ABSTRACT

A study of the fish fauna and abundance along a stretch of Owna River was conducted twice a month from January 2021 - April 2021. Results revealed a total composition of two hundred and seventy six (276) fishes from fifteen (15) fish species, twelve (12) genera and nine (9) families. At the family level, the Momyrids (Gnathonemus petersii, Gnathonemus deboensis, Gnathonemus pictus, Momyrids rume)had the highest representation with four species belonging to two (2) genera followed by Mochokids (Chiloglanis batessi, Synodontis gobroni, Synodontis courteti) with three species belonging to two (2) genera. The remaining families (Cichlidae, Anabantidae, Bagridae, Characidae, Claridae, Notopteridae, Schilbeidae) had between two (2) and one (1) species representing each of the families. On the species level, Synodontis courteti which belong to Mochokids family has the highest percentage composition (21.52%) and Chiloglanis batessi, Momryrus rume, Xenomystus nigri has the least percentage composition (0.72%). In terms of specimen catches the family, Mochokidae had the highest catches one-hundred and twenty-nine (129) followed by Cichlids with seventy six (76) specimens. Fish species number was highest in week 4 with eight (8) species and lowest in week 2 with four (4) species, the highest specimens were caught in week 1 with one hundred and thirteen (113) individuals and week 8 with forty (40) individuals. The rich assemblage of fish species collected, indicates that Owan River have the potential for fish production if properly managed. It is hoped that the information gathered will be useful  for future planning and management of the fisheries resources of Owan River, Benin city, Nigeria.