ABIOTIC ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE SELECTED FISH FARMS IN BABYLON AND BASRAH PROVINCES, IRAQ.

The study is part of a comprehensive work to investigate impact fish enemies on cultivated species. It has taken in consideration some vital abiotic characteristics necessary for fishes. Three farms were selected two provinces, namely Al-Manahel farm (presently called Al-Belad) Babylon province; Basrah University (Marine Science Center) and Al-Mutawaa situated south city Basrah. Water samples monitored monthly basis the period from January October 2002. Several parameters namely, temperature, pH, salinity, total alkalinity hardness measured. highest water temperature (31ºC) was recorded July August maximum pH value 8.0 encountered during university lowest pH= 7.2 May same farm. Results indicate notable rise salinity (6.0 g/L) June (2.8 March. concentration (172 mg/L) as well September. Values almost similar Al- Manahel farms, but latter revealed bit higher (581 mg/L), whereas showed, by no means, concentrations all year round, (880 detected