IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Vandana Ram; Binay ku.Singh; Sangeeta Mashi

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2017

ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF SHAHDOL REGION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO EXOTIC FISHES AND THEIR EFFECT ON INDIGINOUS FISH FAUNA

Vandana Ram, Binay Ku. Singh, Sangeeta Mashi

Abstract :

The Ichthyofaunal study was undertaken during 2012 to 2014, in the lentic and lotic water bodies of Shahdol region. Samples were collected from pond, rivers and different fish markets also with the help of fisheries department and irrigation department. Data were analyzed for different morphometric features of fish species and Identification done in laboratory. The result of present investigation reveals the occurrence of 68 fish species belonging to 41 different genera, 15 families and 05 orders were recorded from different water bodies of Shahdol region. The members of Cypriniformes were found dominant with 53 fish species followed by Clupiformes, Ophiocephaliformes, Perciformes and Mastacembeliformes. Among these fishes 16 fishes are exotic and among these exotic fishes Clarius gariepinus and Tilapia massambica are cultured abundantly in this region because of its fast growing nature, much tolerance towards diseases, omnivorous feeding behavior, no need to proper care, good market value. But due to fast growing and highly carnivorous and voracious predatory nature of these fishes are dangerous for our indigenous species because these exotic fishes destroy their ecosystem and giving strong competition for food and habitat. In study we found that Bagarius bagarius, Wallago attu, Tor tor (State fish of Madhya Pradesh), Nandus nandus, Labeo calbasu, Chanda ranga, and Clarius batrachus are in threatened condition and need to take appropriate step for their conservation for future generation.