Between November 1983 and December 1986 fishes were collected quarterly from the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana. Four sampling sites were surveyed in the reserve, each representing a different habitat type characteristic of the area. A total of 55121 specimens representing 62 species was collected. Species composition varied between the sampling sites with the highest diversity and abundance being recorded from perennial flowing habitats. The importance of the reserve as a refuge for fish stocks in the Delta and potential threats to the integrity of the fish community are outlined. Keywords: Conservation, fisheries management, perennial and seasonal flowing habits, species composition.