ICHTHYOFAUNAL ASSEMBLAGE OF BALANGA DAM GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The icthyofaunal identification of Balanga Dam has been carried out. Fish samples were collected
from the local fishermen in two landing sites. Top and bottom set foul hook lines, gill and cast net
of different mesh sizes were used for fish capturing. Fish species were preserved and transported
to the laboratory for identification purpose. Different identification keys were used as reference
materials during fish identification. The Dam show high ichtyofaunal diversity as its recorded 15
fish species belonging to 11 families. It is reveals that family Mormyridae had highest number of
three (3) species, followed by Bagridae and Mochokidae with two (2) species each, while the
remaining families had only one (1) species respectively. Research in to fish condition factor and
water quality of the dam is needed to ascertain the general fish productivity of the Dam.