Structure and Functional Guild Composition of Fish Assemblages in the Matla Estuary, Indian Sundarbans

Abstract

Fish assemblage structure is a complex and multifaceted concept that is critical for understanding the ecology and conservation of fish populations. By examining the components of fish assemblage structure, the factors that influence it, and the methods used to study it, researchers and managers can gain a deeper understanding of fish assemblage structure and its applications in fisheries management, conservation biology, and ecosystem-based management. The Matla Estuary, located in the Indian Sundarbans, is a critical habitat for diverse fish assemblages. This study aimed to investigate the structure and functional guild composition of fish assemblages in the Matla Estuary. During the study period, a total of 120 fish species from 34 families were identified. Fish assemblage structure varied significantly over time and space, according to multivariate analysis. Five different guilds—herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, planktivores, and detritivores—were found by functional guild analysis. The Matla Estuary serves as a nursery for numerous commercially significant fish species, which is why the study emphasizes its significance. The study's conclusions offer important new information about the ecology and preservation of fish assemblages in the Indian Sundarbans.