DIVERSITY OF FISH SPECIES IN GAINZA RIVER

DELFIN ALILANO URBANO JR.

SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND

SCIENCES, CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF
AGRICULTURE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

MAY 2021
 ii

APPROVAL/ACCEPTANCE SHEET

The thesis, entitled “DIVERSITY OF FISH SPECIES IN

GAINZA RIVER”, prepared and submitted by DELFIN ALILANO
URBANO JR. in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology is hereby approved.

GERTRUDIS GIRLIE C. JAUCIAN, PhD SHELA V. RUIZ

Member, Advisory Committee Member, Advisory Committee

______________________ ______________________
Date Signed Date Signed

KATRINA G. GEPILANO
Thesis Adviser

____________________
Date Signed

LEAH V. CARBALLO, PhD

Chairperson, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

____________________
Date Signed

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology.

PROF. JENIFFER S. FRANCISCO

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

___________________
Date Signed
 iii

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR

Delfin Alilano Urbano Jr. was born on October 8, 1992 in

Virac, Catanduanes. He is the youngest among five children of

his supportive and wonderful parents Mr. Delfin S. Urbano and

Mrs. Jessie A. Urbano†.

He finished his elementary education at Virac Pilot

Elementary School in 2005. In 2009, he completed his secondary

education at Catanduanes State University Laboratory High

School. In 2010, he was admitted and enrolled at Ateneo de

Naga University in which he took BS Biology and studied there

for a year. He then transferred to Central Bicol State

University of Agriculture in 2011 in which he took the course

of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He was not able to finish

his veterinary course and starting from 2018, he decided to

shift course to pursue his first course, Bachelor of Science

in Biology at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.

DELFIN ALILANO URBANO JR.

 iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, he would like to give praises and

huge thanks to God, the Almighty, for His guidance and

blessings throughout his research work and the successful

completion of this research.

He would like to express his deep and sincere gratitude

to his thesis adviser Prof. Katrina G. Gepilano, for her

valuable guidance and suggestions, motivation and kindness

and help in several ways throughout the research work and

completion of the manuscript;

To Prof. Shela V. Ruiz and Dr. Gertrudis Girlie C.

Jaucian, members of the Thesis Advisory Committee, for their

wonderful suggestions and comments in the improvement of this

manuscript;

To all of the faculty members and staff of the Department

of Natural and Applied Sciences especially to Dr. Leah V.

Carballo, Department Chairperson in Biology, for her

motivation and assistance;

To the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, Prof.

Jeniffer S. Francisco, for unending support and motivation in

his studies and thesis;

 v

To Dr. Rowena M. Bayrante, former Dean of College of

Arts in Sciences, who were the reason why the author had the

chance to finish his education in Biology;

To his friends and classmates, for their friendship and

happy memories shared throughout his entire journey in the

university;

To his landlord Mr. Hernando Peñaflor and family, for

their hospitality and family-like treatment to him as well as

care and support in the completion of this research.

He is very much thankful to his brother and sisters;

Nene, Ate Bi, Ating and Kuya Don, for the unending love, huge

support and prayers.

Humongous thanks to his parents, Mama Jessie A. Urbano†

and Papa Delfin S. Urbano, for their unparalleled love,

support and for always believing in him and for all of their

sacrifices which eventually had paid off.

He would like to thank his beautiful wife May M. Urbano

for caring and loving him genuinely as well being a wonderful

mother to their son. He would also like to thank his son,

Dean Marcus M. Urbano, for being adorable and handsome which

relieves all his tiredness all the time.

 vi

Finally, his thanks go to all the people in Gainza,

Camarines Sur particularly in Barangay Loob who have been a

major part in the success of data gathering in the area.

 vii

DEDICATION PAGE

To Jessie A. Urbano+, an inspiration and loving mother

 viii

ABSTRACT

URBANO, DELFIN JR. ALILANO., CENTRAL BICOL STATE

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, PILI, CAMARINES SUR. MAY 2021.

Diversity of Fish Species in Gainza River.

Thesis Adviser: Katrina G. Gepilano

The study was conducted along Barangay Loob in Gainza

River during the dry season of the year which specifically

aimed to identify the fish species in selected sites of Gainza

River at Barangay Loob; to determine the diversity of fish

species in the study site; and to develop a field guide on

different fish species found in Gainza River.

There were eight (8) identified fish species comprising

100 total individuals in selected sites of Gainza River at

Barangay Loob which belonged to eight (8) families. The

collected freshwater fish species were Oreochromis niloticus

of family Cichlidae, Cyprinus carpio of family Cyprinidae,

Clarias batrachus of family Clariidae, Anabas testudineus of

family Anabantidae, Glossogobius giuris of family Gobiidae,

Trichopodus pectoralis of family Osphronemidae, Ambassis

nalua of family Ambassidae and Channa striata of family

Channidae.
 ix

The most abundant species were Oreochromis niloticus

(Nile tilapia) with a total of twenty-eight (28) individuals

and Cyprinus carpio (common carp) with a total of twenty-four

(24) individuals comprising 28% and 24% respectively. Clarias

batrachus (walking catfish) with thirteen (13) individuals

comprising (13%), Anabas testudineus (climbing perch) and

Glossogobius giuris (tank goby) both with eleven (11)

individuals comprising 11% and Trichopodus pectoralis

(snakeskin gourami) with ten (10) individuals comprising 10%.

The least abundant species were Ambassis nalua (Scalloped

perchlet) with a total of only two (2) and Channa striata

(snakehead murrel) with only one (1) individuals collected

comprising 2% and 1% of the total catch respectively.

Moderately high Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index valued

at H’ = 1.807 and low Simpson’s Dominance value of D = 0.188

implying a fairly equitable distribution of niche spaces for

dominant and non-dominant fishes. Species richness is mostly

composed of introduced species (5 species out of 8 species)

with only a small proportion of fish are composed of native

species (3 species).

Field guide was developed and contains the

characterization of morphometric and meristic traits. These

 x

were based from the measurement of the specimen body structure

such as total length, total weight, body depth, head length

and eye diameter a standard metric ruler and tape measure.

Other relevant information such as origin, habitat,

distribution, food and feeding habits, and morphological

characteristics were also enumerated. These information were

based from further research on related studies and published

textbooks on biology, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and

various related subjects.

 xi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. APPROVAL/ACCEPTANCE SHEET ii

II. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR iii

III. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

IV. DEDICATION PAGE vii

V. ABSTRACT vii

VI. TABLE OF CONTENTS xi

VII. LIST OF TABLES xii

VIII. LIST OF FIGURES xiii

IX. LIST OF APPENDICES xiv

X. INTRODUCTION 1

XI. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

XII. METHODOLOGY 34

XIII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 53

XIV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 90

XV. LITERATURE CITED 96

XVI. APPENDIX 108

 xii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Fish species identified in the sampling site at

Gainza River (May 2021)

Table 2. Relative abundance of fish species in Gainza River

(May 2021)

Table 3. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index of fish species in

Gainza River(May 2021)

Table 4. Simpson’s Dominance Index of fish species in Gainza

River(May 2021)

Table 5. Species richness of fish species in Gainza River(May

2021)
 xiii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Bicol River Basin Vicinity Map

Figure 2. Gainza River as part of the Bicol River

Figure 3. Barangay Loob, Municipality of Gainza

Figure 4. Sampling Site at Barangay Loob

Figure 5. Sampling points at the study site

Figure 6. Customized nylon fish net

Figure 7. Improvised nylon fish trap

Figure 8. Data recording sheet

Figure 9. Improvised measuring tool

Figure 10. Ambassis nalua, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 11. Anabas testudineus, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 12. Channa striata, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 13. Clarias batrachus, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 14. Cyprinus carpio, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 15. Glossogobius giuris, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 16. Oreochromis niloticus, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 17. Trichopodus pectoralis, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 18. Relative abundance of fish species in the selected

site of Gainza River (May 2021)

Figure 19. Sample information page in field guide

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LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Approval letter to municipal mayor

APPENDIX B. Approval letter to barangay captain

APPENDIX C. Documentation of site inspection

APPENDIX D. Documentation of fish net and fish trap

installation

APPENDIX E. Documentation of Fish Collection

APPENDIX F. Documentation of fish identification and

measurement

APPENDIX G. On-site record sheet

APPENDIX H. Raw data for Shannon-Weiner Index computation

APPENDIX I. Raw data for Simpson Index computation

APPENDIX J. Field guide

 1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Fishes are one of the important parts of freshwater

ecosystem as they are complexly related to other living

organisms in the food web. Decline of population of fish

species due to intensive fishing negatively affects the whole

biological communities. As for fishes, it plays a very crucial

role in nutrient cycling as they have the ability to keep a

large amount of nutrients in the ecosystem inside their

tissues. Their ability to transfer nutrients from other

aquatic animals and give off nutrients in dissolved forms

that are readily available to primary producers is a big part

of how life in an ecosystem thrive. Only 0.3% of available

global water is freshwater, but it is remarkable that there

are more than 15,000 freshwater fish species that are

identified. Marine ecosystems contain more species in total,

freshwater fish species are far richer per unit volume of

habitat. The number of freshwater species worldwide is

estimated at between 9,000 and 25,000 (Cosgrove and

Rijsberman, 2000). However, this number is rapidly decreasing

due to human interference. Physical alteration, habitat

 2

degradation, excessive water withdrawal and pollution have

contributed directly or indirectly to the decline in

freshwater species.

Freshwater fish species are among the most endangered

groups due to the high vulnerability to aquatic habitat

changes. (Sarkar, et al. 2008). Freshwater niche is the most

threatened ecosystem in the world because of high extinction

rates in freshwater fish species which results from human

activities mainly, which depends on its resources. (Stephanie

et al. 2011).

Freshwater fishes are threatened by a wide array of

factors, but anthropogenic disturbance, especially species

introductions and translocations, impoundment of rivers,

pollution, habitat degradation and overexploitation, seem to

underlie the decline and extinction of many species. Although

actions have been taken to address some precarious

situations, traditional methods of conservation management,

for example, regulation of exploitation, designation of

nature reserves, captive breeding programs for stock

enhancement, do not seem to be as effective for freshwater

fishes as for other animal groups. (Collares-Pereira et al.,

2004)
 3

The Philippines is one of the seventeen mega diverse

countries recognized by the UNEP World Conservation

Monitoring Centre and at the same time, a biodiversity

hotspot. (Bestre, et al. 2018). Philippines hosts about 3,010

fish species with only 343 or 10% of it occurs in freshwater

ecosystems. Some 83 fish species are endemic, while 206 are

native and 44 were introduced in the country and 42 are of

uncertain status. (Froese & Pauly, 2011).

While the Philippines is considered as one of the

globally important hotspots for biological diversity as well

as center for endemism, most of the studies conducted were

centered in terrestrial and marine biodiversity. (Mallari et

al. 2001; Ong et al. 2002) Hence, knowledge about the status

and diversity of endemic freshwater fishes in the Philippines

is limited. Freshwater fishes are considered equally valuable

as bio-indicators of ecosystem’s health as well as an integral

part of the country’s natural heritage. (Vallejo, 1986 & Ng

et al. 1998).

