International Journal of Applied Research 2015; 1(9): 424-435
ISSN Print: 2394-7500 ISSN Online: 2394-5869 Impact Factor: 5.2 Evaluation of fish biodiversity in rivers of three IJAR 2015; 1(9): 424-435 www.allresearchjournal.com districts of eastern Himalayan region for conservation Received: 23-06-2015 Accepted: 25-07-2015 and sustainability
Arpita Dey M.Sc, Research Scholar, Arpita Dey, Kripan Sarkar, Sudip Barat Aquaculture and Limnology Research Unit, Department of Abstract Zoology, University of North The present study was conducted in the Eastern Himalayan region to generate a primary database on Bengal, Darjeeling, Siliguri - ichthyofauna diversity of seven rivers in three districts (Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar) of 734 013, West Bengal, India. West Bengal, India. Out of the seven rivers, five rivers originate from Bhutan ghat hills, and the other Kripan Sarkar two rivers the Teesta, originates from North Sikkim and river Karala from Jalpaiguri. 141 indigenous Rainbow Ornamental Fish fish species belonging to 31 families were identified. The family Cyprinidae represented the largest Farm, Baxipara, Raninagar, diversity accommodating 21 genera and 46 species. Amongst all the fishes, 99 species have ornamental Mohitnagar -735101, West value and 87 species the food value. Ornamental fishes are dominant over the food fishes and Bengal, India. carnivorous fishes are dominant over the omnivorous and herbivorous fishes. According to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature ) and CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Sudip Barat Management Plan), the conservation status of the fishes are listed as 1 (1%) species as Critically Department of Zoology, Endangered, 12 (8%) species as Endangered, 33 (23%) species as Vulnerable, 17 (12%) species as at University of North Bengal, Lower Risk Near Threatened, 66 (47%) species as Lower Risk Least Concerned,8 (6%) species as Data Darjeeling, Siliguri - 734 013, Deficient and 4 (3%) species as Not Evaluated. About 44% fish species are near threats, vulnerable and West Bengal, India. endangered in this region. 20 endemic species are present in this region. It is concluded, that
anthropogenic pressure arising out of agricultural run offs, high population growth, construction of highways, roads, bridges and dams, destruction of riparian vegetation and watershed forest cover, denudation causing high siltation, boulder and sand lifting, landslides, rampant fishing, disposal of untreated sewages, indiscriminatory use of fishing with new fishing technologies may cause the decline of the fish diversity. The conservation of ichthyodiversity is important for sustainable livelihood of fishermen and also essential for socio- economic development of the country.
Keywords: Ichthyofauna diversity, Eastern Himalayan Rivers, Threats, Conservation status, Sustainability
1. Introduction The Eastern Himalaya comprises Bhutan, Northern part of West Bengal, Sikkim North- Eastern India and Southern, Central and Eastern Nepal. Strictly speaking, the Eastern Himalayan region comprises of two large hotspots: the Indo-Burma and the Himalaya Hotspots (CEPF 2005) [8]. This means that the region contains exceptional levels of plant
endemism (at least 1,500 endemic species) and has lost 70% or more of its original habitat [22] (Myers et al., 2000) . The Eastern Himalaya with rich biodiversity is under immediate threat of species extinction and habitat destruction due to tremendous pressure from demo technic growth and natural environmental changes. The fishery sector contributes Correspondence: significantly to foreign exchange earnings of India to the tune of many millions. In addition, Arpita Dey M.Sc, Research Scholar, aquatic germplasm resources are turning out to be an important source of various products Aquaculture and Limnology with pharmaceutical and commercial value. Fishery plays an instrumental role in the socio- Research Unit, Department of economic development of the country, as it is a valuable resource of livelihood for a huge Zoology, University of North section of economically backward population. It also generates gainful employment, Bengal, Darjeeling, Siliguri - alternate income and stimulates growth of new subsidiary industries (Goswami et al., 2012) 734 013, West Bengal, India. [15] .
