Fish Diversity Associated with Mangroves Along the Sikka Coast, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India

This study examined the fish diversity along the Sikka coast, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, focusing on two sampling sites: the DCC (Digvijay Cement Company) jetty area and the GSFC (Gujarat State Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited) jetty area, during the period from October 2020 to March 2021. A total of six species from three orders Gobiiformes, Blenniformes, and Mugiliformes representing four families (Gobiidae, Oxudercidae, Blenniidae, and Mugilidae) were documented. Acentrogobius dayi, Mugil cephalus and Blenniella periophthalamus were observed at both sites indicating broader habitat adaptability, while Amblygobius albimaculatus, Trypauchen vagina, and Omobranchus punctatus were exclusive to the GSFC jetty area. However, their absence at the DCC jetty area is likely due to the impact of cement factory runoff, which may have altered water quality and habitat conditions, making the site less suitable for these species.