The Bicol River is the eighth largest river in the

Philippines in terms of drainage basin size with an estimated

catchment area of 3,770 km². The river drains the southwestern

part of the island of Luzon and passes through Albay,

 4

Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte provinces in the Bicol

Region. The Bicol River encompasses 33 municipalities and 3

cities. Camarines Sur and Albay share 90 percent of the area,

while the rest lies in Camarines Norte. In Camarines Sur, the

river and its tributaries cover 138 barangays from 19

municipalities, affecting 67,432 households. The river starts

from Lake Bato in Albay and Camarines Sur, 6 meters above sea

level, and flows 94 kilometers downstream to its estuarine

mouth at San Miguel Bay. Three lakes, Lake Buhi, Lake Baao,

and Lake Bato, drain water into the Bicol River. The river

passes through the alluvial and coastal plains of the vast

Bicol Valley, an elongated, northwesterly trending depression

in the Bicol Region, which contains alluvial plains to the

coastal plain. The principal tributary of the Bicol River is

the Sipocot River. Unlike the main river, the Sipocot River

cuts through mountainous terrain and has a steeper slope. The

Bicol River after joining the Sipocot River, widens to more

than 1,000 meters across at the estuary before discharging

into San Miguel Bay (BRDF Inc., 2015).

Gainza River is considered an important part of the Bicol

River Basin particularly in the municipality of Gainza since

there were no bridges that connects some of its barangays to

 5

its main land. The prime mode of transportation back then was

through this river until a hanging bridge was installed in

the isolated barangay. The river has been a very important

part of the local’s lives in terms of transportation, trade

and educational aspects. This river has given the

municipality an abundant water supply used for irrigation and

agriculture.

Loob is a barangay that is located west from the main

town of Gainza. It is surrounded by rivers and it is isolated

from the main town. An interview of the locals was conducted

and an estimated catch of the locals are from 8 kg to 9 kg of

fish catch every time they try to catch fish in the river.

Locals in the area have been utilizing fishes in these parts

of the river for food consumption and are important part of

the local’s diet. There are only few fishermen fish the river

but most of the locals catch fish for their own consumption

only. Throughout the centuries fish has been an important

component of the population’s diet in many parts of the world.

Fish meat is taken as fresh, dried, salted, paste and a sauce

in place of common salt. Inland fisheries play an important

role in contributing in supplying fresh fish and fisheries

products for domestic consumption. (Khin Maung Soe, 2008).

 6

Most inland fish produce is consumed locally, marketed

domestically, and often contributes to the subsistence and

livelihood of poor people (UNEP, 2002).

Information on diversity particularly in the river in

Barangay Loob which includes several fish species is

important for the sustainability of the resources. This

research provided data on freshwater fish species of Gainza

River.

Objectives of the Study

The current study aimed to establish the diversity of

fish species in Gainza River. Specifically, this study sought

to:

1. identify the fish species in selected sites of Gainza

River at Barangay Loob;

2. determine the diversity of fish species in the study

site; and

3. develop a field guide on different fish species found

in Gainza River.
 7

Significance of the Study

The result of this study was of importance to the

following:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The

result of this study may serve as a reference material

regarding the inventory of freshwater fish species in

Gainza River.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The outcome

of this study provided information about the local

edible freshwater fish species in the Gainza River. It

can also be utilized as a related study for future

researcher endeavors of the agency.

Government Agencies and NGO’s. The result of the study can be

used to identify some areas of Bicol River which need

conservation of the freshwater fish species as well as

an update of water health in the area.

LGU Gainza. The data from the study can be used as

justification for crafting environmental policies and

guidelines particularly on biodiversity conservation and

responsible aquaculture management.

Academe. The outcome of the study can be utilized as a

reference material or an instructional material about

 8

freshwater fish species. This study can also be used as

a related study for future research proposals.

Student Researchers. The information collected from this

study can serve as foundation and support to other

further studies of student researchers specifically on

freshwater fish species found in Bicol River.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope of the study was focused on establishing the

diversity of fish species of Gainza River in Barangay Loob,

which also includes the determination of its diversity,

relative abundance, species richness and species dominance.

The study site covered three sampling sites at the study area.

Data collection was conducted during the dry season of the

year. In addition, the researcher made use of only one method

of fish collection. Some, but not all, morphometric and

meristic characteristics were also included in the current

study to help identify and verify the fish species collected.

Based on practicality and feasibility reasons, the

researcher was limited to select the study site and to conduct

the data collection during the dry season. Temporal and

spatial limitation of future research study should be

 9

considered. Other fish collection methods, both passive and

active techniques, should also be utilized to have a more

comprehensive data collection. Lastly, additional

morphometric and meristic characteristics should be included

in the parameters for identification of fish species

collected in the study area.

 10

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Fish Species

The word fish is applied to a heterogeneous grouping of

aquatic Chordates comprised of hagfishes and lampreys,

sharks, rays and chimaeras, and the finned bony fishes. The

latter is by far the most diverse group and is well

represented in freshwaters, while the others are

predominantly marine groups. Each continent has a distinctive

freshwater fish fauna and the observed patterns of fish

distribution (Berra, 2001) are the result of physical

barriers disrupting past fish dispersal, as well as to

difference in temperature adaptations amongst the different

groups. Most species occur in the tropical and subtropical

regions and there is an overall reduction in diversity towards

temperate and polar regions. Although some temperate regions,

particularly those that were never glaciated are relatively

rich in species, the continental areas that have experienced

glaciations, such as northern North America, Europe and Asia,

tend to have relatively depauperate fish faunas. The

freshwater fishes of the equatorial zone are extremely

 11

diverse and are not readily characterized by any particular

clades. While the freshwaters of the northern temperate/cold

regions are characterized by salt-tolerant salmonids,

sturgeons, smelts, northern lampreys and several primary

families including pikes, leuciscine cyprinids and perches.

The southern temperate/cold regions have a low diversity of

fishes including salt-tolerant galaxids and southern

lampreys. Most oceanic islands are inhabited by species of

predominately marine groups that have adapted to (or remained

in) freshwaters. Freshwater fishes, which tend to be more-

or-less confined to drainage systems, provide a relatively

conservative system for examining patterns of distribution

that may reflect the imprint of past continental and climate

changes. (Leveque, et al., 2008).

Freshwater fish species are found in freshwater habitats

such as lakes, rivers, ponds streams, wetlands and inland

waters. Freshwater fishes are also considered as one of the

great natural resources in the world. (Rowland, 2013).

Freshwater habitats have low salinity which differs from that

of marine waters. (Rowland, 2013).

Although freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes and

wetlands occupy less than 2% of the earth’s total land

 12

surface, they provide a wide range of habitats for a

significant proportion of the world’s plant and animal

species. (Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal)

Freshwater fish species occur at 15 km of water or

100,000 km of the sea. This reflects the productivity,

geographical isolation and physiographic diversity of

freshwater niche. (Ormerod, 2003).

Global Perspective of Fish Species Diversity

Tedesco, et al. (2017) conducted a study about a global

database on freshwater fish species occurrence in drainage

basins. A growing interest is devoted to global-scale

approaches in ecology and evolution that examine patterns and

determinants of species diversity and the threats resulting

from global change. These analyses obviously require global

datasets of species distribution. Freshwater systems house a

disproportionately high fraction of the global fish diversity

considering the small proportion of the earth’s surface that

they occupy, and are one of the most threatened habitats on

Earth. Here they provide complete species lists for 3119

drainage basins covering more than 80% of the Earth surface

using 14953 fish species inhabiting permanently or

 13

occasionally freshwater systems. The database results from an

extensive survey of native and non-native freshwater fish

species distribution based on 1436 published papers, books,

grey literature and web-based sources. Describing global

scale freshwater fish diversity patterns, understanding the

environmental drivers and evolutionary processes shaping such

diversity and revealing the major human-related threats were

the major goals that motivated the compilation of the present

database. This study aims find information sources providing

complete fish species lists of a given drainage basin, except

for some large basins (e.g. the Amazon basin) where they

cumulated sub-drainage basin species lists and point sampling

locations to obtain the most complete possible coverage of

the entire drainage basin. They also used local or regional

check lists such as local inventories of stream reach or

inventories based solely on a given family or genus to

complement our species lists and for cross-checking available

information at the drainage basin scale. This survey was

complemented with web-based sources from national and

international biodiversity inventory initiatives compiling

either or both collection and field sampling data. Alone or

in combination with further datasets on species biological

 14

and ecological characteristics and their evolutionary

history, this database represents a highly valuable source of

information for further studies on freshwater macroecology,

macroevolution, biogeography and conservation.

Bertaco, et al. (2016) conducted a study about an

inventory of the freshwater fishes from a densely collected

area in South America — a case study of the current knowledge

of Neotropical fish diversity. They analyze the history of

the description of the freshwater fish fauna from three

drainages in one of the most densely collected areas of

Brazil, and possibly of South America, the Rio Grande do Sul

State, southern Brazil. An updated inventory of the

freshwater fish species from Rio Uruguay (partial) in Brazil,

Laguna dos Patos (complete) and rio Tramandaí basins

(complete) is presented.

This inventory is based on bibliographic information and

examination of voucher specimens in scientific collections.

The records of species in scientific collections were

obtained from the database available on speciesLink

(www.splink.org.br) and by direct access to the database of

each collection.
 15

They found the number of new species described in these

drainages increased nearly 56% since 1981, reaching a total

of 422 species, but even now 10% of this number still

corresponds to undescribed species. This rate of species

description suggests that previous estimates of the

Neotropical fish fauna are low, and they predicted a final

number of Neotropical fishes larger than the largest

prediction estimate (8,000 species), after other regions of

South and Central Americas become densely sampled. They

discussed and attempted to demonstrate that species diversity

knowledge is historically and strictly related to collecting

efforts. They also demonstrated that the ecoregions in

eastern South America with the highest density of species per

area correspond to the areas more densely sampled in

collections, and this may represent a bias in such kinds of

analyses. This uneven sampling in Brazilian regions is

apparently associated with the uneven distribution of

Zoological research centers in different regions of the

country. Small-sized species represents an important source

of new species, along with little explored regions or little

explored habitats, sometimes associated with restricted range

species, and species complexes that need revisionary work. In

 16

contrast to other Neotropical regions, Atheriniformes are

relatively diverse, sharing the fifth place in species

richness with Gymnotiformes, and there is a remarkably high

number of species of Rivulidae. Eight species are endemic to

the Rio Tramandaí drainage, 68 to the Laguna dos Patos system,

and 78 to the Rio Uruguay drainage. Almost 10% of the

freshwater fish species are “Critically Endangered”,

“Endangered” or “Vulnerable” according to the IUCN criteria,

with Rivulidae as the family with the largest number of

threatened species.

