Patterns Of Community Structure Research Articles

Effects of oil palm plantations on habitat structure and fish assemblages in Amazon streams

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of oil palm plantations on stream habitat and their fish assemblage diversity. We hypothesize that streams which drain through oil palm plantations tend to be less heterogeneous, limiting the occurrence of many species, than streams that drain through forest fragments, which support higher fish diversity. A total of 17 streams were sampled; eight in forest fragments and nine in oil palm plantations. Environmental and biological variables were sampled along 150 m stretch in each stream. Of the 242 environmental variables measured, ten were considered important to assess the condition of structural habitat, and out of these variables, four were considered relevant in the distinction between streams in oil palm plantations and forest fragments. A total of 7245 fishes were collected, belonging to 63 species. Unlike our original hypothesis, the species richness did not differ between forest fragment and oil palm plantations streams, showing that it is not a good divert measure in streams disturbance assessment. However, fish assemblages differed in species composition, and 56 species were recorded in oil palm plantation streams, while 44 species were recorded in forest fragments streams. Some species were identified as indicators of either altered (Aequidens tetramerus and Apistogramma agassizii) or undisturbed areas (Helogenes marmoratus). Overall, oil palm plantations were proven to change stream habitat structure and fish species distribution, corroborating other studies that have evidenced changes in patterns of biological community structure due to impacts by different land uses.

Greatest soil microbial diversity found in micro-habitats

Microbial interactions occur in habitats much smaller than those generally captured in homogenized soil cores sampled across a plot or field. This study uses soil aggregates to examine soil microbial community composition and structure of both bacteria and fungi at a microbially-relevant scale. Aggregates were isolated from three land management systems in central Iowa, USA to test if aggregate-level microbial responses were sensitive to large-scale shifts in plant community and management practices. Bacteria and fungi exhibited similar patterns of community structure and diversity among soil aggregates, regardless of land management. Microaggregates supported more diverse microbial communities, and Fimbriimonadales, Acidimicrobiales, Actinomycetales, Alteromonodales, Burkholderiales, Gemmatimonadales, Rhodobacterales, Soligubrobacterales, Sphingobacteriales, Sphingomonodales, Spirobacillaes, Onygenales, Chaetosphaeriales, and Trichosporanales were indicator taxa for microaggregate communities. Large macroaggregates contained greater abundance of Pedosphaerales, Planctomycetales, Syntrophobacterales, and Glomeromycota (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). To demonstrate the potential for additional insights into soil microbial diversity, we calculated of a weighted proportional whole soil diversity, which accounted for microbes found in aggregate fractions and resulted in 65% greater bacterial richness and 100% greater fungal richness over independently sampled whole soil (i.e. bulk soil). Our results show microaggregates support highly diverse microbial communities, including several unidentified genera. Isolating aggregates with a microbially sensitive approach provides new opportunities to explore soil microbial communities and the factors shaping them at relevant spatial scales.

Guild Patterns of Basidiomycetes Community Associated With Quercus mongolica in Mt. Jeombong, Republic of Korea

Depending on the mode of nutrition exploitation, major fungal guilds are distinguished as ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. It is generally known that diverse environmental factors influence fungal communities; however, it is unclear how fungal communities respond differently to environment factors depend on fungal guilds. In this study, we investigated basidiomycetes communities associated with Quercus mongolica using 454 pyrosequencing. We attempted to detect guild pattern (ectomycorrhizal or saprotrophic fungal communities) by comparing the influence of geography and source (root and surrounding soil). A total of 515 mOTUs were detected from root (321) and soil (394) of Q. mongolica at three sites of Mt. Jeombong in Inje County. We found that patterns of diversity and community structure were different depending on the guilds. In terms of alpha diversity, only ectomycorrhizal fungi showed significant differences between sources. In terms of community structure, however, geography significantly influenced the ectomycorrhizal community, while source appeared to have a greater influence on the saprotrophic community. Therefore, a guild-based view will help to elucidates novel features of the relationship between environmental factors and fungal communities.

