Population estimation, proximate analysis and physico- chemical analysis of brown trout and rainbow trout in Swat River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The present study was planned to find out the population status of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) along 50 Km long belt of river Swat, from Madayan to Mahoodhand village. Four sampling sites (SSs) namely Madayan (SS1), Mainkiyal (SS2), Kalam (SS3) and Mahoodhand (SS4) were fixed, visited fortnightly and fish samples were captured through cast nets. Netting index, Percent relative abundance, physico-chemical analysis (temperature, alkalinity, hardness, pH and dissolved oxygen) and proximate analysis were conducted. Heavy metal concentrations were also recorded. It is suggested that human interference, overfishing through illegal ways and reasons causing destruction of spawning ground and brood stock should be overcome by population awareness and implementations of rules by the Government so that population of trout in this area may be uplifted for the benefit of mankind.