Fish distribution in the irrigation and drainage canals of the MUDA area

A study was conducted at five different sampling sites in the Muda area, starting in Perlis in the north down to Yan in southern Kedah, to determine the status of rice field fish distribution. Samplings were carried out in the drainage and irrigation canals for a period of one year. Thirty nine species comprising 21 families were collected during the survey with the Family Cyprinidae being the most dominant. More fish species were caught in the north (22 species) as compared to the south (16 species). However, no significant difference was found in comparing fish diversity at each sampling site. More fish were also obtained in canals at the end of the rice growing season. Reduction in numbers of species such as Clarias spp. was observed and although over fishing was thought to be the main problem, further investigation is needed in order to determine the exact cause of the decline. (Author)