Microalgal community structure and primary production in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice: A synthesis

Sea ice is one the largest biomes on earth, yet it is poorly described by biogeochemical and climate models. In this paper, published and unpublished data on sympagic (ice-associated) algal biodiversity and productivity have been compiled from more than 300 sea-ice cores and organized into a systematic framework. Significant patterns in microalgal community structure emerged from this framework. Autotrophic flagellates characterize surface communities, interior communities consist of mixed microalgal populations and pennate diatoms dominate bottom communities. There is overlap between landfast and pack-ice communities, which supports the hypothesis that sympagic microalgae originate from the pelagic environment. Distribution in the Arctic is sometimes quite different compared to the Antarctic. This difference may be related to the time of sampling or lack of dedicated studies. Seasonality has a significant impact on species distribution, with a potentially greater role for flagellates and centric diatoms in early spring. The role of sea-ice algae in seeding pelagic blooms remains uncertain. Photosynthesis in sea ice is mainly controlled by environmental factors on a small scale and therefore cannot be linked to specific ice types. Overall, sea-ice communities show a high capacity for photoacclimation but low maximum productivity compared to pelagic phytoplankton. Low carbon assimilation rates probably result from adaptation to extreme conditions of reduced light and temperature in winter. We hypothesize that in the near future, bottom communities will develop earlier in the season and develop more biomass over a shorter period of time as light penetration increases due to the thinning of sea ice. The Arctic is already witnessing changes. The shift forward in time of the algal bloom can result in a mismatch in trophic relations, but the biogeochemical consequences are still hard to predict. With this paper we provide a number of parameters required to improve the reliability of sea-ice biogeochemical models.

Diversity and Distribution of Benthic Polychaetes of Nizampatnam Bay, Bay of Bengal

Diversity and Distribution of Benthic Polychaetes of Nizampatnam Bay, Bay of Bengal A study was carried out to observe the diversity and distribution of soft bottom macrobenthic polychaetes in Nizampatnam bay, Bay of Bengal. The aim of this study is to determine patterns of abundance, species richness and community structure along with the influence of environmental parameters on the diversity of polychaetes collected from the Nizampatnam Bay. Four cruises were conducted during 2006 to 2008 covering 20 stations along the Bay having a maximum depth of 40 m. Altogether 128 infaunal samples (van Veen grab 0.1 m2) were collected from the bay along with the hydrographical and sediment samples. Polychaete diversity indices S, N, d and H' were higher in the stations located nearer to the shoreline (15 m). Temporally post-monsoon seasons supported high polychaete diversity than pre-monsoon season. Multivariate analyses were used to define assemblages named after the most important (determining) taxon. Occurrence of Prionospio pinnata and Capitella capitata, the deposit feeders and indicators of organic pollution suggested that the stations that lie nearer the shore are organically rich. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that depth, sediment organic matter and sediment mean size influenced polychaete distribution. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that majority of polychaete species were deposit feeders and they preferred high organic carbon and clayey silt substratum.

Linking patterns of net community production and marine microbial community structure in the western North Atlantic

Linking patterns of net community production and marine microbial community structure in the western North Atlantic

Patterns of Diversity and Community Structure of Non-Biting Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae): Support a Targeted Landscape Approach of Nebraska's State Wildlife Action Plan

Loss of prairie habitat has led to declines in biodiversity of prairie streams necessitating conservation of these freshwater ecosystems. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project developed the State Wildlife Action Plan to conserve the state's biologically unique landscapes (BUL). We examine a common group of aquatic flies, the non-biting midges, or Chironomidae, collected from streams located in four BULs to answer these questions: (1) Are the BULs distinct based solely on stream/landscape features?; (2) If distinct, what is the taxonomic and functional diversity of chironomids in the study BULs?; and (3) Are the chironomid communities within each BUL unique when compared to the communities in the other study BULs? Chironomidae were collected using the "surface floating pupal exuviae" method. The four BULs were unique, clearly separated based on the stream and landscape variables in a discriminant analysis. Overall diversity of the study was 62 chironomid taxa. Taxonomic and functional trait diversity varied significantly between the four BULs, and, based on an analysis of similarity, chironomid communities showed little overlap between the BULs. Our results support the original landscape designations developed by the NNLP indicating that the BULs can function as a framework to conserve macroinvertebrate biodiversity in BUL streams.

