Al-Hammar marsh as nursery and feeding ground for some marine fish species.

Abstract

Ten marine fish species were collected from Eastern Al-Hammar marshes during the period, from November 2004 to October 2005 (location the between Al-Mashab and Al-Naggara). The lowest number (one species) was collected in January and the highest (eight species) in April and June. The more dominant species was Tenualosa ilisha, which comprised the vast number of the marine individuals. Most of the fishes sampled were juveniles, especially the individuals of T. ilisha, Thryssa mystax and Liza carinata. Food analysis showed that more the percentages of stomachs food-containing were more than 96%. Stomachs of T. ilisha, L. carinata and L. subviridis were diatoms, algae and zooplankton as well as organic and inorganic materials while stomachs of T. mystax and Bathygobius fuscus contained zooplankton, insects, small fishes and shrimps. The East Al-Hammar marshes were considered as nursery (protection and feeding) for several marine juveniles species.