Fish Diversity and Water Quality Parameters of Mechi River, Jhapa, Province No. 1, Nepal

Species diversity is widely recognised as an important trait of functioning and resilient ecosystem. Spatio-temporal patterns fish community structure in the Mechi River was studied based on stratified random survey, conducted between September 2018 April 2019. The survey at three different sampling stations seasons. For sampling, two cast nets sizes were used, one having large mesh size 0.5 cm, 3 m diameter 2 kg weight another 6 weight. In addition, drag net gill also used to collect samples. A total 1,772 fishes belonging 4 orders, 8 families, 16 genera 33 species documented. results from similarity percentage analysis indicated that, Schistura devdevi, Brachydanio rerio, Puntius sophore, Barilius barila, beveani terio most copious recorded River. One-way testing for space time variations that there a significant difference (R = 0.66, p<0.01) but no -0.0123, p>0.433). Canonical Correspondence Analysis hinted dissolved oxygen, water velocity pH have shown influence assemblage