Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species

Distribution and status of freshwater fish fauna and its habitat in the Waterbodies of Kendrapara district, Odisha, India

Abstract

B.K. Baliarsingh1*, S. K. Swain2, Oliver king ED3, D. Nandi4 and B. Rath5

A systematic checklist of fishes of Kendrapara district of Odisha, India was provided. A total of 63 species of fishes under 44 genera, 25 families and 8 orders has been recorded. Highest species diversity was observed in the Cyprinidae (33.3%) followed by Bagridae (7.9%). The fish fauna includes 49 least concern (LC), 5 near threatened (NT), 2 data deficient (DD) and 7 not assessed (NA) as per IUCN. The fish fauna is a composite of primary freshwater fishes, estuarine fishes and widely distributed forms. The present finding indicates that Kendrapara district is blessed with diverse fish fauna including numerous economically important food fishes and ornamental fishes. Fishery status shows existence of 44 species worth for capture fishery, 45 species for ornamental, 21 species for culture and 10 species worth for sports fishery. Water quality of the rivers and creek of the district are not contaminated as the value of pH and DO are within the tolerance limit of class ‘D’. The water quality of the river is considered suitable for fish culture and wildlife propagation.