Local Fishermen Research Articles

Infection of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) with Glugea stephani, a possible new indicator of the weakening of the Baltic population

The strict limitations on the fishing quotas for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) have meant the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) has become the third most commercially fished species in the Baltic Sea. Recent reports from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and local fishermen, however, indicate a noticeable decline in the fitness of the species and catch volume in the Baltic Sea over the last decade. As the alimentary tract is one of the major entry routes for toxicants and parasites, and since any disturbances in its functioning are directly responsible for harmful changes in the health and welfare of the fish, a diachronic examination of the digestive tract of the European flounder sampled from the Slupsk Bank was carried out in order to determine possible factors behind the observed detrimental changes in its success in the Baltic Sea. The results obtained revealed a serious Glugea stephani infection and the presence of microsporidiosis in the fish studied (a prevalence of 41.9 % and a mean infection intensity of 9.15 xenomas per fish) considerably higher than those previously reported in less polluted regions studied across Atlantic and Pacific. This may suggest the influence of factors conducive to improving the success rate of the invading parasite, such as an increased level of environmental pollution and oxygen deficiency on the sea bottom, both of which contribute to a greater density of fish in a limited area. Our study indicates the need for comprehensive parasitological investigation of the European flounder in the Baltic Sea, in order to study microsporidiosis and the level of parasitic infection detected in histopathological and molecular analyses, including metacercariae of Zoogonoidae, nematodes of Cucullanidae, Anisakidaea and Parafilaroides normani. This study detected Parafilaroides normani, hitherto unknown in Europe, with a probability of 91.41 %.

Spatial Literary Theory in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide

The notion of being a social animal makes it difficult for humans to exclude space, a quintessential factor of life itself. It serves and chisels humanity throughout. The movement and actions of individuals actuate the space because only when people and artifacts inhabit a space, it turns into a place. This space, be it social or cultural, moulds a person into a mature self and it reflects the ideology, power and politics of the institution existing within it. Every literary work testifies to a space, even though it may be virtual or fictive space. The Hungry Tide is a prophetic novel by Amitav Ghosh about insight, beauty and humanity. It explores the precarious life of some ‘desperate’ souls sustaining in the region of Sundarbans. The central plot is that Piya, an American cetologist who comes to India and gets the aid of Kanai, a translator and Fokir, a local fisherman, in her adventure in waters. The unlikely trio travel to find the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin and face several unexpected turns. Survival is an everyday battle for the settlers of the Sundarbans who have learned to strike a balance with nature. The space of sea has enormous influence in the destiny of fishermen like ‘Fokir’. The novel unravels the ongoing tension between humanity and the space of Sundarbans with its vast salty tracts of mangrove forest. The routine as well as the beliefs of the inhabitants were tamed according to the conditions of that marshy land; for instance, the perpetual threat of tigers. The paper attempts to bring forth the relevance and recognition of the role of space in this novel.

Determination of fishing efficiency and selectivity of multifilament trammel nets in pearl mullet, Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), fishing in Lake Van, Turkey

This study aimed to determine the selectivity of multifilament trammel nets in pearl mullet, Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), and fishing in Lake Van (east of Turkey). In line with this objective, the multifilament trammel nets with 20, 22 and 24 mm mesh sizes were tested in trials. The current study was conducted between September 2019 and April 2020. Thirty-four fishing operations were conducted in the 40–60 m depth range. The “SELECT” method was applied to determine the selectivity parameters. According to the results, the lengths of the optimum catching using nets with 20, 22 and 24 mm mesh sizes were calculated as 20.76 cm, 22.07 cm and 24.11 cm, respectively. The highest average CPUE in weight was 24 mm (6.007 kg/ 100 m / day). Considering the data obtained in the present study, the best optimum catch length and CPUE values for pearl mullet fishing were determined in multifilament trammel nets with a 24 mm mesh size. In conclusion, this study suggests that using a 24 mm mesh size in a lake for pearl mullet fishing will benefit fish stocks and local fishermen.