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Fig 1: Physical map of the Eastern Himalayan region showing the rivers
A great number of species have been reported from most of river in West Bengal whereas, river Raidak originates from the North Eastern states but in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Raidak forest in West Bengal, about 95 km long and outfalls Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal there is very few report into Dud Kumar river in Balabhat, West Bengal. on fish biodiversity. Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts The first assessment (Anonymous 1992–1993) [4] categorized are situated on the foothills of Eastern Himalaya. Jalpaiguri 46 freshwater fish species as threatened. In the second district is located at the Terai region of Eastern Himalaya. assessment of 320 freshwater fish assessed, according to Among all the rivers flowing through the three districts IUCN criteria (CAMP 1998) [7], 43 freshwater fishes species Teesta, Jaldhaka, Karala, Torsa, Kaljani, Gadadhar and are critically endangered, 90 are endangered and 81 are Raidak are the richest in fresh water fish biodiversity and vulnerable. The recent assessment for central India reported originate from the Eastern Himalaya region. The Teesta river 41 species (56.58%) of freshwater fishes as threatened under is 414 km long and originates from Chumbu Chu and outfalls divergent categories (Lakra and Sarkar 2007) [19]. The few into the river Brahmaputra in Bangladesh; river Jaldhaka is contributors on fish diversity of Northern region of West about 192 km long and arises from Bhutan border and Bengal were Barat et al., (2005) [5], Mukherjee et.al., (2011) outfalls into Jamuna river in Bangladesh; river Karala [21], Patra (2011) [23], Jha et al., (2004) [18], Das and originates from Jalpaiguri district and outfalls into river Chakrabarty (2007) [10], Basu et al., (2012) [6], Acharjee et al., Teesta and is about 141 km long; river Torsa originates from (2013 [3], 2014a [1] and 2014b [2]) and Dey et al., (2015a [12] Torsa Chhu near Chhukha in Bhutan, about 358 km long and and 2015b[11]). Since the existing literatures do not give outfalls into Jamuna river in Bangladesh; river Kaljani which specific distribution of fish fauna in different water bodies of is about 96 Km long originates from Gabaur Bachhra forest, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. The present lying in the borders of Bhutan and West Bengal, and outfalls study, therefore, is aimed at to update the ichthyofaunal into Shiltorsa in Cooch Behar; river Gadadhar originates diversity in the rivers of the three districts and to get a from Buxa hill forest, 117 km long and outfalls into Raidak database on the distribution of fish species.
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2. Materials and Methods photographs were taken from fresh samples by camera The study was conducted in the rivers of three districts (Nikon, Coolpix L24) and were identified following their namely Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri located in general body form, morphometric and meristic the northern region of West Bengal, India where, the rivers characteristics according to Talwar and Jhingran (1991) [26], Torsa, Kaljani, Gadadhar, Raidak, Teesta, Jaldhaka and Jayaram(1999) [17] and Vishwanath et al., (2011) [27]. Karala cover an area of the lower reaches of the rivers. Conservation status of fish is given as per Conservation Survey and sampling were carried out for two years Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP, 1998) [7] and (January, 2013- December, 2014) at monthly interval from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2010 the selected sites. The sampling areas in Cooch Behar district [16]). were Torsa (Silbarihat, 260 50’ N latitude and 890 32’ E longitude), Kaljani (Bhelakhopa, 260 30’ N latitude and 890 3. Results and Discussion 58’ E longitude), Gadadhar (Ghogarkuthi, 260 30’ N latitude One hundred forty one (141) indigenous fish species and 890 63’ E longitude), in Alipurduar district Kaljani belonging to 31 families were collected and identified from (Birpara, 260 48’ N latitude and 890 51’ E longitude), Raidak nine locations of the rivers of three districts. The family-wise (Chhipra, 260 49’ N latitude and 890 70’ E longitude), interpretation (Fig. 2) revealed Cyprinidae as the largest Gadadhar (Chikliguri, 260 49’ N latitude and 890 59’ E family