The fishing community of the Black Volta River in Buipe was studied from January- March 2019. The objective was to determine the diversity of freshwater fish species and their abundance. Data on fish species composition and abundance were collected randomly from fishermen who landed their catch at the Buipe landing site. Species were sorted and identified using standard identification key according to McConnell and Wuddah (1976). Data obtained were analyzed for species abundance and diversity indices (Shannon Werner Index). Eleven (11) species were recorded belonging to Eleven (11) families during the study period. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was the most abundant species (23.8%), followed by Heterotis niloticus (Heterotis) (20%) while the least encountered species was Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri (Saddled bichir) (0.006%). The dominance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) signified over-exploitation of the previously dominant species Tilapia species including Oreochromis niloticus. The Shannon Werner Index was calculated as 2.077 which indicated that the Black Volta River had moderate fish species diversity. Hence, education, enforcement of fisheries regulations and sustainable management practices should be encouraged to avoid the depletions of the fish stocks and the Black Volta Ghana.
Key words: Keywords: Relative abundance, Fin fishes, Black Volta, Diversity
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