Brush park fishery targeting ornamental fish in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The brush park fishery targeting ornamental fish species is a potential area for the fisheries development that have not been studied extensively in the past. Present study was carried out to determine the composition and yield of the ornamental fish species in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka, through ornamental brush park fishery. The ornamental brush park fishery was investigated from July 2008 to March 2009 by selecting two study sites around Katunayaka fish landing sites. The ornamental fish species were identified and the yields of those fish species were monitored and standard lengths were measured. Nine ornamental fish species including two main species (Monodactylus argenteus and Scatophagus argus) were identified. The majority of Scatophagus argus (>6 cm in standard length) and Monodactylus argenteus (between 4-6 cm) caught were juveniles. A seasonal variation in total ornamental fish yieldrnwas observed. Total ornamental fish yield was decreased with the increasing salinity which was determined mainly by the monsoon rainfalls.