Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species

Endemic Freshwater Fish Diversity and Habitat Ecology of India

Abstract

Baliarsingh, Nandi

In the present study, the fish diversity was examined in relation to habitat parameters of water bodies in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, INDIA. The samples of water and fish species were collected in summer, rainy and winter seasons from six collection sites from April 2016 to March 2017. A total of 66 species of fishes under 43 genera, 25 families and 9 orders has been recorded. Highest species diversity was observed in the Cyprinidae (28.7%) followed by Bagridae (12.1%). The fish fauna includes 52 Least concern (LC), 3 Near threatened (NT), 2 Data Deficient (DD) and 9 Not Assessed (NA) as per IUCN. The study shows that water bodies of Jagatsinghpur district including numerous economic importance food fishes as well as ornamental fishes belongs to freshwater, marine and brackish water habitat. In the study 46 species coming under capture fishery, 48 species have ornamental value, 19 species for culture and 7 species under sports fishery. The study shows that river and water bodies support considerable diversity of fishes and water quality will be recommended for aquaculture and wildlife propagation. The study will be useful for conservation planning and management and for future assessment after interlinking.