Ichthyological Survey of Ibbi River, Taraba State, North East Nigeria

This study conducted an ichthyological survey of the Ibbi River in Taraba State, North East Nigeria, to document fish species composition, abundance, and the ecological conditions of the river system. Riverine fisheries in Taraba State remain underexplored despite supporting significant subsistence and commercial fishing activities. Fish samples were collected using a combination of drag nets, gill nets, and electrofishing at eight sampling stations over a three-month field survey. Collected specimens were identified to species level using morphological identification keys specific to West African freshwater fish. A total of 22 species belonging to 11 families were recorded. Mormyridae, Cichlidae, and Characidae were the most diverse families. Species such as Alestes baremoze, Oreochromis niloticus, and Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis were among the most frequently encountered. The Shannon Diversity Index ranged from 1.83 to 2.61 across stations, indicating moderate to high diversity. Physicochemical parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity, were within ranges typical of healthy tropical rivers. Anthropogenic pressures, including agricultural encroachment, small-scale gold mining, and over-exploitation using poisonous plant derivatives, were observed near lower stations and correlated with reduced species diversity. The study provides a preliminary inventory of fish fauna in the Ibbi River and identifies conservation priorities for the management of riverine biodiversity in Taraba State. Keywords: ichthyology, fish diversity, Ibbi River, freshwater ecology, Taraba State