Fish Species Diversity in Asia

Rashid, et al. (2015) conducted a study which aims to

provide an updated checklist of fish species inhabiting

Tembeling and Pahang rivers, Pahang, Malaysia. A total of

4,834 fish belonging to 10 orders, 64 genera, 25 families and

82 species were collected from both connected rivers.

Cyprinidae present the highest number of fish species

registered herein, followed by Bagridae, Pangasiidae and

Siluridae.

One of the methods used to collect fishes were gill nets

and were set between 7:00-10:00 h, maintained in position,

 17

checked at every 7-10 h, and hauled in after 24 h (Zulkafli

et al. 2014), Traditional fishing gears, such as cast nets

and fishing rods, were also utilized. In other sampling sites,

the fish samples were collected at the local fish market from

fishermen.

The most common fish species were Cyclocheilichthys

apogon, followed by Barbonymus schwanefeldii, Hypsibarbus

wetmorei, Amblyrhynchichthys truncates and Puntioplites

proctozysron. A total of nine introduced fish and four

endangered fish species were also recorded from this study.

This checklist adds knowledge on the fishes inhabiting both

rivers, which could be useful for the planning of fisheries

activities and fish conservation of the rivers in the near

future.

Win, (2014) conducted a study to assess the species

composition and commercial value of some freshwater fishes in

Pakokku environ from December 2013 to February 2014. Kunnywa

and Seikkanthaya villages are located in Pakokku Township,

Magway Region. These villages lie the west of the Ayeyawady

River. These environs, the study areas, chosen is a large

water body of Ayeyawady river segment. The two study sites

(Kunnywa and Seikkanthaya villages) are abundantly fish

 18

catching sites along the river in the study area. These are

essential fishery work sites. Some of the profession of

villagers is fishery.

Fish specimen was collected weekly with the help of

fishermen in fish catching sites. Three types of fishing gear

were used in the study area during study period. These were

set gill net (tan- paik), set gill net (wri-tapaik) and drift

gill net (sweh paik). The collected specimen was brought to

laboratory for systematic identification.

A total number of 45 species of freshwater fishes belong

to seven Orders, 21 families and 35 genera were collected

from Pakokku environ. The percentage of species composition

was recorded to be highest under Orders Siluriformes

(35.52%), followed by Cypriniformes (24.42%), Perciformes

(22.2%), Synbranchiformes (8.88%), Clupeiformes (4.44%) and

in each of the remaining two orders Osteoglossiformes

(2.22%), and Beloniformes (2.22%) respectively. Three types

of fishing gear were recorded in this study site. The main

commercial 15 species were recorded in this study sites. This

research is concluded that, the freshwater fish being get

from the inland capture fisheries provided not only daily

 19

diet but also livelihood of the majority of people living in

Pakokku environ.

Philippine Fish Species Diversity

Paller, et al. (2013) conducted a survey of three stream

sections (upstream, midstream, and downstream) of Tayabas

River, Philippines. The aim of this study was to characterize

the freshwater fish assemblage within the longitudinal

gradient of Tayabas River, comparing fish assemblage between

the selected stream reaches and between the two seasons (wet

and dry). Specifically, described the spatio-temporal

variations in diversity, abundance, and distribution of the

native and introduced fish assemblages, and their

associations to environmental variables.

Three sampling stations were selected along each stream

reach (a total of nine sampling stations). Fish specimens

were collected using a seine net (1.2 x 1.2-mm mesh), hand

nets, fish trap, angling, and 12-v electro-fishing equipment.

The study collected a total of 1,070 individuals

comprising 15 species, 13 genera, and 8 families. The three

most abundant groups were poeciliids (61.85%), gobiids

(26.16%), and cichlid (5.51%). Shannon-Weiner’s diversity

 20

indices ranged from 1.270 to 2.171. Relatively high Shannon

evenness indices (0.653-0.846) and low Simpson’s dominance

values (0.142-0.322) were calculated implying a fairly

equitable distribution of niche space for dominant and non-

dominant fishes. Significant change on fish assemblage in

longitudinal gradient was observed (p<0.05), being the most

diverse fish assemblage registered in the upstream. Species

richness is mostly composed of native fish species (10

species) and mainly represented by stream gobiids (six

species). The downstream, however, had the highest cumulative

abundance, in which the larger proportion was from introduced

species. Also, wet season had considerably more fish species

and individuals relative to dry season (p<0.05). This

significant spatio-temporal differences in fish assemblage

data were evaluated by multivariate analyses (p<0.05).

Canonical correspondence analysis identified the depth

(seasonal water level fluctuations), vegetation growth, and

dissolved oxygen concentrations (in order of importance) as

the most influential environmental parameters affecting fish

assemblage structure. Also, climatic stress (prolonged

drought) and anthropogenically-induced habitat alteration

could negatively affect the integrity of freshwater fishes

 21

within the river. The study suggests extensive management

programs of the river for the protection of native fish

species.

Corpuz, et al. (2016) conducted an ichthyofaunal survey

to evaluate the diversity and distribution of freshwater

fishes in Looc, Magapi (inlets), and Pansipit (outlet) rivers

surrounding Lake Taal (Batangas, Philippines) during the wet

(July) and dry season (January) of 2011.

Twelve stations were selected for the three sites. A 60

to 75-m stream reach was selected at each station. Three 20

to 25-m sampling run were surveyed, which were considered

replicates within each the station. Fish specimens were

collected using a beach seine net (1.2 x 1.2-mm mesh), hand

nets, fish trap, angling, and 12-v backpack electro-fishing

equipment.

The study collected 3,342 individuals comprising 37

species (19 families). In terms of fish species richness, 36

species were identified in Pansipit, whereas Looc and Magapi

had 21 species each. The fish samples were mostly included

Eurayhaline, secondary freshwater fishes. The three most

abundant groups were eleotrids, cichlids, and gobiids.

Shannon-Weiner’s diversity indices ranged from 2.17-3.05,

 22

which suggest that the studied rivers were moderately to

slightly impacted. Significant differences in the composition

and abundance of native and introduced fishes for the two

sampling seasons were also observed (P<0.05), with native

species being generally more diverse and abundant than non-

native species. A high similarity level (>76%) was computed

in the abundance data among the studied rivers. Canonical

correspondence analysis identified the distance to the

adjacent sea, depth, and vegetation as the most important

environmental parameters influencing the distribution of fish

assemblages. Baseline dataset from this study can be

coordinated to concerned entities as a rational basis for

future conservation and rehabilitation endeavors of Lake Taal

river systems.

Paller, et al. (2011) conducted a survey of freshwater

fish fauna in watersheds of Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR),

Laguna, Philippines. These watersheds were Molawin Creek,

Dampalit Falls, and Cambantoc River, all in the Province of

Laguna, Philippines and directly under the management of

Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), University of

the Philippines Los Baños.

 23

The three study sites were inspected and the collection

areas were randomly chosen within each site. Three sampling

locations per kilometer run were surveyed. Fish samples were

collected using various sampling techniques such as seine

net, hand nets, fish trap, and the hook-and-line method.

Additional method was employed for specific species of

interest where basic sampling methods were difficult to use

or not applicable (i.e., back-pack low voltage electro-

fishing along transects to stun the fish). The survey was

done on almost the same time of the day in which samples are

collected to minimize, if not to eliminate temporal biases.

There were 10 families of fish found in Makiling Forest

Reserve. Two native species, Rock goby (Glossogobius

celebius) and Snakehead gudgeon (Giuris margaritacea), were

found to be common in all the watersheds of Makiling Forest

Reserve. Similarity index of the three watersheds was

computed at 72 %. Diversity index of the study areas was 1.12,

1.15, and 0.85 for Dampalit Falls, Molawin Creek, and

Cambantoc River, respectively. In terms of species richness,

Molawin Creek had twelve species, four of which are native;

Dampalit Falls had twelve but with five native and one endemic

species; and Cambantoc River had nine with two native species.
 24

The study revealed that Makiling Forest Reserve harbors a

diverse community of fish. However, diminutive species which

are becoming prone to extinction, such as Glossogobius

celebius and Hippichthys heptagonus, also found the place as

a haven especially in those areas with least human

interventions. The study also showed that there was no

significant difference in the physico-chemical properties

among the three sites. Conservation efforts must focus on

protecting these areas to guarantee the continuous existence

of these diminutive species which are very important

components of our freshwater ecosystems. The survey also

updated the list of freshwater fish fauna of Makiling Forest

Reserve.

Labatos, Briones (2014) conducted a Freshwater fish

survey in Tikub Lake, a landlocked crater lake with an area

of 48.34 hectares nestled at the foot of Mt. Malepunyo which

is shared and bordered by Barangay Ayusan I and Barangay San

Pedro in Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines.

The study mainly aimed to conduct a survey of aquatic

resources, specifically freshwater fishes since there has

been no published literature pertaining to the richness of

this isolated lake. The study also intends to determine

 25

whether the lake harbors species unknown to science since the

lake is still unexplored. This study is the first attempt to

document the freshwater fishes thriving in Tikub Lake.

The study used several sampling methods, active and

passive gears which include beach seine, fish traps, gill net

and hook-and line methods.

The collected data revealed nine species from the seven

families of freshwater fishes which were caught in the Tikub

Lake. These includes the three-native species: Gluris

margaritacea (snakehead gudgeon), Chanos chanos (milkfish),

and Clarias batrachus (walking catfish) and some introduced

species which are: Cyprinus carpio carpio (common carp),

Gambunis affinis (mosquito fish), Oreochromis niloticus

niloticus (Nile tilapia), O. niloticus x O. hornorum (red

tilapia) Poecilia sphenops (wild molly), and Rhinogobius

giurnius (barcheek goby).

Regional Fish Species Diversity

Alberto, et al. (2020) conducted a study on Bicol river

by assessing the river in terms of fishes and mollusks

diversity and abundance. This study was conducted in six

municipalities covering about 27 barangays all of which are

 26

adjacent to the Bicol river basin in northern side of

Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. Species community

structure was evaluated including the fishing practices and

socio-economic profile of residents along the river system to

provide feasible management plan for conservation and future

projects of Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa program (BASIL). Key

Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

were conducted where a total of 350 respondents were

interviewed. Samples were obtained from fish landing sites

and thru monthly test fishing for more comprehensive

inventory of species.

Several types of fishing gears like cast net, seine net,

gill net, fish traps, spear gun, cast net, crab pot and hook

and line were used to collect fish specimens and mollusks.

