Ichthyofaunal diversity of Arunachal Pradesh, India: A part of Himalaya biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

A systematic, updated checklist of freshwater fishes of Arunachal Pradesh is provided. A total of 259 fish species under 105 genera, 34 families and 11 orders has been compiled based on present collection, available collections and literatures during the year 2014 to 2016. Thirty four fish species has been added to the previous report of 225 fish species. Besides, the state is type localities of 47 fish species and 32 species are considered endemic in the state. The fish fauna includes 19 threatened species as per IUCN status. The state has high fisheries potential as it habour many commercially important food, sport or ornamental fishes. The fish fauna is a mixture of endemic hill streams, Assamese, and widely distributed forms.