An Assessment of Fish Biodiversity as an Indicator of Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Stability

Abstract

Fish biodiversity is widely recognized as one of the most reliable indicators of aquatic ecosystem health and environmental stability. Variations in fish species richness, abundance, and distribution reflect changes in water quality, habitat structure, and ecological balance. Healthy aquatic systems typically support diverse and stable fish communities, whereas degraded habitats exhibit reduced diversity and dominance of a few tolerant species. The present study assesses fish biodiversity across different freshwater habitats to evaluate ecosystem health and stability. Species composition, abundance patterns, and diversity indices were examined using ecological metrics. The findings reveal that habitats with better physicochemical conditions and structural complexity sustain greater fish diversity and ecological resilience. Conversely, polluted or disturbed systems show biodiversity loss and community imbalance. The study highlights the importance of fish diversity as an ecological indicator for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and guiding conservation and management strategies.