Community structure and distribution patterns of stream macroinvertebrates in the Huai River Basin in China

Damaged river ecosystems are increasing with rapid social and economic development. The community structure and spatial distribution pattern of stream macroinvertebrates reflect the health of river ecosystems because of their longevity, abundance in terms of taxa and quantities, sensitivity to environment stresses and amenability to surveying. In the present study, two field surveys for macroinvertebrate sampling were performed in August 2010 and May 2013. In all, 53 taxonomic groups from 24 families, belonging to 11 orders, 6 classes and 4 phyla, were recorded. The most widespread taxa were Tubificidae (Limnodrilus, Branchiura) and Chironomidae (Chironomus, Einfeldia), which were also the most abundant in the research area, occurring in more than 50% of sampling sites. Principal coordinate and clustering analyses partitioned the 59 sites into four groups, with similarities in their macroinvertebrate community structures. Moreover, indicator value (IndVal) analysis identified two indicator taxa each in Group 1 (Einfeldia spp. and Chironomus plumosus) and Group 4 (Tubificinae spp. and Limnodrilus claparedeianus), and one indicator taxon each in Group 2 (Branchiura sowerbyi) and Group 3 (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri). Moreover, collector–gatherers and predators occurred primarily in Group 3, whereas collector–filterers, scrapers and shredders were primarily distributed in Group 2, indicating significant differences in the resources and habitats between Groups 2 and 3.

Thermal physiological traits and plasticity of metabolism are sensitive to biogeographic breaks in a rock-pool marine shrimp.

Populations of broadly distributed species commonly exhibit latitudinal variation in thermal tolerance and physiological plasticity. This variation can be interrupted when biogeographic breaks occur across the range of a species, which are known to affect patterns of community structure, abundance and recruitment dynamics. Coastal biogeographic breaks often impose abrupt changes in environmental characteristics driven by oceanographic processes and can affect the physiological responses of populations inhabiting these areas. Here, we examined thermal limits, performances for heart rate and plasticity in metabolic rate of the intertidal shrimp Betaeus emarginatus from seven populations along its latitudinal range (∼3000 km). The distribution of this species encompass two breaks along the southeastern Pacific coast of Chile: the northern break is characterized by sharp discontinuities in upwelling regimes, and the southern break constitutes a major discontinuity in water conditions (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrients), coastline topography and divergence of main oceanographic currents. For B. emarginatus, we found higher plasticity in metabolism at the sites sampled at the biogeographic breaks, and at the site subjected to seasonal upwelling. The variation in metabolic rate was not consistent with increasing latitude and it was not affected by breaks. The lower and upper thermal limits were lower in populations around breaks, although the optimum temperature decreased towards higher latitudes. Overall, whereas thermal limits and plasticity of metabolism are related to biogeographic breaks, metabolic rate is not related to increasing latitude or the presence of breaks in the sampled range.

Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Pattern during Vegetation Restoration in Karst Rocky Desertification Area.

Vegetation restoration has been widely used in karst rocky desertification (KRD) areas of southwestern China, but the response of microbial community to revegetation has not been well characterized. We investigated the diversity, structure, and co-occurrence patterns of bacterial communities in soils of five vegetation types (grassland, shrubbery, secondary forest, pure plantation and mixed plantation) in KRD area using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity analysis revealed that 15 bacterial community samples were clustered into five groups that corresponded very well to the five vegetation types. Shannon diversity was positively correlated with pH and Ca2+ content but negatively correlated with organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil moisture. Redundancy analysis indicated that soil pH, Ca2+ content, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil moisture jointly influenced bacterial community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed non-random assembly patterns of bacterial composition in the soils. Bryobacter, GR-WP33-30, and Rhizomicrobium were identified as keystone genera in co-occurrence network. These results indicate that diverse soil physicochemical properties and potential interactions among taxa during vegetation restoration may jointly affect the bacterial community structure in KRD regions.

Phylogenetic turnover during subtropical forest succession across environmental and phylogenetic scales.