Results showed that 26 species belonging to 19 families

inhabited the Bicol river to which 19 are fishes and 7 are

mollusks. Abundance percentages comprise 48% of fishes and

52% mollusks of 5,881 total populations. M. microlepis is the

most abundant fish (16.61%) followed by O. niloticus (5.32%)

and P. sphenops (4.35%), while M. turricula ranked first in

mollusks abundance (16.22%), followed by P. canaliculata

(15.59%) and C. fluminea (10.19%). Diversity indices

 27

displayed that municipality of Lupi was the most diverse area,

H=2.44; d=2.39, followed by Sipocot, H=2.25; d=2.39, San

Lorenzo H=2.25; d=2.09, Libmanan H=2.23; d=2.09, Basud

H=2.06, d=2.26 and Cabusao H=0.15; d=0.70. Commonly used

fishing gears are traditional like spear gun, seine net, traps

and scissor net. However, there are some destructive fishing

methods like electro-fishing and use of chemicals and

poisonous substances. Flooding, quarrying, garbage dump, use

of chemical detergents and presence of invasive species were

the problems and issues identified. Hence, a strict

implementation of municipal ordinances and existing fishery

laws is necessary. River rehabilitation including stock

enhancement project and invasive species eradication needs to

be prioritized. Education dissemination should also be given

importance to increase biodiversity awareness for

conservation and management of freshwater biodiversity.

Nieves, et al. (2020) conducted a study that discusses

the status of the diversity and abundance of fishes and macro-

invertebrate in Lake Bato with the hope of generating key

information for BASIL before repopulation program will be

implemented for a sustained ecosystem management and address

poverty and food security in the countryside. Determination

 28

of diversity and abundance of fishes and macro-invertebrate

employed key informant interview to characterize fishing and

fishing practices and collection of fish samples to generate

datasets for community structure and biodiversity,

morphometric and meristic characteristics. Community

structure and biodiversity were analyzed using diversity

analysis tools while for fishery-based data descriptive

analysis was used.

Actual test fishing was undertaken in cooperation with

fishers. Research-prepared interview guide was used to

collect information on the species caught 10-year before and

now in terms of species & species composition, production

data, fishing gear used, number of fishing trips/week; peak

& lean season and problems encountered. Lake fishers use

several gear types which include fish and shrimp traps and

pots; hook and line (HL); push net (PN); cast net (CN); and

fish corral (FC) with the aid of motorized or non-motorized

boats in fishing operation.

A total of 17 fish species belonging to family 11

families, 3 mollusks species and 1 species of freshwater

shrimps (Macrobrachium nipponensse) were identified. Among

the fish species, 8` were introduced, 2 are native and an

 29

endemic species, the Mistichthys luzonensis (Smith, 1902).

On the overall a total of 1,556 registered fishers are

dependent on the lake ecosystem and the fishery it supports

for their livelihood, income and food or navigation access.

Annual production by gear type, reveals that 50.21% of the

harvest is caught using fish corral followed by fish pot and

shrimp with 15. 59% and 10.66%, respectively. The highest of

the relative abundance was found in Orechromis niloticus

(36.32% & 31.53%) and the lowest was obtained by Channa

striata (3.10% & 1.52%) in both stations. Station I (H’=2.00)

garnered high diversity value than Station II (H’=1.89)

however t-Test result shows no significant difference

(p=0.96, p>0.05) for both stations. Result of high diversity

index accounts from the high values of species evenness

(J’=0.83; 0.78) and richness in the area. The high evenness

index entails from high dominance of a single species (O.

niloticus) in both stations.

Synthesis of State of the Art

This study has some similarities and noticeable

differences among these related studies that were conducted

globally and locally. Both Tedesco (2017) and Bertaco’s

 30

(2016) studies were conducted on a global scale. Tedesco’s

study was about the global database on freshwater fish species

that occurs in drainage basins and Bertaco’s study was an

inventory of freshwater fish in dense drainage basins in South

America. Tedesco’s study aimed to compile fish distribution

and database pattern to create a database of distribution and

diversity pattern of fish species at a global scale and update

it overtime while Bertaco’s study was to collect information

about diversity and distribution of freshwater fishes to be

able to update the old inventory of freshwater fish species

occurring in South America. Rashid (2015) and Win’s (2014)

studies were about the freshwater fish species in Asia wherein

Rashid’s study was conducted in Tembeling and Pahang River in

Malaysia and Win’s study was at Pakkoku environ in Myanmar.

Rashid’s study was all about providing a comprehensive

freshwater fish checklist of rivers in Malaysia as well as

providing data to urge government for the protection of the

rivers and Win’s study was to be able to identify the

composition of freshwater fish species in Pakkoku environ in

Myanmar to help protect and conserve the rivers for the

benefit of the villages near the river. Both studies aimed to

know the diversity, species richness and evenness of the

 31

freshwater fish species in the study area. Paller (2011,

2013), Labatos and Briones (2014) and Corpuz (2016) studies

were about the freshwater fish species different specific

locations in the Philippines. Paller’s study in 2011 was

conducted in Tayabas River in Quezon Province, Philippines

and her study in 2013 was conducted at the Makiling Forest

Reserves in Laguna, Philippines. Labatos and Briones’ study

in 2014 was conducted in Lake Taal, Batangas Philippines and

Corpuz’s study in 2016 was conducted in Lake Tikub, Quezon

Province, Philippines. Paller’s studies in 2011 and 2013 were

conducted in streams and falls while Labatos and Briones’

studies were conducted in lakes and for that of Corpuz, it

was conducted in rivers and outlets from the lake. Paller’s

studies aimed to survey the freshwater fish species

diversity, species richness and evenness, species dominance

as well as the physico-chemical parameters of the study areas

of Tayabas River and Makiling Forest Reserve. Paller’s study

in 2013 was to update the inventory of freshwater fishes in

Tayabas River and provide essential dataset for future

ichthyofaunal survey and conservation program by any

concerned entities and Paller’s 2011 study in Makiling Forest

Reserve was part of the program Fish Ark Philippines:

 32

Direction for the Conservation of Native and Endemic

Philippine Freshwater Fishes and its goal is to update the

list of freshwater fish fauna of Makiling Forest Reserve.

Labatos and Briones’ study was to survey the freshwater fish

species diversity, distribution and species richness in the

study area in order to determine whether the lake harbors

species unknown to science since the lake is still unexplored

as well as documenting for the first time the freshwater fish

species thriving on the isolated lake. Corpuz’s study was

conducted to survey the evaluation of distribution and

diversity of freshwater fishes as well as updating the record

of freshwater fishes in the three streams of Lake Taal and

provide baseline key dataset for conservation strategies of

any concerned entities and instigate awareness and serve as

a model for further conservation studies on Philippine

freshwater assemblages. Alberto (2020) and Nieves (2020)

studies were conducted locally specifically in Bicol Region

Philippines where the study of the Freshwater of Fish Species

in Gainza River is locally located. Both the study of Alberto

and Nieves in 2020 was conducted along the Bicol River Basin

where Gainza River is connected. Alberto and Nieves’ studies

were focused not only on fish species but also to the mollusk
 33

species in the Bicol River Basin. Alberto’s study aimed to

assess the diversity and abundance of fishes and mollusks

species in the Bicol River in order to provide feasible

management plan for conservation and future projects of Balik

Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa program (BASIL). Meanwhile, Nieves’

study was also focused to know the status of the diversity

and abundance of fishes and macro-invertebrates in the Bicol

River Basin particularly in Lake Bato. Nieves’ study was to

provide key data and information for Balik Sigla sa Ilog at

Lawa program (BASIL) and initiate a repopulation program for

a sustained ecosystem management and address poverty and food

security in the countryside. Overall, almost all related

studies determined the freshwater fish diversity and

abundance as well as species richness, evenness and species

dominance. Thus, this study has focused on determining the

relative abundance, diversity of species, species richness

and dominance of freshwater fish species in Gainza River which

makes these related studies relevant to this research.

 34

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Study Area

Gainza is a landlocked municipality in the second

district in the coastal province of Camarines Sur in Bicol

Region that belongs to the South Luzon groups of Islands. The

area of the Gainza is located at 13° 37' North, 123° 8' East

in the Island of South Luzon with an elevation estimated at

3.2 meters or 10.4 feet above mean sea level. The

municipality has a land area of 14.75 square kilometers or

5.70 square miles which constitutes 0.27% of Camarines Sur's

total area. (Figure 1). The municipality of Gainza is

relatively small compared to its neighboring municipalities

in Camarines Sur. It is located less than five kilometers

southwest of Naga City, the economic and educational hub of

the province of Camarines Sur. Gainza is surrounded by lush

green fields and crystal-clear rivers. Thus, its townspeople

built hanging bridges as a link to other barangays. This idea

was the quickest solution to replace their former bridges

that were destroyed by the previous calamities.

 35

Gainza River is situated at approximately 13° 48' North,

123° 13' East, in the island of Luzon. Elevation at these

locations is estimated at 3.0 meters or 9.84 feet above mean

sea level. Approximately, the river stretches up to 8-9

kilometers long. River of Gainza River is connected to the

Naga River, Libmanan River and Bicol River where it exits in

the San Miguel Bay of the coastal area of Cabusao through the

Libmanan River (Figure 2).

Gainza is politically subdivided into 8 barangays that

includes the study site Barangay Loob. Loob is situated at

approximately 13°36'39.1" N 123°07'16.3" E in the island of

Luzon. Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 2.6

meters or 8.5 feet above mean sea level. Brgy. Loob is 3

kilometers away from the Municipal Hall of Gainza and has a

10 minutes travel time through Poblacion Road without traffic

(Figure 3). Brgy. Loob is isolated by the Gainza River. Gainza

River is a source of the water irrigation of the agricultural

plantation in the said barangay. River along barangay Loob is

approximately 3 kilometers long. A 300-meter transect line

parallel to the bank of the river was the sampling site

(Figure 4).
 36

Figure 1. Bicol River Basin Vicinity Map

Sipocot
San Miguel
Bay

Minalabac

Figure 2. Gainza River as part of the Bicol River

 38

Figure 3. Barangay Loob, Municipality of Gainza

 39

Figure 4. Sampling Site at Barangay Loob

Collection of Fish Species

A reconnaissance survey was conducted with the

assistance of local residents to choose appropriate and

accessible routes to far flung and isolated part of the river.

The study was conducted during the dry season of the year, in

the month of May 2021. The duration of the fish collection

was three days.

In the selected site of the river (Figure 5), a 300-

meter transect line was set parallel and along this transect

line, a customized fish net (Figure 6) was placed across the

stream as well as an umbrella fish trap (Figure 7) as a method

of catching the freshwater fishes. There were three

customized fish net and three umbrella traps that were set

along the 300-meter transect line with 100-meter interval

each. The three customized fish net and umbrella fish traps

placed on the 300-meter transect line with a 100-meter

interval represented the upstream, midstream and downstream

part (Figure 5). The flow of the river went through the

customized fish nets and umbrella traps trapping the fishes

that comes across the fish net and umbrella fish traps. The

customized fish nets used consists of nylon with a mesh size

of 3 cm and a length of 15-30 meters with a width of 1 meter

having square openings (Hubert, et al., 2012) and the umbrella

 100 – 200 – 300 –
meter mark meter mark meter mark

300 – meter transect line

parallel to the river bank

Figure 5. Sampling points at the study site

 42

Figure 6. Customized nylon fish net

(mesh size: 3cm, length: 15-30 meters, width: 1 meter, square holes)
 43

Figure 7. Improvised nylon fish trap

(mesh size: 2cm, size: 1.2 x 1.2, holes: 6-8)

 44

fish traps used was made of nylon with a mesh size of 2 cm

and a size of 1.2 x 1.2 m with 6-8 opening holes. The

customized fish nets were locked at the top with buoyant line

which holds the net firmly on top as a float line and was

also locked on the bottom with a line as a lead line which

was anchored at the bottom to submerge the customized fish

net firmly (Hubert, et al., 2012) and the umbrella fish traps

were placed along each sampling point and was anchored on the

river bank. The fish nets were arranged in such a way that

they do not tangle.

