Abstract:

In order to explore the present situation of fish species composition,we surveyed fish by using bottom trawl net,tide net, stake net and gill net in Nature Reserve of 〖WTBX〗Acipenser sinensis〖WTBZ〗 and adjacent waters in the Yangtze River estuary between 2004 and 2008.A total 105 fish species were collected,belonging to 18 orders,43 families and 86 genera.The fish species composition was mainly comprised of Perciformes and Cypriniformes.Freshwater and marine ecological guilds were both 37 species,and there were 25 species of estuarine fishes and 6 species of migration fishes.The fish species composition can be regarded as a transitional type between the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea.Most species were benthivorous,detritivorous, zooplanktivorous,and there are few piscivorous species.Compared to the presurvey data,we found that diversity of fish species in the study area decreased to some extent,and some important species had disappeared.By the reason of diversity of species,typical character of estuarine fish fauna,uniqueness national protected fishes,highly scientific research values,and the  vulnerable ecosystem facing with serious threat,conserving Natural Reserve of 〖WTBX〗Acipenser sinensis〖WTBZ〗 in the Yangtze River estuary is very important.

Key words: fish species composition/ Yangtze River estuary/Acipenser sinensis