Although spatial and temporal patterns of phylogenetic community structure during succession are inherently interlinked and assembly processes vary with environmental and phylogenetic scales, successional studies of community assembly have yet to integrate spatial and temporal components of community structure, while accounting for scaling issues. To gain insight into the processes that generate biodiversity after disturbance, we combine analyses of spatial and temporal phylogenetic turnover across phylogenetic scales, accounting for covariation with environmental differences. We compared phylogenetic turnover, at the species‐ and individual‐level, within and between five successional stages, representing woody plant communities in a subtropical forest chronosequence. We decomposed turnover at different phylogenetic depths and assessed its covariation with between‐plot abiotic differences. Phylogenetic turnover between stages was low relative to species turnover and was not explained by abiotic differences. However, within the late‐successional stages, there was high presence‐/absence‐based turnover (clustering) that occurred deep in the phylogeny and covaried with environmental differentiation. Our results support a deterministic model of community assembly where (i) phylogenetic composition is constrained through successional time, but (ii) toward late succession, species sorting into preferred habitats according to niche traits that are conserved deep in phylogeny, becomes increasingly important.

Oil palm monoculture induces drastic erosion of an Amazonian forest mammal fauna.

Oil palm monoculture comprises one of the most financially attractive land-use options in tropical forests, but cropland suitability overlaps the distribution of many highly threatened vertebrate species. We investigated how forest mammals respond to a landscape mosaic, including mature oil palm plantations and primary forest patches in Eastern Amazonia. Using both line-transect censuses (LTC) and camera-trapping (CT), we quantified the general patterns of mammal community structure and attempted to identify both species life-history traits and the environmental and spatial covariates that govern species intolerance to oil palm monoculture. Considering mammal species richness, abundance, and species composition, oil palm plantations were consistently depauperate compared to the adjacent primary forest, but responses differed between functional groups. The degree of forest habitat dependency was a leading trait, determining compositional dissimilarities across habitats. Considering both the LTC and CT data, distance from the forest-plantation interface had a significant effect on mammal assemblages within each habitat type. Approximately 87% of all species detected within oil palm were never farther than 1300 m from the forest edge. Our study clearly reinforces the notion that conventional oil palm plantations are extremely hostile to native tropical forest biodiversity, which does not bode well given prospects for oil palm expansion in both aging and new Amazonian deforestation frontiers.

ATLANTIC-CAMTRAPS: a dataset of medium and large terrestrial mammal communities in the Atlantic Forest of South America.

Our understanding of mammal ecology has always been hindered by the difficulties of observing species in closed tropical forests. Camera trapping has become a major advance for monitoring terrestrial mammals in biodiversity rich ecosystems. Here we compiled one of the largest datasets of inventories of terrestrial mammal communities for the Neotropical region based on camera trapping studies. The dataset comprises 170 surveys of medium to large terrestrial mammals using camera traps conducted in 144 areas by 74 studies, covering six vegetation types of tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of South America (Brazil and Argentina), and present data on species composition and richness. The complete dataset comprises 53,438 independent records of 83 species of mammals, includes 10 species of marsupials, 15 rodents, 20 carnivores, eight ungulates and six armadillos. Species richness averaged 13 species (±6.07 SD) per site. Only six species occurred in more than 50% of the sites: the domestic dog Canis familiaris, crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous, tayra Eira barbara, south American coati Nasua nasua, crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus and the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus. The information contained in this dataset can be used to understand macroecological patterns of biodiversity, community, and population structure, but also to evaluate the ecological consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and trophic interactions.

Checkerboard score–area relationships reveal spatial scales of plant community structure

Identifying the spatial scale at which particular mechanisms influence plant community assembly is crucial to understanding the mechanisms structuring communities. It has long been recognized that many elements of community structure are sensitive to area; however the majority of studies examining patterns of community structure use a single relatively small sampling area. As different assembly mechanisms likely cause patterns at different scales we investigate how plant species co‐occurrence patterns change with sampling unit scale. We use the checkerboard score as an index of species segregation, and examine species C‐score1–sampling area patterns in two ways. First, we show via numerical simulation that the C‐score–area relationship is necessarily hump shaped with respect to sample plot area. Second we examine empirical C‐score–area relationships in arctic tundra, grassland, boreal forest and tropical forest communities. The minimum sampling scale where species co‐occurrence patterns were significantly different from the null model expectation was at 0.1 m2 in the tundra, 0.2 m2 in grassland, and 0.2 ha in both the boreal and tropical forests. Species were most segregated in their co‐occurrence (maximum C‐score) at 0.3 m2 in the tundra (0.54 3 0.54 m quadrats), 1.5 m2 in the grassland (1.2 3 1.2 m quadrats), 0.26 ha in the tropical forest (71 3 71 m quadrats), and a maximum was not reached at the largest sampling scale of 1.4 ha in the boreal forest. The most important finding is that the dominant scales of community structure in these systems are large relative to plant body size, and hence we infer that the dominant mechanisms structuring these communities must be at similarly large scales. This provides a method for identifying the spatial scales at which communities are maximally structured; ecologists can use this information to develop hypotheses and experiments to test scale‐specific mechanisms that structure communities.