The customized fish nets and umbrella fish traps was

placed from 5 to 11 in the morning for three consecutive days

in each of the sampling points. The customized fish nets and

fish traps were monitored hourly to confirm if there were a

catch. This method of data collection was adopted from the

procedure done in the study of fish diversity by Rashid, et

al. (2015) and Paller, et al. (2011), and was modified to fit

the requirements of the current study.

All fish samples collected were sent back immediately to

the river after being sorted, counted, identified, measured

and documented to minimize or mitigate pain, suffering and

distress experienced during the data collection

 45

Identification of Fish Species

The captured fishes were sorted, identified, counted and

recorded on-site based on the local fishermen’s knowledge of

the fish species in the area. All information was recorded in

a data recording sheet (Figure 8) for verification.

Measurement of morphological and meristic characteristics

were also conducted on-site with the use of an improvised

measuring equipment (Figure 9).

Information recorded in the raw data sheet were verified

for veracity and accuracy using a guide of freshwater fish

species published online at FishBase by Froese & Pauly (2021)

and from the results of the related studies by Alberto et al.

(2020), Bigueja, et al. (2019-2020) and Nieves et al. (2020).

Taxonomical classification, etymology, morphometric and

meristic characteristics, and other related information were

evaluated for authenticity by an expert faculty member from

the BS Biology department of the College of Arts and Sciences

in Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.

 46

Figure 8. Data recording sheet

 47

Figure 9. Improvised measuring tool

 48

Field Guide Development

Pictures of the fish specimen utilized in the field

guide were all taken from the study site by the researcher

using a 48-megapixel, quad camera of Huawei Nova 5t cellphone

with f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0”, 0.8µm, PDAF specifications

at HDR settings. All pictures were rendered using a freeware

raster graphics editor program, Paint.NET, to remove

background.

Local name of the fishes collected were based from the

common knowledge of the locals in the community and from the

dialect of the study area. Scientific name and English common

name of the fishes collected were based from the fish guide

published online at FishBase by Froese & Pauly (2021) and

from the results of the related studies by Alberto et al.

(2020), Bigueja, et al. (2019-2020) and Nieves et al. (2020).

The complete taxonomical classification was also included in

the field guide.

Characterization of morphometric and meristic traits

were based from the measurement of the specimen body structure

such as total length, total weight, body depth, head length

and eye diameter a standard metric ruler and tape measure.

 49

Other relevant information such as origin, habitat,

distribution, food and feeding habits, and morphological

characteristics were also enumerated. These information were

based from further research on related studies and published

textbooks on biology, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and

various related subjects.

Design and layout of the field guide were done using a

freeware raster graphics editor program, Paint.NET and

Microsoft Power Point.

Data Analysis

The relative abundance and diversity indices were

analyzed using the following formulas:

Relative Abundance (RA)

The Relative Abundance for each fish species was

calculated by the number of individual fish species collected

over the total number of fish species collected in one

sampling station multiplied by 100 percent.

𝒂𝒊
𝑹𝑨 = x 100%
𝑨

Where:

ai – number of individual fish species collected

 50

A – total number of fish species collected in the

sampling area

Species Diversity

The number of species present and the dominance of

species in relation to one another are used to measure the

biodiversity of a community by summation of the number of

individuals species multiplied by the total number of

individuals of all species.

According to Odum (1971), Shannon-Weiner index is the

most commonly used diversity index) Omori and Ikeda (1984)

illustrated that the measurement of species diversity

provides useful information on the community structure and

may be used as an index for assessing the degree of

environmental pollution.

Shannon-Weiner Index (H).

𝐻 ′ = ∑(𝑝𝑖)(𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑖)

Where: Pi - Number of individual species 1 or Total number

of samples

Ln - Natural Logarithm
 51

𝑛𝑖
𝑃𝑖 =
𝑁

Where:

ni - number of individual species i

N - total number of individual species in the

community

The diversity index criteria are as follows:

H’ ≤ 1 = Low diversity

1 < H’≤ 3 = Moderate diversity

H’ ≥ 3 = High diversity

Species Dominance

The species dominance (Simpson’s Index) is the summation

of square of the number of individuals of freshwater fish

species divided by the total number of individual.

Formula shows:

𝑛𝑖 2
𝐷 = ∑( )
𝑁

Where:

ni – number of individual species

N - total number of individuals of all species

Index values range from 0 - 1 by the following categories:

0 < C < 0,5 = Low Dominance

 52

0,5< C ≤ 0,75 = Moderate Dominance

0,75< C ≤ 1,0 = High Dominance

Species Richness

Species richness (D) was determined by the number of

species present in a community.

 53

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fish Species Identified in Gainza River

The collected data revealed that there were (8) species

from six genera belonging to eight families identified fish

species collected in Gainza River at Barangay Loob (Table 1).

The following fish species collected are “Tilapya”

(Oreochromis niloticus), “Karpa” (Cyprinus carpio), “Taiwan

or Hito” (Clarias batrachus), “Puyo” (Anabas testudineus),

“Mirapina” (Trichopodus trichopterus), “Bakla” (Glossogobius

giuris), “Bakagan” (Ambassis nalua) and “Talosog” (Channa

striata). Among the eight fish species collected, there are

(7) species which can be found in both freshwater and brackish

waters which are the A. testudineus, C. batrachus, O.

niloticus, T. pectoralis, A. nalua, C. carpio and G. giuris.

G. giuris can also be found in marine waters. Among the fish

species collected, there are three (3) native species, C.

batrachus (Walking catfish) of family Clariidae, G. giuris

(Tank goby) of family Gobiidae and A. nalua (Scalloped

perchlet) of family Ambassidae. Five (5) are introduced

species which are A. C (Climbing perch) of family Anabantidae,

 54

Table 1. Fish species identified in the sampling site at Gainza River (May 2021)

Scientific English
Fish Species Order Family Local Name
Name Name

Ambassis Scalloped
Perciformes Ambassidae Bakagan
nalua perchlet

Anabas Climbing
Perciformes Anabantidae Puyo
testudineus perch

Channa Snakehead
Perciformes Channidae Talosog
striata murrel

Clarias Walking
Siluriformes Clariidae Taiwan/Hito
batrachus catfish
 55

Table 1. continued...

Scientific English
Fish Species Order Family Local Name
Name Name

Cyprinus Common
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Karpa
carpio carp

Glossogobius
Perciformes Gobiidae Tank goby Bakla
giuris

Oreochromis Nile
Perciformes Cichlidae Tilapya
niloticus Tilapia

Trichopodus Snakeskin
Perciformes Osphronemidae Mirapina
pectoralis gourami
 56

O. niloticus (Nile tilapia) of family Cichlidae, T.

pectoralis (Snakeskin gourami) of family Osphronemidae, C.

carpio (Common carp) of family Cyprinidae and C. striata

(Snakehead murrel) of family Channidae (Froese, R. and D.

Pauly. Editors. 2021. FishBase), Alberto et al. (2020),

Bigueja et al. (2020) and Nieves et al. (2020).

Ambassis nalua (Figure 10) is a translucent greenish-

brown to dusky grey glassfish with a silvery abdomen and

cheeks, a black membrane between the second and third dorsal-

fin spines, dusky scales on the back and along the dorsal and

anal-fin bases, and a black stripe along the midside (Bray,

2020). It is a relatively small fish which grows to a maximum

length of 12.5 centimeters. The collection and identification

of Ambassis nalua conforms with the study of Talwar, et al.

(1991), Powell (1999) and Sichum, et al. (2013) and that this

species is usually found in brackish waters of bays and

estuaries, entering freshwater and mangrove-lined tidal

creeks. A. nalua is often found near boundaries of freshwaters

and marine waters as stated in the study of Powell (1999),

this species was found mostly confined in the lower reaches

of the rivers. A. nalua was found in the downstream area of

Gainza River particularly in Barangay Loob where this area is

categorized as part of the downstream area of the whole Bicol

 57

River Basin (Bigueja, et al. 2020) where it exits through the

San Miguel Bay. It forms resting aggregations during the

dayamong the roots of mangrove trees, log snags, and aquatic

plants. They disperse at night to feed on micro-crustaceans

(cladocerans, ostracods, and copepods), aquatic and

terrestrial insects, and occasional fishes. It is too small

to be commercially important, although they are sometimes

dried and salted; also used as bait fishes. (Larson, 2000)

Urbano, 2021

Figure 10. Ambassis nalua, Gainza River (2021)

Anabas testudineus has a slender body with a long-based

dorsal fin and large regularly-arranged scales with a color

of greenish to brownish, duskier to olive-green above and

pale below (Figure 11). This species has heads with

longitudinal stripes below eye, iris golden, dark spot on

margin of gill cover. The young ones have a dark spot on gill
 58

cover and on tail base (Bray, 2020). It grows to an average

length of 12.5 centimeters and has a max length of 25

centimeters. Collection and dentification of A. testudineus

conforms with the study of Menon, (1999) and Vidthayanon,

(2002) that this species was found mostly in canals, lakes,

ponds, swamps and estuaries. Adults species occur in medium

to large rivers, brooks, flooded fields and stagnant water

bodies including sluggish flowing canals (Taki, 1978). This

species is often found in areas with dense vegetation

according to Rainboth (1996) and it can tolerate extremely

unfavorable water conditions and it is associated mainly with

turbid and stagnant waters. A. testudineus feed mostly on

macrophytic vegetation, shrimps and fish fry (Pethiyagoda,

1991). This observation conforms with the study area where

shrimp species were also abundant creating a steady supply of

food source for A. testudienues According to Allen (1991), A.

testudineus possess an accessory air-breathing organ which

makes them able to survive several days or weeks out of water

if the air breathing organs are kept moist (Rahman, 1989).

According to Vidthayanon (2002), A. testudineus is considered

as an economic food fish in the Southeast Asia but according

to Gomon and Bray (2015), it was considered as a highly

 59

invasive freshwater fish that has been introduced to Boigu

and Sabai Island in the Torres Straits, Queensland. It was

declared that A. testudineus is a noxious fish species in

Queensland, Australia. Figure 2 shows the image of Anabas

testudineus collected in Gainza River.

