MAJOR FISH COMPOSITION OF ALWERO DAM AND BARO/KIR RIVER OF GAMBELLA, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Introduction: Fish are the top listed water bodies’ resources which are consumed by human beings worldwide and contributed a substantial part of the nutrition supply and important source of diets.

Methods: A study has been conducted in Baro/Kir River and Alwero dome of Gambella people’s regional state to identify the major components of fish. Totally 24 fish species from 386 specimens have been collected using gillnet with mesh sizes of 4-14cm, cast net, hook, lines, and traditional fishing gears were also used such as spears and they are identified using FAO standards, biological atlases, and senior biologists in to order, family and species.

Results: The outcome of this study showed that a total of 24 species grouped in 6 orders and 15 families were identified. Baro/Kir River considerably has the highest number of fish diversity (H=2.22) from the sampled sites. The Siluriformes were the most diverse family. Besides, the most abundant species were Tilapia zilli, Orcharomis nilotics, Lates niloticus and Heterotis nilotics and with 63, 53, 42and 37 respectively.

Conclusion: This was carried out in one season (dry season) and limited site. Hence, it is difficult to generalize the fish diversity status of the region. Therefore, further study should be conducted to figure out accurate information on the diversity of fish species in the Gambella region's main water bodies.