Ichthyofaunal diversity of Sarda Sagar reservoir in Tarai region

Abstract

Studies conducted for Sarda Sagar reservoir in Uttarakhand state and found 42 fish species belonging to 33 genera, 15 families and 6 orders with disappearance of some earlier reported important species. The available data of fish landing for the period 1997 to 2007 showed dominance (58.86 %) of small sized weed/trace fishes followed by minor carps (16.9%), while the commercially important species like Indian major carps, Common carps and mahseer contributed least share (6.99%), among them only Common carp formed sizeable catch (53%). In general, Gudusia chapra and Labeo gonius of the minor carps group are the dominant species in the catch. The estimated production was recorded 60 Kg/ha. A declining trend was observed in the production during 1997-2007 due to over exploitation and habitat destruction. Rational stocking and harvesting especially ranching with fingerlings of Indian major carps are desirable for stock enhancement.