Assessment of Fin Fish Composition, Diversity and Abundance in the Upper Course of Otamiri River, Imo State

The fish composition in the upper course of Otamiri River was investigated for six months between April and September 2019, to determine related abundance diversity species river. Fish were collected weekly using fishing gears from three sampling stations which purposefully selected. Sixteen belonging nine (9) families recorded. Among families, Cichlidae recorded most abundant at 83.3%, followed by Notopteridae (6.7%), Alestidae (4.2%) Clarotidae (3.8%). Others include: Hepsidae (0.4%), Cyprinidae (0.2%), while Channidae Gymnarchidae as least with values 0.1% each. study showed that Sarotherodon melanotheron has highest value 3.18, Coptodon zilli having 3.09 respectively. It also shows Barbus occidentalis 0.69, dageti 1.01 diversity. Pelmatopia mariae 0.99 highly distributed. From study, harvested this water body have low population. This great implication on stock fishery can act an indicator over-exploitation species. Regular detailed should be encouraged sustainable utilization its resources, a proper restocking embarked Imo State government enhance fresh availability environs.