Результаты первой попытки привлечения пары орлана-белохвоста в искусственное гнездовье

Результаты первой попытки привлечения пары орлана-белохвоста в искусственное гнездовье

Water Quality Plays an Important Role in the Socio-Economic Condition of the Local Community: A Study on the Kushiara River

In Bangladesh around 7.5% of the fish is harvested from the rivers, being one of the main sources of fish in the country. The water quality of the river must be within standard values to maintain aquatic biodiversity. In this study, water quality, available spaces for fish, and socio-economic status of fishermen were analyzed to find their relationships in Kushiara River, Fenchuganj, Sylhet. Samples of water quality and fish species were collected from August 2017 to September 2021. At the same time, fishermen were surveyed to find out their economic status. The water quality analysis showed all the parameters analyzed (pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS)) are within the range of international and Bangladesh standards for surface water. The pH, DO, BOD, COD, TDS was respectively 7.1-7.99, 5.5 mg/l to 8.4 mg/l, 1 to 4.6 mg/l, 17 to 32 mg/l, 30 to 70 mg/l. Where the local standard is 6.5-8.5, more than 5 mg/l, less than 6 mg/l, 17 to 32 mg/l for pH, DO and BOD. The international standard is less than 34.2 mg/l. and 30 to 70 mg/l for COD and TDS in that order. A total of 40 species of fish are recorded in 2017 and 49 in 2021. The average income of a local fisherman was 3 USD to 15 USD in the off pick season (December- February), and 7 USD to 30 USD in the peak season (September-November). The fish merchant’s daily income was 4 USD to 20 USD in the off-peak season and 7 USD to 30 USD in the peak season. So all fisher man, fish traders can spend their life by fish catching and fish trading. Due to fish production those people can earn money and can fulfill their daily needs. It is concluded that the water quality was adequate for fish diversity and to sustain the socioeconomic condition of the fishermen and fish traders in the Kushiara River.

SIZE COMPOSITION, GROWTH PATTERN AND CONDITION FACTOR OF NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) FROM WASAI RESERVOIR, KANO STATE – NIGERIA

A study of the size composition, growth pattern and condition factor of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Wasai reservoir in Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State was conducted using length-weight data obtained from local fishermen in the study area. Standard length ranged from 11.30 cm to 18.20 cm, total length ranged from 13.40 to 19.90 cm whereas body weight from 35.90 g to 116.50 g. The length-weight relationship revealed only positive allometric growth in Kundima and negative allometric growth pattern in Dinga and Ungulaye. The condition factor (K) also revealed all K values obtained are ≥ 1 in all the sampling sites indicating that the environment is good in terms of food availability. The results of this study will be useful for the management and conservation of O. niloticus fisheries from Wasai Reservoir.

Ingression of the hydromedusa Neotima lucullana (delle chiaje, 1822) into the ecosystem of the Neretva river estuary (south-eastern Adriatic, Croatia

Hydromedusa Neotima lucullana is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea. In this study we document the first numerous and permanent occurrence of N. lucullana in the estuary of the Neretva River, an unusual habitat for this typical marine species. We provide COI barcode sequence of this species, which is also first genetic sequence ever published of N. lucullana. Weekly data on the occurrence and abundance of N. lucullana were obtained from reports and records of autonomous divers and local fishermen in the area from Opuzen to Metković from mid-June to the end of October 2021. The individuals were always located in the layer above the bottom with salinity between 35.2 and 38.2. The diameters of the jellyfish bells ranged from 15 mm to 72 mm, most of them between 40 mm and 58 mm. Differential development of the gonads was observed in all specimens larger than 25 mm. In mid-June, the specimens were common but solitary. A week later, the jellyfish were more frequent and in smaller aggregations. From late June to mid-September, the jellyfish were constantly observed in larger aggregations. Toward the autumn, the number of individuals gradually decreased, and by the last week of October, only single individuals were observed. Our results indicate significant changes in the ecosystem of the Neretva estuary and confirm the observed composition of zooplankton communities dominated by marine species in summer and autumn.