accommodating 21 genera and 46 species. The genus longitude). Whereas, in Jalpaiguri district, Teesta (Gazoldoba Puntius, ranked first among the genera with its numerical barrage, 260 75’ N latitude and 880 59’ E longitude), Jaldhaka strength of 8 species. Family Sisoridae with 16, Bagridae (Jaldhaka fishing point, 260 86’ N latitude and 890 80’ E with 13 and Cobitidae with 10 species. Balitoridae, longitude) and Karala (Teesta Udyan, 260 52’ N latitude and Schilbeidae, Mastacembelidae, Siluridae, Badidae, 880 72’ E longitude). Belontiidae family represented 4 species. Channidae Fishes were collected from different sites with the help of represented 5 species, Psilorhynchidae and Clupeidae fishermen using different types of nets namely gill net, cast represented family with 3 species. Ambassidae, net, dip net, drag net and other locally designed fishing gears Amblycipitidae, Notopteridae showed 2 members from each like Katal fishing gear. In Katal fishing technique, some area and other 15 families like Belonidae, Anabantidae and so on of the river is temporarily fenced off by bamboo and aquatic represented single member from each. Among the three macrophytes Eichhornia or Pistia sp. After a few days, these districts, fish diversity is richest in Jalpaiguri district. In areas are covered by nets and the fishes are caught by cast Jalpaiguri district, Teesta river has the highest fish diversity net. This method is applied throughout the year except than river Jaldhaka and Karala. River Teesta has 122 species monsoon. The harvested fishes were then preserved in 10 % and represents 29 families (Fig.3). formaldehyde solution according to Jayaram (1999) [17]. Fish
Fig 2: Total family wise distribution of fish diversity in the districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri.
River Jaldhaka represents 113 species and 28 families. River Puntius sophore, Puntius conchonius, Puntius chola, Barilius Karala has a lower fish diversity than river Teesta and bendelisis, Cirrhinus mrigala, Mystus tengra, Channa Jaldhaka. River Karala represents 75 species and 24 families. punctatus, Mystus vittatus and Channa marulius were In Alipurduar district, river Raidak-2 has the highest and abundant in the system and were collected from all locations river Gadadhar has lowest fish diversity (Fig.4). River throughout the year. Ghosh and Lipton (1982) [14] had Raidak-2 represents 106 species and 26 families; river reported 172 species of fishes from northeastern India. Kaljani represents 99 species and 26 families whereas, river Choudhury (2005) [9] reported that rich ichthyodiversity of Gadadhar has 89 species and 25 families. Fish diversity of northeast India comprised 297 fish species belonging to 114 river Kaljani in Cooch Behar is higher than river Torsa and genera under 38 families and 10 orders. This forms about Gadadhar (Fig 5). River Kaljani represents 119 species and 33% of the total Indian fresh water fishes. Goswami et al., 31 families, river Torsa has 115 species and 30 families, (2012) [15] recorded 422 species from North East India; river Gadadhar has lowest fish diversity 99 species and 28 Mahapatra et al., (2015) [20] reported 190 fish species from families. Comparative study between three districts showed West Bengal. Acharjee et al. (2013) [3], 2014a [1] and 2014b that better environment is represented in Jalpaiguri and [2]) reported 65 species from Teesta river, 25 species from Cooch Behar districts than Alipurduar district (Fig.6). Data river Relli and 20 species of loaches from Darjeeling of above showed that 10 species such as Puntius ticto, Himalaya. Mahapatra et al., (2015) [20] reported 190 native
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freshwater fish species from West Bengal. Dey et al. (2015a) [12] reported 138 species from Kaljani river of Cooch Behar and Dey et al. (2015b) [11] reported 46 ornamental species from Ghargharia river of Cooch Behar. Analysis showed, 33 species were commonly found in all the locations, but the number of specimens collected with respect to each species was relatively less. 98 species collected were very less in number. Ornamental fishes were dominant over the food fishes. 100 species have ornamental value and 88 species the food value. All the three types of feeding habits of fishes like carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous were
