Spatial Rhythm and Periodic Pattern of Fish Species in Eniong River, South Eastern Nigeria

The spatial rhythm and periodic pattern of fish species was studied in lower upper streams Eniong River, Southeastern Nigeria for 12 consecutive months (April, 2019- March, 2020) using standard methods procedures. A total 178 individuals belonging to 14 families 25 were recorded the study. results revealed abundance favour stream with only two species: Clarias macromystax (Clariidae) Malapterurus electricus (Malapteruridae) not found stream. Populations generally bigger 122 (69.32%) than their counterparts 56 (30.68%) samples. family Cichilidae dominates while Clariidae result Jaccard Index Similarity number between value 0.461˂50%. overall range sampled falls within (9.7-25.5cmTL) size structure wet season dry season. Species had seasonal In season, Oreochromis niloticus most abundant June September (wet season) Citharinus citharus twelve (12) completely absent-Hepsetus akawo, Ctenopoma nebulosum, pollimyrus asperses, Marcusens senegaleusis, Ccoptodon zelli, Cclarias gariepinus, macromystax, Synodontis obesus, Schilbe mystus, uranoscopus Protopterus annectens Hemichromis fasciatus. both seasons niloticus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus diversity ranges from typical freshwater fishes brackish species. greatest dissimilarity seasons’ samples generated by niloticus. study highest richness (Margaleaf) (Shanno-Wiener) 23 lowest smallest observed 13 recommends low exploitation enhance productivity sustainability Nigeria.