Iranian Journal of Ichthyology

Capture fisheries sustainable management in Aceh Province: potential analysis of Shortfin Scads (Decapterus macrosoma) in Aceh eastern coastal waters case study

Gatut BINTORO — 2026-06-08

The shortfin scads (Decapterus macrosoma) are Aceh's eastern waterways' most commonly exploited fish. Shortfin scads contribute significantly to the economic development of Aceh's fishery, making its survival rate an unavoidable condition. This study was carried out between November 2021 and January 2022. This qualitative description was designed to learn about the state of fish in Aceh's eastern seas and how they might be managed sustainably. The data was obtained through intensive interviews and literature studies. Aceh Province's Marine and Fisheries Office provides the statistics of Aceh's capture fisheries from 2006–2020, which is essential. Surplus production and dynamic system modelling were analyzed based on the STELLA 9.0.2 application. The results showed that the utilization status value (URy) of D. macrosoma was 80%. The sustainable management scenario of D. macrosoma fisheries for the following decade (2021-2030) predicts that biomass stocks 2030 will reach their maximum on an allocation of fishing efforts similar to the 2020 effort, which was 108 percent. Therefore, the D. macrosoma fishery resource is fully exploited. The implementation of fishing efforts, equivalent to the 2020 effort, implicates the sustainability of biomass stocks until 2030.

Application of geometric morphometrics to characterize morphological variation in Schizocypris altidorsalis
Zohreh GANJALI — 2026-06-24

The present study employed geometric morphometric analysis to investigate morphological variation of a cyprinid fish Schizocypris altidorsalis from the Hamun–Hirmand aquatic system in the Sistan Basin, southeastern Iran. A total of 55 specimens (26 from the Chahnimeh reservoirs and 29 from the Hamun wetland) were collected using hand and cast nets. Sixteen homologous landmarks were digitized from two-dimensional images of each specimen using TPSDig2 software. Shape variation was analyzed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA), followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), and Hotelling’s T² test. The DFA revealed significant morphological differentiation between the two populations. Wireframe deformation analysis based on the consensus configuration indicated that the primary differences were associated with body depth and caudal peduncle length. These findings suggest that S. altidorsalis exhibits habitat-associated morphological plasticity, likely reflecting phenotypic responses to contrasting environmental conditions within the Hamun–Hirmand aquatic system.

Reproductive biology and growth pattern of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Keenjhar Lake, Pakistan

ATIA BATOOL — 2026-07-07

The present study investigated the reproductive biology and length‑weight relationship (LWRs) of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Keenjhar Lake, Sindh, Pakistan, between January and December 2024. A total of 450 specimens were analyzed for morphometric and reproductive parameters, including total length (cm), body weight (g), sex, maturity stage (I–VI), gonad weight (g), gonad length (cm), stomach weight (g), and fecundity (egg count). The overall sex ratio (female:male) was 1.23:1, with females significantly outnumbering males (χ²= 6.98, df= 1, P= 0.008). The length‑weight relationship showed positive allometric growth in females (b= 3.21) and isometric growth in males (b = 3.04). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) peaked in females during January, May, and December, with the highest mean GSI in January (1.20%). However, May also showed elevated GSI, indicating a possible spawning peak in late spring. Absolute fecundity ranged from 88 to 713 eggs per female, with strong positive correlations to body length (r= 0.87) and body weight (r= 0.91). Maturity stage V (ripe) was most frequent in warmer months (April–September), while stage VI (spent) dominated in cooler months (November–January). These findings provide baseline data for sustainable fishery management and conservation of this economically important cichlid in Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems.

Fish diversity in rivers, streams, and springs of Buner district along the Indus River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Awal SYED — 2026-07-16

The present study investigated the ichthyodiversity of 7 streams, 2 springs, and the River Barandu, located in the northwestern region of Pakistan. A field survey was conducted, followed by collection using cast nets, scoops, dragnets, gill nets, and mesh cloth. Overall, identified specimens belonged to 22 species within 5 families and 4 orders. Out of these, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Puntius ticto, Crossocheilus diplochilus, Puntius conchonius, and Labeo calbasu were recorded from the River Barandu; Puntius ticto, Crossocheilus diplochilus, Puntius conchonius, Barilius modestus, and Schistura naseeri were recorded from Chagharzi Stream; and C. diplochilus, P. ticto, Barilius vagra, B. modestus, and Schistura alepidota were recorded from the site of Chamla for the first time in these particular areas. During the investigation, it was noted that the highest number of species and specimens were documented from Chagharzi and Chamla, while the highest dominance was recorded at Surhaw (D= 0.53). The results showed a loss of some previously recorded species from the same locations and suggested protective conservation measures.