Ichthyofaunal diversity at the confluence of Pravara and Godavari Rivers (M.S.) India

Abstract

The present work is an an inquiry into the fish fauna at the confluence of Pravara and Godavari rivers at Toka, Tal. Newasa, Dist. Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, India. The study zone was rapidly surveyed to assess the prevailing freshwater fishes. The outcome of the study revealed the occurrence of 21 fish species belonging to 6 orders. The order Cypriniformes was dominant with 10 fish species followed by order Perciformes with 5 species, order Beloniformes and Synbranchiformes with 2 species each; and Siluriformes and Osteoglossiformes with 1 species each, were the least dominant. Thus, carps, barbs, eels, snake-heads and other fish formed the bulk of collection. It is proposed that the scientific information on ichthyofaunal diversity and distribution status will surely help in serving the future purposes of sustainable exploitation and concurrent conservation of fish resources, besides estimation of fishery potential of the confluence zone and broad concern towards providing ‘food security’.