Opportunistic data reveal widespread species turnover in Enallagma damselflies at biogeographical scales

An information tradeoff exists between systematic presence/absence surveys and purely opportunistic (presence‐only) records for investigating the geography of community structure. Opportunistic species occurrence data may be of relatively limited quality, but typically involves numerous observations and species. Given the quality–quantity tradeoff, what can opportunistic data reveal about spatial patterns in community structure? Here we explore opportunistic data in describing geographic patterns of species composition, using over 4600 occurrence records of Enallagma damselflies in the United States. We tested phylogenetic scale (genus level, Enallagma major clades, Enallagma subclades) and spatial extent (U.S. vs watershed regions), hypothesizing that nonrandom structure is more likely at larger spatial extents. We also used three sets of systematic presence/absence surveys as a benchmark for validating opportunistic presence‐only records. Null model analysis of matrix coherence and species replacements showed many cases of nonrandom structure and widespread species turnover. This outcome was repeated across spatial and environmental gradients and community composition scenarios. Turnover dominated across the U.S. and two watersheds spanning biogeographic boundaries, but random assemblages were prevalent in a third watershed with limited longitudinal extent. Turnover also pervaded each level of phylogeny. Opportunistic presence‐only datasets showed identical patterns as systematic presence/absence datasets. These results indicate that extensive opportunistic data can be used to detect species turnover, especially at geographic scales where range margins are crossed.

Regional‐scale environmental drivers of highly endemic temperate fish communities located within a climate change hotspot

AbstractAimWe used modelled environmental data to identify important drivers of bioregional patterns of demersal fish assemblages characterized by a high proportion of endemic species.LocationOf 1,600 km of coastal marine environment in south‐western Australia.MethodsWe compiled data from 1090 stereo‐BRUVs samples; a total of ~55,000 individuals belonging to 219 demersal fish species. Multivariate Regression Trees and Distance‐based Linear Models distinguished which biological and/or environmental variables, amongst an initial set of 49, were most correlated to observed patterns of demersal fish assemblage structure. Indicator species analysis identified fish species most representative of the assemblage types.ResultsThe most parsimonious model (constrained by five benthic variables and one spatial variable) explained 42% of the variation in spatial patterns of fish community structure. Canopy‐forming seaweeds were the major benthic drivers, and, when found on structurally complex hard habitat, supported the highest diversity of species after sites dominated by hard coral cover. Indicator species analysis revealed that 28 of 35 significant species for this habitat type were endemics with fish assemblages associated with these habitats often spatially restricted to tens of kilometres.Main conclusionsDemersal fish assemblage composition and biogeographical ranges in south‐western Australia are strongly influenced by the presence of canopy‐forming macroalgae. Canopy‐dominated habitats have already been subject to catastrophic temperature‐related die‐offs in the northern part of this study, indicating its vulnerability to temperature‐driven climate change. These results highlight not only the crucial role of this habitat in supporting endemic fish communities in the region, and the tenuous nature of their existence, but also the challenges facing marine managers who, unable to manipulate the influence of climate change variables, can only focus on alleviating stresses operating on local scales.

Spatial and phyloecological analyses of nosZ genes underscore niche differentiation amongst terrestrial N2O reducing communities

The only known biological sink for the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is its reduction to nitrogen gas (N2) by bacteria and archaea that possess the nosZ gene conferring this trait. Phylogenetic and genomic evidence indicates that N2O reducing communities can be divided into two genetically distinct groups, termed clade I and II. Differing abundance or diversity of each clade may have significant consequences for N2O emissions from soil. However, whether the two groups respond similarly to gradients of environmental or biotic factors in soils remains unclear. Here, we explore spatial patterns of nosZ clade I and II abundance, phylogenetic diversity and community structure across a 44-ha farm, and compare with edaphic factors and abundances of ammonia oxidizing and denitrifying communities, which are the main N2O producers in soil. Contrasting spatial distributions of the total abundance and phylogenetic diversity of each clade, as well as disparate associations with various edaphic and biotic factors indicated potential niche differentiation between the two clades. This is supported by the greater occurrence of significant phylogenetic clustering or overdispersion in clade I communities compared to clade II, indicating differences in the underlying mechanisms of community assembly for each group. Variance partitioning of phylogenetic community structure further showed that biotic factors, particularly the abundance of denitrifiers, played a more substantial role in explaining clade II community structure compared to that of clade I. Finally, identification of nosZ lineages driving differences in community structure and spatial distribution patterns of gene abundances suggests a shift in the genetic potential for N2O production and consumption dynamics across the farm.