Urbano, 2021

Figure 11. Anabas testudineus, Gainza River (2021)

Figure 12 shows the image of Channa striata collected in

Gainza River. It has a body color of gray-green to black-

green above. It has a pale or yellow color on the sides and

white below. Its dorsal and anal fins are darker in color

have dark patches. Its caudal part is also dark and it has

two vertical bands on its base and has a pale paired fin. It

grows to an average length of 61 centimeters. It has a max

length of approximately 100 centimeters and a maximum weight

 60

of 3 kilograms. This result if similar to the studies of Song,

et al. (2013) that C. striata or snakehead murrel has a wide

range of habitats which includes rivers, swamps, ponds,

canals, lakes and rice paddies. C. striata prefers shallow

freshwater habitats typically at depths of 1-2 meters, rarely

10 meters. This species can be found mostly on flooded areas

like irrigation reservoirs, swamps and flooded rice paddies

(Halwart, 2004), (Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T.

Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2021. The Animal

Diversity Web). This is correct since the site of the study

was surrounded with rice fields. High tide in the river occurs

between 4 PM in the afternoon until 10 AM in the morning. Low

tide follows after that and some fishes are trap in the areas

where the water usually are and when the low tide comes,

several fishes lost their way back to the river but the

occurrence of high tide and low tide varies monthly. Adult

species of C. striata inhabit ponds, streams and rivers,

preferring stagnant and muddy water of plains (Menon, 1999).

Urbano, 2021
 61

Figure 12. Channa striata, Gainza River (2021)

Clarias batrachus or walking catfish (Figure 13) is a

native species of catfish found in the Philippines

particularly the one in Figure 4 was collected in Gainza

River. Clarias batrachus from the Philippines is different

from the species found in India and Thailand (Quilang and Yu,

2015). Clarias batrachus is thus a native species in

the Philippines and is considered one of the true freshwater

fishes of the country (Herre, 1924). Clarias batrachus has a

broad, flat head and an elongate body which tapers toward the

tail. It is readily recognizable as a catfish with four pairs

of barbels whiskers and fleshy, papillated lips. The teeth

are villiform, occurring in patches on the jaw and palate.

Its eyes are small. The dorsal fin is continuous and extends

along the back two-thirds of the length of the body but there

is no dorsal spine. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins together

form a near-continuous margin; the caudal fin is rounded and

not eel-like though it is occasionally fused with the other

fins. Its pectoral spines are large and robust and finely

serrate along the margins with which it walks accompanied by

a back and forth flexion. Their coloration is olive to dark

brown or purple to black above, blue green on the sides and

 62

white below, with white specks on their rear side (GISB,

2021). C. batrachus grows to an average length of 26.3

centimeters and grows to a maximum length of 47 centimeters

with a max published weight of 1.2 kilograms (IGFA, 2001 and

Hugg, 1996). C. batrachus can be found in a variety of

habitats, but they are most commonly encountered in stagnant,

muddy or swampy water of high turbidity. Known to inhabit

medium to large rivers, swamps, ponds, ditches, flooded

fields, rice paddies, and pools left in low spots after rivers

have been in flood, it is also reported to occur in

intercoastal waterways of salinities up to 18 ppt. It is a

tropical species with a moderate tolerance to colder waters

with a reported a lower lethal temperature of 9.8°C. During

cold dry months, walking catfish burrow into the sides of

ponds and streams where they remain dormant until the spring

rains begin (Masterson, 2007; FishBase, 2003 and GSMFC,

2006). C. batrachus can survive out of water for quite some

time using its auxiliary breathing organs and move short

distances over land allowing it to migrate to new water bodies

(Froese and Pauly, 2009).

 63

Urbano, 2021

Figure 13. Clarias batrachus, Gainza River (2021)

Cyprinus carpio or common carp is another introduced

fish in the Philippines that is found in Gainza River (Figure

14). The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) may be recognised by

its small eyes, thick lips, two barbels at each corner of the

mouth, large scales, and strongly serrated spines in the

dorsal and anal fins (NSW Department of Primary Industries

2005). The color of carp varies; in the wild, they are usually

olive green to bronze or silvery in color with a paler

underside (NSW Department of Primary Industries 2005). C.

carpio can grow up to 120 cm in length and weigh from 40-60

kg (Allen 1989, in Pinto et al. 2005), however in Australia

they commonly reach 3 to 5 kg (Brumley 1996, in Pinto et al.

2005). The result of the collection and identification of

this species conforms with the study of Kottelat and Freyhof

(2007) that this species inhabits warm, deep, slow-flowing

 64

and still waters such as lowland rivers and large, well

vegetated lakes. This study found similar information to the

study of Reynolds 1983, Driver et al. 2005, in Jones & Stuart

2006 that this species is found at low altitudes (up to 500-

m elevation), especially in areas where there is abundant

aquatic vegetation. They are also found in brackish lower

reaches of some rivers and coastal lakes (NSW Department of

Primary Industries 2005). Common carp occupy many

microenvironments (Pflieger 1975, DeVaney et al. 2009). They

typically inhabit the benthopelagic zone of fresh to brackish

waters within a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5 and temperatures of

3°C to 32°C. Part of the reason why common carp are successful

freshwater invaders is their ability to exploit a range of

available habitats (Jones & Stuart 2009) and take advantage

of degraded habitats. They have a greater tolerance of low

oxygen levels, pollutants and turbidity than most native

fish, and are often associated with degraded habitats,

including stagnant waters (NSW Department of Primary

Industries 2005). They are most abundant in streams enriched

with sewage or substantial runoff from agricultural land and

are rarer in clear, cold waters and streams of high gradient.

In fact, they are cultured in rural southern Asia in rice

 65

fields, which are reported to be the richest habitats of

aquatic organisms (Saikia & Das, 2009). Adult common carp are

benthivores, feeding in sediments to a depth of about 12

centimeters by sucking up mud from the bottom, ejecting it

and selectively consuming items while they are suspended; the

feeding galleries of carp are easily recognized in shallow

waters as depressions in the sediment (Chumchal, 2002;

Driver et al., 2005; Saikia & Das 2009). Common carp are

omnivores. Their diet therefore varies between locations and

from season to season, depending on food availability

(Lammens and Hoogenboezem 1991, Brumley & Gehrke 2000).

Urbano, 2021

Figure 14. Cyprinus carpio, Gainza River (2021)

Glossogobius giuris or Tank goby (Figure 15) is a native

species of gobiids found in the Philippines. It is an

elongated-bodied fish (Mahilum, et al. 2013) and is widely

distributed in coastal, brackish and estuarine waters in the

 66

Indo-Pacific regions (Talwar and Jhingran 1991, Riede 2004,

Froese and Pauly 2016). The collection and identification of

G. giuris conforms with the study of Talwar, et al. (1991)

and Taki, (1978) that this species is found mainly in

freshwater and estuaries and are also found in medium to

large-sized rivers of the lower Mekong Delta where the study

site where this species was collected is considered lower

area of the Bicol River stretch. This study also conforms

with the study of Rainboth, (1996) that this species grows to

a much larger size in brackish water than in freshwaters

because the composition of Gainza River is known to contain

brackish waters and freshwaters due to the low elevation in

Gainza River which causes flooding in of brackish waters in

the river. G. giuris grows to an average length of 11.3

centimeters and a maximum length of 50 centimeters. (Eccels,

1992)

This gobiid species is a carnivore feeding mainly on

small fish and crustaceans (Hossain et al. 2016). Knowledge

of fish population biology of this species in the Philippines

is unknown because there is very little-known information

about this species particularly in the Mekong Delta, where a

diverse number of species exists (Tran et al. 2013). Although

 67

this goby has played a major role in the food supply in the

Mekong Delta, knowledge on this fish is limited to external

morphology, environmental requirements and reproductive

biology (Mahilum et al. 2013; Pham and Tran 2013; Tran et

al. 2013).

Urbano, 2021

Figure 15. Glossogobius giuris, Gainza River (2021)

Oreochromis niloticus or Nile tilapia is the most farmed

freshwater fish in the Philippines where this species can be

found in Gainza River (Figure 16) O. niloticus are shaped

much like sunfish or crappie but can be easily identified by

an interrupted lateral line characteristic of the Cichlid

family of fishes. They are laterally compressed and deep-

bodied with long dorsal fins. The forward portion of the

dorsal fin is heavily spined. Spines are also found in the

pelvis and anal fins. There are usually wide vertical bars

down the sides of fry, fingerlings, and sometimes adults.

 68

The Nile tilapia reaches up to 60 centimeters (24 in) in

length, and can exceed 5 kilograms (11 lbs.). As typical

of tilapia, males reach a larger size and grow faster than

females. Wild, natural-type Nile tilapias are brownish or

grayish overall, often with indistinct banding on their body,

and the tail is vertically striped. The collection and

identification of Oreochromis niloticus conforms with the

study of Picker and Griffiths (2011) and Raaed Sami et al.

(2017) that this species is a tropical freshwater and brackish

fish species which inhabit shallow, still waters on the edge

of the lakes, ponds, wide rivers with sufficient vegetation.

O. niloticus is one of the most important species in the world

which was introduced into more than 90 countries worldwide

(Fitzsimmons, 2009). In the Philippines, O. niloticus was

introduced in the year 1970 from Thailand (Bleher

1994, Guerrero 1998, Juliano et al. 1989, Manandhar

1995, Moreau 1999 and Pullin et al. 1997). O. niloticus are

species known to feed on phytoplankton, periphyton, aquatic

plants, invertebrates, benthic fauna, detritus and bacterial

films (FAO 2012) and even other fish larvae and eggs. O.

niloticus was observed to exhibit trophic plasticity

according to the environment and other species that they

 69

coexist with (Bwanika et al. 2007). Tolerance and

adaptability to changing environmental parameters of O.

niloticus and described to have desirable aquaculture species

enabled it to become a highly successful invasive species

into temperate and subtropical aquatic environments (Grammer

et al. 2012).

Urbano, 2021

Figure 16. Oreochromis niloticus, Gainza River (2021)

Trichopodus pectoralis or Snakeskin gourami (Figure 17)

is an introduced fish species in the Philippines which was

collected in Gainza River (2021). The snakeskin gourami is an

elongated, moderately compressed fish with a small dorsal

fin. Its anal fin is nearly the length of the body and the

pelvic fins are long and thread-like. The back is olive in

color and the flanks are greenish gray with a

silver iridescence. An obvious, irregular black band extends

from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudal peduncle
 70

(Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, 2014). The underparts are

white. The rear part of the body may be marked with faint

transverse stripes (Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, 2014).

The fins are also gray-green, and the iris of the eye may

be amber under favorable water conditions. The dorsal fins of

male fish are pointed and the pelvic fins are orange to red.

The males are also slimmer than the less colorful females.

