A Computational Study of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of River Kabul

Mcclelland initiated the scientific study of the fish species of the River Kabul in 1842, and many researchers have continued this work since then. The primary goal of these studies has been to do a computational study ofthe fish fauna of the River Kabul and its major tributaries. This study utilized various computational tools along with Python script for the identification and comparison of fish species distribution between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The fish in the river are all members of the superclass Gnathostomata, including the Actinopterygii, subclass Neopterygii, division Teleostei, and superorder Ostaryophysi. Seventy-five fish species have been described from Pakistan and Afghanistan, belonging to four orders, ten families, and thirty-nine genera. Research indicates that Cypriniformes is the largest order and Cyprinidae is the largest family of fish in the River Kabul. Of the thirty-nine genera, twenty-seven are monospecific, and twelve are polyspecific. Notably, 27% of these fish are large and edible, highlighting the river's significant economic potential for the region. It is concluded that the ichthyofauna of this river is diverse and holds great economic value for the local population. However, pollution from industrial zones and anthropogenic settlements poses a significant threat to the aquatic fauna. To preserve the fish and aquatic resources in this river, proper management, law enforcement, and public education are highly recommended.