Pengaruh Umur Bulan Terhadap Hasil Tangkapan Sero

Bambanipa Village is one of the villages in Palasa District, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. Based on direct observations and interviews with local fishermen, the number of fishermen in the village of Bambanipa is 37 people. The research method used is descriptive and participatory. descriptive methods used are surveys and interviews. for data analysis using a randomized block design (RBD) model, with a mathematical formulation. During the research in the village of Bambanipa, the total number of catches was 318 individuals. With details based on the type of fish caught, namely Baronang (Siganus lineatus) 19 individuals, Grouper (Cromileptes altivelis) 1 individuals, Botana (Ctenochaetus striatus) 1 individual, Katamba (Lethrinus lentjan) 3 individuals, Dayah beard (Upeneus moluccensis) 3 individuals, Rengginan (Myripristis hexagonatus) 69 individuals, Tiger snapper (Plectorhinchus chaetodontoides) 2 individuals, Kuwe (Pseudocaranx dentex) 5 individuals, Black point snapper (Lutjanus fulviflamma) 3 individuals, Selar (Selar boops) 10 individuals, Sembilang (Euristhmus microceps) 200 individuals , 2 individuals of Cuttlefish (Sepia sp.).

Mangroves in Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area

Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a 114,000 hectares reserve-type national conservation area in Arafura Sea, Maluku Province, Indonesia where the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries managed since 2009. Its mangrove is the largest coastal ecosystem which is important for sustainable fisheries and coastal disaster mitigation. The main objective of this study is to understand the condition of mangrove community, its impact on fisheries and threats to its continuity. Stratified random sampling on three plots of 10 m x 10 m and hemispherical photography are employed on 13 observation sites across four zones. Local fishermen are interviewed about their activities related to mangroves. From 13 observation sites, 19 species from 8 families and 10 genera are identified. The average of mangrove density and its canopy coverage were respectively 2,997 stand/ha and 74.66%. These values can be interpreted as in good condition and moderate coverage (KepmenLH 201/2004). Rhizophora mucronate and Sonneratia alba are the two most dominant species in all observation sites. Local fishermen’s activities in the mangrove area are catching crabs, trap-fishing, and cutting mangrove woods for firewood and/or simple non-permanent housing. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Phemphis acidula, Rhizophora mucronate and Ceriops tagal are their favourites.

Impact of presidential decree number 44 of 2016 on sustainable fisheries at archipelago state

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 44 of 2016 on sustainable fisheries. Presidential Decree No. 44 of 2016 concerning business fields closed to foreign investment in Indonesia. In the results of the analysis using the models: linear trend, quadratic and exponential. Result analyzed indicated that the most suitable model is the quadratic model. The quadratic model is related to the nature of fish resources. The Gordon-Schaefer model states that fisheries with an open access management regime will lead to economic inefficiency. To prevent this economic inefficiency, several economic instruments must be applied, such as limiting efforts and quotas. One of the instruments for limiting fishing efforts is through Presidential Regulation no. 44 of 2016. Limiting efforts is positive impact for local fisherman. For example, since the foreign vessels banned from operating, small bitung fishermen, they could catch 3-6 tunas per day in 2019. In 2014, they had only been caught 1-3 tuna per day. Investment waste in a sector will eliminate the potential economic rents of fish resources. Investment waste in capture fisheries should be used for fish processing activities and aquaculture activities that will provide added value.

Pengaruh suhu permukaan laut terhadap hasil tangkapan ikan Tuna Sirip Kuning (Thunnus albacares) di Perairan Barat Sumatera Barat

This study aims to look at fluctuations in sea surface temperature and also the relationship between sea surface temperature and yellowfin tuna catches in West Waters, West Sumatra Province. The research method used is a survey method, namely collecting field data by conducting direct observations, as well as interviews with local fishermen and spatial analysis methods are used to obtain the distribution of sea surface temperatures. The results of this study indicate that the average sea surface temperature in 2019-2021 ranges from 26.99 - 31.21 oC, where the average maximum temperature ranges from 31.21 oC in March 2020 and the average minimum temperature ranges from 26, 99 oC in October 2019. The results of simple linear regression analysis show a correlation coefficient value of 0.857 and a coefficient of determination value of 0.756.

