Pakistan, being a country with a large area of Arabian Sea coastline and comprising numerous rivers, lakes, and dams, has very diverse fish resources. The country’s varied water bodies support both freshwater and marine fish, resulting in a wide array of types of fish in Pakistan. Many of these fish are of commercial, nutritional, and cultural significance. Sustainable fishing provides a livelihood for millions of households and serves as a vital food source throughout the country.
The various fish type varieties available in Pakistan and their distribution to elements of the economy and food chain.
Distribution of Fish Stock
There is also a variation of habitats as a result of the geographical structure of Pakistan for fish species. These habitats can be broadly categorized into three regions:
- Marine Water: Pakistan South is a Peninsular country with more than a thousand-kilometer coastline at the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the waters are home to several kinds of fish since they contain a diverse marine life.
- Fresh Water: Thus, there are several rivers in Pakistan; the Indus River is one of the largest rivers in Asia. It also has many lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, which also breed different kinds of freshwater fish.
- Brackish Water: Extant in Pakistan are estuarine and brackish water habitats comprising mangrove swamp fringes along the coast and occasional freshwater habitats supporting species that can tolerate salinity in water.
Pakistan Marine Fish Species
The Marine fish resources of the Arabian Sea consist of numerous competitive fish species that are economically valued for both domestic and export consumption. Some of the most notable marine species include:
1. Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger Kanagurta)
It is one of the largest and most preferred fish caught throughout the coastal region of Pakistan. Loaded with healthy oils inside its flesh, mackerel fish is preferred when it comes to different kinds of seafood. Usually, it is barbecued, fried, or made into curry.
2. Tuna (Thunnus Species)
Tuna fish is another important species to Pakistan’s fishing industry including yellow-finned tuna and the skip jack tuna. These species are found mostly in deeper waters and can normally be sampled by large-sized fishing vessels. Tuna has white flaky flesh and is considered to be low in fat, and although consumed locally, most is sold to foreign countries.
3. Sardines (Sardinella Longiceps)
Sardine fish may be described as small, oily fish found in plenty of seawater around the coast of Pakistan. It is incorporated in local foods, dried to last for quite a long time, or prepared for fish oil. Due to their being a source of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, this product is essential in the diet of people living by the coast.
4. Pomfret (Pampus Argenteus)
Simplified, the mariculture of Pomfret is one of the most famous marine fish among the population of Pakistan. Its meat is tender, fine-grained, and white coloured making it a favourite for both export and local markets. It is usually cooked through stories such as frying, grilling, and baking. Especially prominent is the interest in silver pomfret.
5. Sharks and Rays
And also other cartilaginous fishes such as sharks of which the most common is the spiny dogfish and the rays. Shark meat is sometimes consumed locally while fish fins and other parts are usually exported out. The management of these species especially the sharks is receiving increasing concern due to the effects caused by over-exploitation for their fins in the international markets.
6. Groupers (Serranidae Species)
They are much valued because of their taste and are often used in restaurants. These large fish are preferential to the reef areas and any areas close to the rocky shores. The groupers are slow-growing fish and, therefore, easily affected by overexploitation of their stocks.
Pakistan Freshwater Fish Species
Freshwater fish resources are distributed in many rivers of Pakistan and are especially abundant in the Indus River and its affluents. Inland fisheries are part of the country’s production systems that support food security and income earning for communities. Key freshwater fish species include:
1. Rohu (Labeo Rohita)
Rohu is one of the most cultured fish in the freshwater system of Pakistan. This big fish grows very rapidly and is in fact among the most popular fish for commercial production. Rohu fish is generally liked for its non-gamey soft texture and is normally incorporated in conventional fish gravies.
2. Catla (Catla Catla)
Catla is another major fish species found in the freshwater habitat of fish farms. With a rate of growth among the highest and size large, Catla is popular in the local markets. It is usually cooked in oil or in tasty curries, which can be fried.
3. Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio)
Common carp is native to Pakistan and now it’s an important aquaculture fish species that inhabits many natural water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. This fish is common in aquaculture systems because it is versatile and it is rich in protein. Its flesh is used in many cooked forms throughout the country.
4. Snakehead (Channa Species)
Snakehead is a fish that is found in many water bodies around the country including rivers and lakes. Tarnished with a unique stretched-out body physique and notorious fighting capabilities, the snakehead is a preferred catch for most of the fishermen partaking. Being lean and compact it is commonly used in barbecuing and deep frying.
5. Mahseer (Tor Putitora)
Mahseer is not only considered a species of game fish in the country’s water bodies but is also popular as Pakistan’s national fish. It is a migratory species and is capable of reaching stunning great dimensions. Nevertheless, it is a tasty species recognized in the country even though its habitat continues to decline.
6. Tilapia (Oreochromis species)
Tilapia fish is an immigrant species in Pakistan and is now intensively cultured in freshwater environments. The fish is fast growing and very suitable for aquaculture and since it is a freshwater fish the eggs will not be washed away by any river. Most of the time it is eaten because it is readily available and is not as expensive as other fish, it is also not as ‘fishy’ as other fish, and when it is, it is usually in curries or fried.
Brackish Water and Estuaries Fish Species
They offer first and foremost a specific habitat for organisms living in both brackish and freshwater conditions, namely the mangroves and estuaries of Pakistan. Some notable fish species found in these brackish water areas include:
1. Mullets (Mugilidae Species)
This species of fish can easily adapt to different conditions of water and would often be found in brackish waters. It is smaller in size but fairly common and forms a major source of food for the local fisher folk. Mullet has to be an important fish as it is prepared from grilling to frying; the fish roe is also eaten.
2. Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer)
The brackish water species barramundi is also popular due to its white, firmly textured flesh. Hilsa fish is on its way to becoming popular in Pakistan because its price is high and it can live in both fresh water and brackish water.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s diverse fish resources, spanning from Arabian Sea marine to freshwater rivers and lakes, are crucial for its culture and economy. Proper management, aquaculture development, and wildlife protection can ensure sustainable habitats for these species.