Juvenile snakeskin gouramis have strikingly strong zig-zag

lines from the eye to the base of the tail. This species can

grow up to 25 centimeters (9.8 in) TL in length though most

only reach about 15 centimeters or 5.9 inches (Butler, Rhett

Ayers, TFAF, 1995). The collection and identification of T.

pectoralis conforms with the study of Vidthayanon (2002) that

this species of freshwater fish is often found in shallow

sluggish or standing-water habitats with a lot of aquatic

vegetation. This species also occurs in flooded forests of

the lower Mekong River and gradually moves back to rivers and

Great Lake as floodwaters recede (Rainboth 1996; Vidthayanon

2002). Snakeskin gourami feeds mainly on planktonic

invertebrates (Yap, 1988) but generally, it feeds on aquatic

plants. It can also breathe air directly, as well as absorb

oxygen from water through its gills (Frimodt, 1995).

 71

Urbano, 2021

Figure 17. Trichopodus pectoralis, Gainza River (2021)

The result of the current study can be compared against

related studies by Bustamante (2018) conducted at Binagsagan

River in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur and Bien (2018)

conducted at Upper Inarihan River in Carolina, Naga City.

Bustamante (2018) identified five (5) fish species namely

Gambussia affinis, Poecilia reticulata, Tomeurus gracilis,

Poecilia mexicana and Trichopodus trichopterus. All of these

fish species were not found in the current study’s sampling

site. However, Trichopodus trichopterus identified in the

Binagsagan river is closely related to Trichopodus pectoralis

that is found in Gainza river. On the other hand, Bien (2018)

also identified five (5) fish species namely Cyprinus carpio,

Oreochromis niloticus, Rhinogobius giurinus, Gambusia affinis

and Poecilla sphenops. Two out of five identified species

collected from Inarihan River can also be found in Gainza

 72

River, specifically the Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis

niloticus.

Relative Abundance of Fish Species in Gainza River

As shown in Table 2, the ichthyofaunal survey of Gainza

River at Barangay Loob recorded a total of 100 individuals of

eight (8) different species in the three-day sampling. The

fish species are largely composed of introduced species (5

species out of 8 species) with only a small proportion of

fish are composed of native species (3 species). The collected

freshwater fish species were Oreochromis niloticus (28%)

followed by Cyprinus carpio (24%), Clarias batrachus (13%),

Anabas testudineus (11%) and Glossogobius giuris (11%),

Trichopodus pectoralis (10%), Ambassis nalua (2%) and Channa

striata (1%).

The most abundant species is Oreochromis niloticus (Nile

tilapia) with a total of twenty-eight (28) and Cyprinus carpio

(common carp) with a total of twenty-four (24) comprising 28%

and 24% respectively. The least abundant species are A. nalua

(Scalloped perchlet) with a total of only two (2) and Channa

striata (snakehead murrel) with only one (1) individuals

 73

Table 2. Relative abundance of fish species in Gainza River (May 2021)

FISH SPECIES STATUS DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 TOTAL PERCENTAGE

Oreochromis niloticus Introduced 13 7 8 28 28.00

Cyprinus carpio Introduced 8 8 8 24 24.00

Clarias batrachus Native 4 4 5 13 13.00

Anabas testudineus Introduced 3 3 5 11 11.00

Glossogobius giuris Native 3 4 4 11 11.00

Trichopodus pectoralis Introduced 4 4 2 10 10.00

Ambassis nalua Native 1 1 0 2 2.00

Channa striata Introduced 0 0 1 1 1.00

TOTAL 36 31 33 100 100%

 74

2% 1%
10%

28%

11%

11%

24%
13%

O. niloticus C. carpio C. batrachus A. testudineus G. giuris T. pectoralis A. nalua C. striata

Figure 18. Relative abundance of fish species in the

selected site of Gainza River (May 2021)

 75

collected comprising 2% and 1% of the total catch respectively

(Figure 18).

Among the eight (8) freshwater fish species identified,

Clarias batrachus or walking catfish, Glossogobius giuris or

tank goby, and Ambassis nalua or scalloped perchlet were

considered as native species while the Oreochromis niloticus

or Nile tilapia, Cyprinus carpio or common carp, Anabas

testudineus or climbing perch, Trichopodus pectoralis or

snakeskin gourami and Channa striata or snakehead murrel were

considered as introduced freshwater fish species (Table 2).

The freshwater fish species found in all the sampling

points were the Nile tilapia or Tilapya (Oreochromis

niloticus) with a total of 28 individuals, Common carp or

Karpa (Cyprinus carpio) with a total of 24 individuals and

Walking catfish or Taiwan/Hito (Clarias batrachus) with a

total of 13 individuals collected. The species Anabas

testudineus or Climbing Perch “Puyo” was found in Point 1 and

2 but not in Point 3 during the 1st and 3rd day of collection.

On the 2nd day, A. testudineus was found in Point 2 and 3 but

was not found in Point 1 with a total of 11 individuals

collected. The species Glossogobius giuris or Tank goby

“Bakla” was found in all sampling points on the first day but
 76

was not found in Point 3 on the 2nd and 3rd day of the

collection with a total of 11 individuals collected. The

species Trichopodus pectoralis or Snakeskin gourami

“Mirapina” was found in all sampling points on the 1st day but

it was only found on Point 1 and 2 on the 2nd and 3rd day of

sampling. The species Ambassis nalua or Scalloped perchlet

“Bakagan” was only found in Point 1 of the 1st and 2nd day of

the collection with only 2 individuals collected. The species

Channa striata or Snakehead murrel “Talosog” was found on the

3rd day of collection in Point 3 only with only 1 individual

collected.

The total freshwater fish species collected on Day 1 was

36 individuals with 16 individuals on Point 1, 10 individuals

on Point 2 and 3. Day 2 registered 31 freshwater fish

individuals with 11 individuals collected on Point 1, 12

individuals on Point 2 and only 8 individuals on Point 3. Day

3 registered 33 individuals of freshwater fishes with 14

individuals collected on Point 1, 12 individuals collected on

Point 2 and Point 3 had only 7 individuals collected.

It is also worth noting the presence of Eels (Anguilla

spp.) were observed in the study area but was not collected

due to fishing gears limited to customized fish nets and

 77

umbrella traps. Anguilla spp. or Eels are caught effectively

by other fishing techniques like electrofishing and hook and

line method. In the study of Lontoc et al. (2011), the

presence of both the native and introduced freshwater fish

species in the areas were also documented. The abundance of

O. niloticus was also observed in the study of Corpuz et al.

(2016) where this species comprised as one of the abundant

groups that were collected. The result of this study conforms

most likely to the the study of Nieves et al. (2020) in the

Bicol River, where O. niloticus (Nile tilapia) garnered the

highest percentage of abundance while C. striata (snakehead

murrel) garnered the least percentage of abundance as to

compared with the result of this study. In the study of

Labatos et al. (2014), it was stated that relative abundance

is important in determining the presence common and rare

freshwater fish species in an area. Also, one of the reasons

behind the high percentage of abundance of O. niloticus and

C. carpio is attributed to cage farming in the Bicol River

where these species constitutes as a major farmed species for

cage farming together with the catfishes (Clarias batrachus)

as stated in the study of Nieves et al. (2020).

 78

On the other hand, the lowest percentage in relative

abundance were the species of A. nalua and C. striata which

are native species and the latter is an introduced species in

Gainza River at Barangay Loob. This can be due to the season

when the study was conducted. The study was conducted on a

dry season in the month of May 2021. The species of A. nalua

is mostly confined to the brackish waters of bays and

estuaries where in some species go up to the rivers during

wet season because of the flooding of waters into the rivers

from the bays. During this dry season, flooding of waters

into the rivers are somewhat less than the flooding in of

waters during wet season making this the reason why few

species of A. nalua was collected in the area of Gainza River

in Barangay Loob. The species of C. striata has a behavior of

surviving the dry season by burrowing in bottom mud of the

rivers which indicates that during the collection of the

fishes, this species is confined mostly on the bottom of the

river which is mainly the reason why only few o this species

was collected during the dry season of May 2021.

The abundant presence of O. niloticus (Nile tilapia) and

C. carpio (common carp) had also caused the depletion in the

number of native freshwater fish species. In the study of

 79

Olden et al. (2005), the introduction of Nile tilapia can

lead to decrease in number of native and other fish species.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

stipulated that invasive species can affect the other fauna

in the ecosystems.

Furthermore, the introduction of invasive species O.

niloticus impacts negatively the environment and a reduction

of native species resulted in the competition for food and

habitat (Juliano et al. 1989, Soliman 1993, Mercene 1995,

Cagauan 2007). They compete for the niche occupied by native

fish species in the river (Rosana et al. 2006) and they become

predator in native and other fish species (Cagauan 2007). The

mode of reproduction and breeding habits of native species

are also affected because infestations of the introduced

species wherein introduced species O. niloticus can hatch

eggs through mouth brooding which gains an advantage in terms

of breeding to that of the native species (FAO, 2009).

In addition, other factors that affects the moderate

number of native and introduce species caught in Gainza River

based on the researcher’s observation and investigation is

the presence of human activities like farming where they use

fertilizers and pesticides in their crops which has a negative

 80

impact on the health of the water in the river which in turn

affects the fauna in that ecosystem. Also, the researcher

observed the use of other fishing method specially electro

fishing. To be effective, the electric field in the water

must be sufficiently strong at appropriate distances from the

electrodes to elicit the desired responses by targeted fish

(Snyder 2004). Stress, injuries, and sometimes mortalities

among captured fish are unavoidable consequences of

electrofishing (Snyder 2004). Breeding grounds of freshwater

fishes are also affected by electrofishing as well as the

juvenile fishes that have a high chance of growing bigger but

due to electrofishing, it can hinder or somewhat change their

physiological system. As stated in the study of Snyder

(2004), electrofishing can also affect reproduction and early

life stages. In addition to or as a result of injuries,

exposure of ripe fish to electrofishing fields can cause

significant damage to, or premature expulsion of, gametes and

sometimes reduces viability of subsequently fertilized eggs.

Electrofishing over active spawning grounds can also

significantly affect survival of embryos on or in the

substrate if exposed during their more sensitive stages

(prior to acquisition of eye pigment). Exposure of recently

 81

hatched larvae might not cause significant mortality but can

reduce growth rates for at least a few weeks. Field intensity

and duration of exposure appear to be the most critical

electrical factors affecting embryos and larvae.

According to the locals in the area, some people who

catches fish in the river uses fishing gears like fish traps,

electrofishing and gill nets with very small size which can

lead to an abundant catch of fishes that most probably would

include even the young and growing ones.

Diversity of Fish Species in Gainza River

The results of the Shannon-Weiner diversity index in

Table 3 revealed that Gainza River at Barangay Loob has a

moderate diversity index value of H’=1.804. Sampling point 1

(P1) has the highest diversity value of 1.852 compared to

Sampling point 2 (P2) with a diversity value of 1.745 and a

diversity value of 1.45 on Sampling point 3 (P3) with the

lowest diversity value. The typical values of Shannon-Weiner

diversity index generally range from 1 to 3 with the index

rarely greater than three (3) (Ulfah et al. 2019). In

accordance with the study of Ulfah (2019) the diversity index

of 1 < H’≤ 3 is categorized to have moderate diversity which

 82

indicates that the river in Barangay Loob is still in a stable

condition. The high diversity value of index is due to the

abundance of fish species (Ulfah 2019). According to Paller

et al. (2011), a community with few individuals from many

different species has higher diversity than a community of

the same number of individuals with most of them belonging to

few species.

