Ecological and biological aspects of fish assemblage in the Chybayish marsh, Southern Iraq

The characteristic of fish assemblage in the restored Chybayish marsh was described in the time of 3 years after restoration. As much as 14 species were caught from October 2005 to September 2006. Detritovorus species, Liza abu was the most abundant species, followed by Carassius auratus and Barbus luteus. Fish species diversity indices were lower than in other restored southern marshes which may reflect the still degraded environment of the marsh and decreased productivity of vegetation. Diets varied among fishes. Most of them depended on two or three major foods, and five principal pathways of energy flow in the food web. Currently, restoration by reflooding of drained marshes is proceeding and the ecological effects of this massive water diversion needs elaborated research. Some solutions to retain water in the marsh even in the unfavorable climatic conditions have been suggested.