumption of fish resources per capita in Sierra Leone reached a high level (36.5 kg per capita) in 2008, while in 1961 the lowest level was observed - 11.4 kg. At the moment, the amount of fish consumed is gradually decreasing. According to a 2019 FAO study in Sierra Leone, fish accounts for 80% of the total animal protein consumed by the population. In the diet of the population of Sierra Leone, there is a deficiency of protein, vitamins and trace elements, which leads to an increase in a number of diseases. Fish is an excellent protein supplement to the grain-rich diet of the population and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals necessary for humans. Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sardinella are the commercially important fish species in Sierra Leone, accounting for 46.54% and 16.42% of the population's consumption of commercial fish species, respectively. There was analyzed the biochemical composition of the commercial fish species (Ethmalosa fimbriata, Sardinella spp., Ilisha Africana, Elops spp., Dentex, Pseudotolithus elongates) in order to expand the range of food products.

Ichthyofaunal Diversity of the River Nun Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria

A study of the Ichthyofaunal diversity of the River Nun Estuary, Nigeria was conducted for one calendar year. This was done in order to update the inventory of the fish species and to specify distribution patterns in the River Nun ichthyofauna in order to establish some basis for pollution prevention and the conservation of these fish communities and their habitat. Fishes were collected monthly from six sampling sites of the River Nun Estuary with the help of local skilled fishers. Cast nets, scoop nets, gill nets, beach seine nets, pole seine nets, and hooks and lines were used for capturing fish. Different fish species were collected from fishers at the different fish landings. photographs were immediately taken with the help of a digital camera. Fishes brought to laboratory were preserved in 10% formalin solution. All fish species were identified to genus and species level using taxonomic keys and standard literature. 60 species of fish that belong to 48 different genera and 27 families were recorded during the study. The families Cichlidae and Gobiidae had the highest number of species (7 species each) followed by the families Claroteidae, Carangidae, Mugilidae, and Characidae (which had 4 species each), Polynemidae (with 3 species), and Clupeidae Tetraodontidae, Carangidae, Sclaenidae (with 2 species each). The families Hepsedae, Dasyatidae, Soleidae, Elopidae, Monodactylidae, Lobotidae, Periophthalmidae, Ophichthidae, Soleidae, Cynoglossidae, Tetraodontidae, Serranidae, Clupeidae, Carangidae, and Haemulidae had just one species. Ethmalosa fimbriata(Bonga shad) of the of the Order Clupeiformes and family Clupeidae was the most abundant species of the River Nun estuary, followed by Pseudotolithus (Foniticulus) elongates (Croaker) of the family Sclaenidae, Periophthalmus barbarous/ papilio (Atlantic mudskipper) of the family Periophthalmidae, Mugil curema (White mullet), Mugil bananensis (Banana mullet), and Liza grandisquamis (Sickle fin mullet) of the family Mugilidae. It can be concluded that the ichthyofaunal composition of the River-Nun compares favorably with other Rivers of similar relevance.There is no cause for concern by all stakeholders about its ecological health and its fishery. Keywords: Ichthyofauna, Diversity, Estuary, River-Nun, Niger Dela.