Composition of Togok Catch in Kuala Tungkal, Tanjung Jabung Barat, Jambi

Togok is one of the fishing gear that is operated in Kuala Tungkal, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, this fishing gear is in the form of a conical net body whose arms are tied to two poles and the success of catching it relies on currents, togok fishing gear is used by Kuala Tungkal fishermen to catch rebon shrimp (Acetes japonicas) but in operation, there are many other types of catch. This study aims to determine the main catch, bycatch, and discards, and to determine the size as well as the number of togok catches. This research was conducted on April 5 – July 10, 2021. This research was conducted using experimental fishing methods, namely by conducting direct operations with local fishermen. The results of the study that the percentage of the catch of main catch by 28%, bycatch 51%, and discard 21%. For the size of the catch of togok species of shrimp (crustacean), there are many sizes that have reached maturity or are suitable for catching while in the catch of fish species there are many sizes that are not yet mature. And for the number of catches in the catch togok main catch amounted to 550800 tail, the catch of the bycatch 79281 fish, and the catch of the discard 10186 fish

Wild fish and seafood species in the western Mediterranean Sea with low safe mercury concentrations

A total of 1345 specimens belonging to 58 different species of wild fish and seafood from the western Mediterranean Sea were analyzed to assess total mercury levels and to estimate which species meet the EU recommendations for human consumption (0.5 μg g−1 ww) in all cases. All fish species were caught off the Mediterranean coasts and intended for human consumption. All specimens were collected from local markets located in Spain, Italy and France that sell fish caught by local fishermen (Eivissa, Menorca, Mallorca, Alacant, L'Ampolla, Ametlla de Mar, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Alghero) at different time periods. Mercury concentrations were measured by thermal decomposition-gold amalgamator-atomic absorption spectrometry.Only thirteen species were found that did not exceed 0.5 μg g−1 ww in any specimen analyzed. These safe species were sardines (Sardina pilchardus), anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), picarel (Spicara smaris), blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), pearly razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula), surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), painted comber (Serranus scriba), brown meagre (Sciaena umbra), salema (Sarpa salpa), common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and squid (Loligo vulgaris). These species occupy different trophic levels, have different lengths and average weights, but show a low mercury concentration than others living in the same environments.Potential human consumption of these species as sole source of fish would imply estimated weekly intakes representing between 49% and 70% of the recommended provisional tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury in the worst case.Health authorities should pay specific attention to species that do not meet EU thresholds and make appropriate precautionary health recommendations, especially for pregnant women and children.

How people perceive their role in the natural environment. The Primorye paradox

In the North, Siberia and the Far East, most villagers live in close connection with nature, primarily through using renewable natural resources. However, there is hardly any coverage in literature as to how people position themselves in relation to the surrounding nature. Even when the issue is raised, it addresses only indigenous peoples, and not all local inhabitants without reference to ethnicity. People living in different types of localities tend to have dissimilar perceptions of their role in the natural environment. For urban residents, we propose dis-tinguishing four main self-perception types: outsider (stays away from nature), visitor (e.g., holidaymakers, athletes, and tourists), user (e.g., anglers and gatherers of wild plants), and protector (various eco-activists). Residents of small towns and densely populated rural areas tend to perceive themselves mainly as users. Where the population density is low and natural resources are vital for sustenance, the basic perceptions are master and son. Masters believe they have exclusive rights to use the surrounding natural resources and claim to be doing it responsibly. Perceiving oneself as a son is mostly common for indigenous peoples; their discourse about respect for nature stems not only from a rational, but also sacred attitude. Field research on the east coast of Primorye revealed a self-perception untypical for villagers. Many locals call themselves thieves of natural resources. This means the subjective perception, and not objective differences in practices (doing the same thing, a person in the Russian North can consider himself a master, in Altai — a son, and in Primorye — a thief). We propose three reasons for this “Primorye paradox”. 1) Weak rootedness of the local population, spurring its turnover, which, in turn, makes it difficult to integrate into the natural landscape. 2) Saturation of the surroundings with outsiders, preventing to perceive the territory as “one's own”. The main outsiders are seasonal fishing crews from elsewhere; the Chinese; and crews of North Korean fishing vessels, whom the border guards treat more loyally than the local fishermen. 3) Constant pressure from the supervisory authorities. Primorye has a high concentration of hunting, plant, and aquatic biological resources. Business based on procuring natural resources is profitable, but according to the State, it is mostly illegal. If one can remain unnoticed in the taiga, on the water such chances are next to none. The situation is aggravated by a variety of specially regulated territories (federal and regional protected areas, maritime frontier regime, hunting grounds with different status), which expands the range of supervisory authorities.