The result of diversity index of this study is similar

with the study of Paller (2013) and Bien (2018) which has

moderately high Shannon diversity index values and low

Simpson’s dominance index values implying a fairly equitable

distribution of niche spaces for dominant and non-dominant

fishes. Cyprinus carpio was the most abundant fish species in

Inarihan River, a mid-stream section of the Bicol River, with

a diversity index of H’ = 1.54 (Bien, 2018). Diversity index

value is inversely proportional to dominance index value as

seen in the result of this study. The moderate to high values

of diversity index of the area accounts from the high values

of abundance and species richness in the area (Nieves et al.

2020).
 83

Table 3. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index of fish species in Gainza River(May 2021)

SHANNON-WEINER
FISH SPECIES P1 P2 P3
DIVERSITY (H’)

Oreochromis niloticus 0.34414 0.35183 0.36779 0.356

Cyprinus carpio 0.31885 0.32539 0.36779 0.343

Clarias batrachus 0.2566 0.2819 0.25443 0.265

Anabas testudineus 0.2566 0.25177 0.20206 0.243

Glossogobius giuris 0.3018 0.25177 0 0.243

Trichopodus pectoralis 0.22705 0.2819 0.12876 0.23

Ambassis nalua 0.14734 0 0 0.078

Channa striata 0 0 0.12876 0.046

TOTAL 1.852 1.745 1.45 H’ = 1.804

 84

On the other hand, Bustamante (2018) conducted a study

in the upper stream section of the Bicol River and was

characterized having a low species diversity index value of

H’=0.49 with Gambusia affinis as the most abundant fish

species in Binagasagan River.

Dominance of Fish Species in Gainza River (2021)

Species dominance of freshwater fish in Gainza River

obtained the Simpson’s Dominance Index value of 0.188 (Table

4). The value of Simpson’s Dominance Index ranges between 0

– 1 wherein 0 < D < 0.5 represents low dominance and 0.75< D

≤ 1.0 has high dominance. The study revealed a low dominance

index of 0.188 which indicates the dominance of species in

Gainza River. This conforms with the study of Ulfah (2019)

that the low dominance value (Table 4) of an area is because

of the moderate to high diversity index value (Table 3) due

to the abundance of fish species in the river (Table 2).

Dominance index is inversely proportional to diversity index.

The result of dominance index of this study is similar with

the study of Paller (2013) which has relatively low Simpson’s

dominance index values and high Shannon diversity index

values implying a fairly equitable distribution of niche

spaces for dominant and non-dominant fishes.

 85

Table 4. Simpson’s Dominance Index of fish species in Gainza River(May 2021)

NAME OF SPECIES SIMPSON’S DOMINANCE (D)

Oreochromis niloticus 0.0784

Cyprinus carpio 0.0576

Clarias batrachus 0.0169

Anabas testudineus 0.0121

Glossogobius giuris 0.0121

Trichopodus pectoralis 0.01

Ambassis nalua 0.0004

Channa striata 0.0001

TOTAL D = 0.188
 86

Species Richness of Freshwater Fish Species in Gainza River

Species richness is determined by the number of species

present in a community. The study revealed eight (8) species

of freshwater fish were collected in Gainza River. Out of the

eight (8) species collected, five (5) species were classified

as introduced species and the remaining three (3) species

were identified as native species in Gainza River. There were

seven (7) species caught in Day 1 namely: Anabas testudineus,

Clarias batrachus, Oreochromis niloticus, Trichopodus

pectoralis, Glossogobius giuris, Ambassis nalua and Cyprinus

carpio. 2nd day of sampling registered no new species caught.

The last specie which is Channa striata was caught on the 3rd

day of sampling (Table 5).

Field Guide

As illustrated in Figure 19, the developed field guide

based on the results of the data collected in this study

includes actual picture of the fish species collected at the

study site. Scientific names, English common names, and local

common names were included for proper identification of the

fish species enumerated in the field guide. Pertinent

information regarding the fish species were briefly and

concisely narrated. Data about the fish species include the

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Table 5. Species richness of fish species in Gainza River(May 2021)

DAY NUMBER OF NEW SPECIES CAUGHT FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES

Anabas testudineus

Clarias batrachus

Orechromis niloticus Trichopodus

1 7
pectoralis Glossogobius giuris

Ambassis nalua

Cyprinus carpio

*No new species caught*

2 0

Channa striata
3 1

Total 8
 88

characterization of morphometric and meristic traits, origin,

morphological description, distribution, habitat, food and

feeding habits. A bibliography is also included in the field

guide for additional reference regarding the fish species

contained in the field guide.

 89

Figure 19. Sample information page in field guide

 90

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The current study aimed to establish the diversity of

fish species in Gainza River. Specifically, this study sought

to identify and to determine the diversity of fish species in

Gainza River, and to develop a field guide based on the fishes

collected at the study site.

The researcher collected fish species for three days at

three selected sites with a 100-meter interval along a 300-

meter transect line parallel to the river. Customized fish

nets and improvised fish traps were strategically placed to

capture fishes in the river. A three-step procedure was done

for the identification of fish species: (a) initial

identification by local community; (b) comparison to fish

data base and related studies; and (c) review by an expert

faculty of the BS Biology department. Shannon-Weiner Index

was used to determine the species diversity and Simpsons’

Index was used to determine species dominance. Relative

abundance and species richness were also determined.

 91

There were eight (8) fish species with total of 100

numbers of individuals from eight (8) genera belonging to

eight (8) families, namely: “Bakagan” or Scalloped perchelt

(Ambassis nalua) of the family Ambassidae, “Puyo” or Climbing

perch (Anabas testudineus) of the family Anabantidae,

“Talosog” or snakehead murrel (Channa striata) of the family

Channidae, “Taiwan/Hito” or walking catfish (Clarias

batrachus) of the family Clariidae, “Karpa” or common carp

(Cyprnius carpio) of the family Cyprinidae, “Bakla” or tank

goby (Glossogobius giuris) of the family Gobiidae, “Tilapya”

or Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of the family

Cichlidae and “Mirapina” or snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus

pectoralis) of the family Osphronemidae.

Among the eight (8) freshwater fish species identified,

Clarias batrachus or walking catfish, Glossogobius giuris or

tank goby, and Ambassis nalua or scalloped perchlet were

considered as native species while the Oreochromis niloticus

or Nile tilapia, Cyprinus carpio or common carp, Anabas

testudineus or climbing perch, Trichopodus pectoralis or

snakeskin gourami and Channa striata or snakehead murrel were

considered as introduced freshwater fish species.

 92

The most abundant fish species was the Oreochromis

niloticus (28%) followed by Cyprinus carpio (24%), Clarias

batrachus (13%), Anabas testudineus (11%) and Glossogobius

giuris (11%), Trichopodus pectoralis (10%) and the least

abundant fish species were Ambassis nalua (2%) and Channa

striata (1%).

The result showed that Gainza River at Barangay Loob has

a diversity index value of H’ = 1.804 and a dominance index

value of D = 0.188 revealing a moderate diversity and a low

dominance value. The species richness of the river revealed

eight (8) different species thriving in the river of Gainza.

A field guide was developed as a product of this research

study with the aim of providing information and promoting

biodiversity conservation of freshwater fish species

especially in the locality.

Conclusion

Gainza River in Barangay Loob supports diverse and

abundant populations of freshwater fishes that includes eight

(8) freshwater fish species belonging to eight genera and

families were identified in Gainza River at Barangay Loob

that includes Ambassis nalua, Anabas testudineus, Channa

 93

striata, Clarias batrachus, Cyprinus carpio, Glossogobius

giuris, Oreochromis niloticus and Trichopodus pectoralis.

Gainza River at Barangay Loob has a moderate diversity and

low dominance values. The moderate diversity of Gainza River

represents a further important indicator in determining an

ecosystem’s health (McField & Kramer, 2007). Fish

communities, and specific species, are excellent indicators

of biological and ecological integrity due to their

continuous exposure to water conditions. Fishes display an

array of biotic responses, such as changes in growth,

distribution and abundance related to water pollution,

critical habitat degradation, eutrophication, organic

enrichment, chemical toxicity, thermal changes and food

availability and thus, should be key elements of ecosystem

monitoring programs. Freshwater species are important to

local ecosystems especially to the locals in Barangay Loob.

Freshwater fishes in the river provide sources of food as

well as a source of income to them.

 94

Recommendations

The researcher recommends to conduct further studies on

fish species in Gainza River. Further studies on the following

are also recommended:

1. Conduct of fish collection using different fish

collection techniques, both passive and active methods;

2. Comparative study on fish collection during dry and wet

season of the year;

3. Assessment of the impacts of human activities and other

anthropogenic disturbances that may affect the

diversity of freshwater fishes;

4. Analysis of physico-chemical parameters of the

freshwater habitat and their effects on the diversity

of freshwater fishes;

5. Including a comprehensive meristic and morphometric

characterization of freshwater fish species which

includes snout length, head length, depth, standard

length, fork length, total length, weight, sex, color,

size and age in their developmental stages as its effect

on diversity can be investigated as well as assessment

studies regarding species dominance in terms of biomass

can also be conducted; and

 95

6. Wider scope of study area or more sampling sites in the

Bicol River.
 96

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Approval letter to municipal mayor

 109

APPENDIX B. Approval letter to barangay captain

 110

APPENDIX C. Documentation of site inspection

 111

APPENDIX D. Documentation of fish net and fish trap

installation
 112

APPENDIX E. Documentation of fish collection

 113

APPENDIX F. Documentation of fish identification and

measurement
 114

APPENDIX F. continuation…
 115

APPENDIX F. continuation…
 116

APPENDIX G. On-site record sheet

 117

APPENDIX H. Raw data for Shannon-Weiner Index computation

Number of Species
Species Name Pi Pi(lnPi)
Collected
A. testudineus 11 0.11 -0.243

C. batrachus 13 0.13 -0.265

O. niloticus 28 0.28 -0.356

T. pectoralis 10 0.1 -0.23

G. giuris 11 0.11 -0.243

A. nalua 2 0.02 -0.078

C. carpio 24 0.24 -0.343

C. striata 1 0.01 -0.046

Total 100 -1.804

H’= 1.804
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APPENDIX I. Raw data for Simpson Index computation

Number of Species
Species Name ni/N Sum(ni/N)^2
Collected
A. testudineus 11 0.11 0.0121

C. batrachus 13 0.13 0.0169

O. niloticus 28 0.28 0.0784

T. pectoralis 10 0.1 0.01

G. giuris 11 0.11 0.0121

A. nalua 2 0.02 0.0004

C. carpio 24 0.24 0.0576

C. striata 1 0.01 0.0001

Total 100

D 0.1876
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APPENDIX J. Field Guide

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