Fish fauna of wunna dam in Nagpur district, Maharashtra

Abstract

The present study documents the fish fauna of Wunna Dam, an earth fill reservoir constructed on the Wunna River in Nagpur District, Maharashtra. A total of 30 fish species, representing 10 orders, 15 families, and 23 genera, were recorded during the survey. The assemblage reflects a moderate level of species diversity within the reservoir ecosystem. Notably, three species—Anguilla bengalensis, Ompok bimaculatus, and Wallago attu—are classified as Near Threatened, while Channa orientalis is listed as Vulnerable according to the updated IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List (2024). The revised taxonomic nomenclature and conservation statuses have been incorporated in this study. The findings contribute to the baseline ichthyofaunal inventory of the region and provide valuable insights for conservation planning and sustainable fisheries management in Wunna Dam.