Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan

Abstract The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of commercially important ichthyofauna Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. area divided into three sites along water course namely Dargai Stream Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with help fish gears. A taxonomic key designed specimens. Ten species identified belonging 3 orders 4 families. Family Cyprinidae dominant family seven representative while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae Mastacembelidae represented by one each. Lower mean total length standard recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm 7.3 respectively, highest Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) 28.1 1.7 15.9 2.4 respectively. Mean pH ranged from 6.1 at 8.7 January. Average temperature range 10.9 °C 18.7 No statistically significant difference found (p = 0.96) 0.14) streams. will provide a baseline rearing enhancement wild stock field aquaculture fisheries.