Short Interview with Local Fisherman in Bintulu, Sarawak on Monthly Income based on their Experience

Fishermen earn income from their fishing activities, but it depends on various factors such as the type of employment, either part-time or full-time. The aim of the study is to identify which criteria based on their experience affect the income of part-time and full-time fishermen in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. About 33 fishermen were interviewed in the Bintulu area using semi-structured interview questions. A qualitative method such as an in-depth interview was conducted and analysed, resulting in three criteria that affecting our participants’ income. The first criterion was self-learning process which significantly hampered their ability to identify fish population areas, especially without the aid of technology. In contrast, the second criterion was equipment ownership. The ownership offers advantages to the full-time fisherman to facilitate their fishing activity by catching more fish in a short period of time. The final criteria were end products related to their sales activities, whether through intermediary (middleman) or directly to consumers. Regardless of their mode of operation or experience, direct-to-consumer sales is an alternative to earn a higher income, except that their yield varies significantly through the first and second criteria. Therefore, this finding indicated that the income of part-time or full-time fishermen in Bintulu, Sarawak could be influenced by three criteria.

Bycatch of Amboina Box Turtle (<i>Cuora amboinensis</i>) by Fishermen in Rawa Aopa, Southeast Sulawesi

Rawa Aopa is a permanent swamp ecosystem that serves as one of the suitable habitats for amboina box turtles (Cuora amboinensis). Some of the area is part of a national park (Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park) and is designated as a traditional zone for fishing activities, where local fishermen sometimes reported accidental catch C. amboinensis in their fishing gear. The aims of this study were to record the existence of C. amboinensis bycatch, size and age structure of bycatch, characteristic of fishing activity, and to discuss the conservation implication of bycatch. The number of bycatch was recorded by direct observation of 7 selected fishermen in 14 days. The C. amboinensis caught accidentally were measured and weighed. A total of 38 individuals of C. amboinensis were accidentally caught by fishermen during the study, having a size ranged of 7.4 to 18.5 cm (juveniles, young adults, and old adults; no hatchling), and weighed 248 to 996 g. Based on sex, there was no significant difference between morphological size of male and female, although bycatch for females (59%) tend to be slightly higher than males (41%). Most of fishermen lives in Pewutaa Village and used bubu traps to catch fishes. C. amboinensis are the most common bycatch compared to other species. In order to minimize the impact of bycatch of the C. amboinensis by fishermen, we need to ensure that the turtle that accidentally trapped in the fishermen’s fishing gear would be released unharmedly to their habitat.

Range extension of the Patagonian seahorse in Brazil: a biological treasure hauled up by local fishermen

Range extension of the Patagonian seahorse in Brazil: a biological treasure hauled up by local fishermen

Molecular identification and potency of scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) study from Kodang Merak Beach, South Malang

Lobster is one of the commodities from the fisheries sector that has high economic value. The problem faced is that there is still limited biological information on lobster species in Indonesia, including identifying genetic diversity. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential ofscalloped spiny lobster. Lobster identification was carried out morphologically and molecularly on the most dominant lobster species at Kondang Merak Beach, Malang. The method in this study used observation and experimental methods. The results of recording data on natural lobster catch from local fishermen from Kondang Merak,scalloped spiny lobster is the most dominant species compared to other types of lobster (painted spiny lobster, ornate spiny lobster). Morphologically, the most dominant lobster sample (MAL-01) obtained from this research location was Panulirus homarus. The lobster has a color pattern and meristic characteristics that are in accordance with the morphological identification reference used. Molecular identification of scalloped spiny lobster (DNA barcoding) has shown that the lobster specimen is a scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) which has the same sequence as KF548574 (100%) in the BLASTN results with the Genbank Database.

