WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS AND ICHTHYOFAUNA DIVERSITY OF PONNANI KOLE WETLANDS, KERALA, SOUTH INDIA

Water quality parameters and ichthyofauna diversity of Ponnani Kole Wetlands were studied in February, 2019 to January, 2020. The objective of the study was to analyze the water quality parameters and Ichthyofauna diversity of Ponnani Kole wetlands in Kerala. A total of 28 species of fishes were recorded from three stations. During the pre-monsoon, the total population density is not much high when compared to the post-monsoon. The Ichthyofaunal abundance is higher in post-monsoon period due to the most favorable climate at that period. In the beginning of monsoon season, the numerical abundance of fishes was high and soon after, it diminishes in the same period when the water level in the wetland increases due to heavy rain. Shannon index (H) was the highest during monsoon and post- monsoon season at Station C (3.94) and minimum during the pre- monsoon season at both, Station A and B(3.83). These results indicated that fish diversity was higher in the post monsoon season compared to other seasons. Simpson's index (D) value of present study was noticed at maximum value during pre- monsoon season of Station A and B (D =0.089) and minimum values were recorded in monsoon and post -monsoon season at Station- C (D=0.080). Dominance index (1-D) was maximum value during the monsoon and post-monsoon season at Station-C (0.919) and minimum values were recorded in pre -monsoon season at both Station A and B (0.910).