Study on the fish species diversity and macro invertebrates of the river Narmada in Nimar Region of M.P.

Abstract

The fishes are one of the most important vertebrate, provided rich protein sources for human and several animals and important elements in the economy of many countries. Fish diversity of river essentially represents the fish faunal diversity. Rivers conserve a rich variety of fish species which supports the from the period August 2009 to July 2010. The aim of the study was to explore the fish fauna of Narmada River. In the course of investigation, four sampling spots were selected Viz. Omkareshwar, Mandleshwar, Maheshwar and Barwani of Narmada River. The total 43 fish species were recorded under four orders, nine families and 16 genera. 21 species of commercial fisheries. The country is rich in diversity of such important group of animals keeping in the view, the diversity of fish fauna of the Narmada River in Omkareshwar to Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, Central India has been studied Cypriniformes, three species of Ophiocephaliformes, two species. The Cyprinidae family is dominant and sub dominant family is of Perciformes and one species of Mastacembeliformes have been recorded Ophiocephalidae. Recently, the Tor fish species commonly called ‘Mahasheer” has been declared state Fish of Madhya Pradesh. The over fishing and pollution are the major threat for fish diversity of the Narmada River.