Fishes of Gandhisagar reservoir in Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Gandhisagar reservoir of Madhya Pradesh was constructed on the river Chambal. Extensive survey, would, however be essential to map the fish diversity of Gandhisagar reservoir as the data is scanty on this aspect. The present study was conducted during April 2009 to December 2011 selecting three stations: viz. Kanwala Ghandhisagar and Rampura. Fish samples were collected through repeated surveys of the landing sites, besides conducting experimental nettings and market surveys. During the present study a total of 72 species of fishes belonging to 9 orders, 20 families and 43genera have been recorded from Gandhisagar reservoir. The indepth survey and analysis revealed that Order Cypriformes (59.72%) was dominant by 43 species which was followed by Siluriformes (18.05%) with 13 species; Order Perciformes (12.5%) was represented by 9 species and Order Cyprinodontiformes (2.7%) was represented by 2 species. Order Beloniformes, Clupeiformes, Mugiliformes ,Osteoglossiformes and Synbranchiformes were also represented by each of one species (1.3%). The species belongs to Cypriniformes such as Lepidocephalichthys guntea, Puntius amphibius, Puntius conchonius, Puntius chola, Puntius gelius, Puntius sophore, Puntius ticto, Danio devario, Danio aequipinatus and Rasbora daniconius are potential ornamental species that can be exploited for commercial purpose. The status of fish species in the reservoir suggests that 66.6% with 48 species are Least Concern (LC), 23.6% with 17 species are Not Evaluated (NE), 5.5% with 4 species are Near Threatened (NT) where as 1.38% with one fish species are represented as Vulnerable (Vu), Data Deficient (DD) and Endangered (En) in each categories