Mortality, recovery, and community shifts of scleractinian corals in Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional bleaching event.

This work analyzes the mortality, recovery, and shifts in the composition of scleractinian corals from Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional coral bleaching event. Temporal and spatial patterns of coral community structure were examined using a stratified, non-random sampling approach based on five permanent transects per reef at 16 reef stations. A negative correlation between percent coral cover loss and light attenuation coefficient (Kd490) was observed, suggesting that light attenuation, as influenced by water turbidity and depth, played a major role in coral protection during the bleaching event (“sunblock effect”). Responses of coral assemblages varied after the bleaching event, including shifts of cover from massive corals (Orbicella spp.) to opportunistic (Porites astreoides) and branching corals (Madracis auretenra, P. porites) and/or turf algae; partial recovery of reef substrate cover by O. annularis complex; and no measurable changes in coral assemblages before and after the event.

Environmental drivers of viral community composition in Antarctic soils identified by viromics

BackgroundThe Antarctic continent is considered the coldest and driest place on earth with simple ecosystems, devoid of higher plants. Soils in the ice-free regions of Antarctica are known to harbor a wide range of microorganisms from primary producers to grazers, yet their ecology and particularly the role of viruses is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the virus community structures of 14 soil samples from the Mackay Glacier region.MethodsViral communities were extracted from soil and the dsDNA was extracted, amplified using single-primer amplification, and sequenced using the Ion Torrent Proton platform. Metadata on soil physico-chemistry was collected from all sites. Both read and contig datasets were analyzed with reference-independent and reference-dependent methods to assess viral community structures and the influence of environmental parameters on their distribution.ResultsWe observed a high heterogeneity in virus signatures, independent of geographical proximity. Tailed bacteriophages were dominant in all samples, but the incidences of the affiliated families Siphoviridae and Myoviridae were inversely correlated, suggesting direct competition for hosts. Viruses of the families Phycodnaviridae and Mimiviridae were present at significant levels in high-diversity soil samples and were found to co-occur, implying little competition between them. Combinations of soil factors, including pH, calcium content, and site altitude, were found to be the main drivers of viral community structure.ConclusionsThe pattern of viral community structure with higher levels of diversity at lower altitude and pH, and co-occurring viral families, suggests that these cold desert soil viruses interact with each other, the host, and the environment in an intricate manner, playing a potentially crucial role in maintaining host diversity and functioning of the microbial ecosystem in the extreme environments of Antarctic soil.

FISH DIVERSITY OF GHODAGHODI LAKE IN KAILALI, FAR-WEST NEPAL

Ghodaghodi Lake is an ox-bow perennial lake of Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, situated in Kailali district. The present study was conducted to understand the fish diversity, community structure and distribution pattern in Ghodaghodi Lake. A total of 13 fish species were recorded from the different section of Ghodaghodi Lake, belonging to five order, eight family and eleven genera. According to fish catch the dominant order and family of Ghodaghodi Lake were found to be Cypriniformes (40%) and Cyprinidae (40%) respectively. The dominant fish species of Ghodaghodi Lake was Labeo gonius followed by Mystus tengara, Nandus nandus and Channa striatus. The highest diversity index (2.46), species richness (6.14) and evenness (0.96) of fish were recorded from station III during the month of January. Lowest diversity index (1.75) and evenness (0.90) was found in station II and during the month of October (2.25 and 0.88). Similarly, lowest species richness was found in station I (3.91) and during the month of July (5.82). Fish diversity and number in Ghodaghodi Lake were found to have decreased. This could be due to pollution, illegal fishing and excessive proliferation of aquatic weeds.Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 22, Issue 1, July 2017, page: 120-126