Analisis Panjang Bobot dan Faktor Kondisi Ikan Lidah (Cynoglossus lingua) di Sungai Berombang Kabupaten Labuhanbatu

Tongue Fish (C. lingua) is a fish that has a flat body like a tongue, has a non-bilateral symmetrical body, a blunt head, and belongs to the family Cynoglossidae. Tongue fish (C. lingua) usually lives on the bottom of muddy waters or mud mixed with sand and in river estuaries. The purpose of this study was to obtain related information about the analysis of the length and weight of the Tongue Fish (C. lingua) in the Berombang River, Panai Hilir District, Labuhanbatu Regency. This research lasted for 3 months, starting from October-December 2021. The sampling location was based on information from local fishermen. Fish samples were taken using nets, starting at 08.00 WIB - 16.00 WIB. The analysis carried out is the biological aspect of the relationship between length and weight of fish using a linear allometric model (LAM), while the ecological aspect that is measured is the condition factor using the K Fulton equation and the relative weight equation (Wr). In this study, 60 samples of Tongue Fish (C. lingua) were caught, with different lengths and weights. Where the total length ranges from 195-370 mm, with the total length of the dominant tongue fish on average 250 mm. While the weight of the Tongue Fish (C. lingua) ranged from 30-213 grams, and had an average dominant weight of 87 grams. The results of the long-weight relationship explained that the growth of the Tongue Fish (C. lingua) was positive allometric with the b value obtained, namely b > = 3, which was 3.3226.

The cichlids of Eniong and Cross Rivers, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Taxonomy and biodiversity is an important aspect of fish studies as it gives fish scientists information about the types of fish present, their name and classification based on discrete sets in a given locality. This study is on the taxonomy and bio-diversity of Cichlids collected from the Eniong River and the Lower Cross River in the Niger Delta, Nigeria between January and June 2020. A total of 358 cich-lids were collected from three sampling stations (the Eniong River, the confluence and the lower Cross River). Sampling was conducted with active and passive sampling techniques with the help of local fishermen using various fishing gears including beach net (10 – 15 m length, 2 –3.5 m height, mesh size of 0.5 – 5cm), fixed gill net (40 – 60 m long, mesh size 15 – 57 mm), cast net (2 – 5 m diameter, mesh size 15 – 20 mm) and local traps (made from raffia palm). The sampling du-ration with the fishing gear and methods were approximately the same. Gill nets and traps were set between 1600 h and 1800 h and fishes caught were removed from the gear between 0600 h and 0900 h the next day. Fish were identified using morphological and meristic traits. The species found and percentage abundance were; Coptodon zilli (5.9%), Coptodon dageti (31.2 %), Coptodon guineensis (16. 4%), Hemichromis elongatus (6.4 %), Hemichromis fasciatus (2.2%), Ore-ochromis niloticus (5.3%), Oreochromis aureus (0.8%), Sarotherodon melanotheron (3.6%), Sarotherodon galileus (0.8%), Sarotherodon macrocephala (1.95%), Chromidotilapia guntheri (10.3%), Pelmatolapia mariae (12.3%), Tylochromis sudanensis (1.7%) and the unidentified species(0.8%). There was higher abundance of cichlids in Eniong River (36%) than in the confluence (34%) and lower Cross River (30%). Simpson’s diversity index was 0.97 - 0.98 in the three stations. Shannon-Wiener’s index of diversity was 2.18 in Station 1, 1.76 and 1.68 in stations 2 and 3 respectively. Margalef index of diversity was 2.05 in station 1 and 1.66 and 1.71 in stations 2 and 3 respectively. Some species ap-peared to be specific in their habitat; O.niloticus, O.aureus, S. macrocephala were found in freshwater. S. galileus in the estuarine habitat while all other spe-cies were found in all the stations. A dichotomous key which will serve as a guide for fish scientist in the field was prepared using morphomeristic characters.