Freshwater fish diversity of West Bengal, India

Abstract

In the present communication, an attempt has been made to provide a systematic classification of freshwater fishes of West Bengal along with their local names, environment and conservation status, as far as possible. We recognized 267 species of freshwater fishes (186 primary freshwater species, 81 secondary freshwater species), belonging to 12 orders, 40 families and 123 genera. Thirteen species of exotic fishes have been introduced to freshwater bodies of the state. The top order with diverse species composition was Cypriniformes (117 species, 46 genera and 4 families). The most diverse family was Cyprinidae with 84 species and 35 genera. Freshwater fishes of West Bengal revealed existence of 109 ornamental fishes, 92 food fishes and 66 were ornamental or food fishes. Out of the 267 freshwater fishes, 17.97% are under threatened or near threatened categories. Updated checklist will lead to a better understanding of the freshwater fish diversity of West Bengal for development and conservation planning processes.