available in all these regions. About 101 species of fishes are carnivorous, 29 species are omnivorous and 11 species are Fig 6: Bar diagram shows the comparative fish diversity of the herbivorous fish (Table-1). Similar findings were also districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri reported from other tropical rivers of India (Das and [10] [3] An insight into the conservation status of fishes as per Chakrabarty 2007 ; Acharjee and Barat 2013 ; Dey et [7] [16] al., 2015a [15]). CAMP (1998) and IUCN (2010) revealed, under the different categories, 66 species are under ‘Low Risk Least Concern’ (LRlc); 17 species were ‘Low Risk Near Threatened’ (LRnt); 33 species were ‘Vulnerable’ (VU). 12 species were ‘Endangered’ (EN); 8 species were ‘Data Deficient’ (DD). 4 fish species were ‘Not Evaluated’ category and One species was critically endangered (Fig7). Similar findings were also reported by Dutta et al., (2012) [13] and Goswami et al. (2012) [15] from North- East India and Acharjee and Barat (2014b) [2] and Dey et al., (2015a [12] and 2015b [11]) from West Bengal. Notopterus notopterus, Notopterus chilata, Anguilla bengalensis, Ompok pabo, Ompok bimaculatus, Gudusia chapra, Tor putitora and Tor tor are endangered fishes which have good economic and high nutrition value. Therefore about 44% fishes are near
threats, vulnerable and endangered. In the present study it Fig 3: Fish diversity of the rivers of Jalpaiguri district was indicated that species number increased during the months March to June and September to November (Fig 8). Highest number of species (106) were recorded in April, 2014 and lowest number of species (52) were recorded in August, 2013. At pre-monsoon period fishes migrated into suitable breeding grounds. During post monsoon period fishes migrated for mainly food and habitats. Low diversity of fishes were recorded during monsoon months due to difficulty in fish catching for elevated water level. The highest number of species were recorded while assessing the potential utilization of the collected fishes, it was realized that among 141 species, 100 species have ornamental value.
Fig 4: Fish diversity of the rivers of Alipurduar district
Fig 5: Fish diversity of the rivers of Cooch Behar district Fig 7: Bar diagram showing the present conservation status of fish in the districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri ~ 427 ~ International Journal of Applied Research
The highest demandable ornamental species are present like deocata. These species are of high ornamental value and Pseudambassis ranga, Chanda nama, Colisa lalia, Botia therefore simultaneously can be exploited for commercial dario, Ctenops nobilis, Danio devario, Botia almorhae, purpose. Swain (2008) [25] reported, that about almost 85 % Badis badis, Botia lohachata, Botia rostrata, Botia of the exportable ornamental fish are contributed by the histrionic, Oreichthys casuatis, Oreichthys crenuchoides, North Eastern states. Osteobrama cotio, Danio devario, Hara hara and Microphis
Fig 8: Graph showing the monthly average variation of number of fish diversity in the rivers of the three districts (2013-2014)
The present study showed that 20 endemic species are found biodiversity to become extinct by 2070. in this region. According to CAMP (1998) [7], India has 191 endemic species. Eastern Himalayan rivers represented many 4. Conclusion endemic species like Badis badis, Badis bengalensis, Badis A rich fish biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayan region is assamensis, Ctenop nobilis, Chaca chaca, Conta conta, therefore represented with about 141 fish species in the three Olyra longicaudata and so on. The Eastern Himalayas is an districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. Lakra area of considerable endemicity in its freshwater and Sarkar (2007) [19] identified North-Eastern India as a hot ichthyofauna. Much of this endemicity stems from the spot of freshwater biodiversity. Fish diversity of northern presence of numerous hill stream species with highly part of North Bengal has close similarity with the North- restricted distributions for example, many members of the Eastern states of India as shown in the present study. These Balitoridae and Sisoridae. All known species of the genus areas are, therefore, considered as “hot spot”for fresh water Aborichthys are endemic to Brahmaputra drainage in fish biodiversity. The drastic modification of freshwater northern Bengal, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. In habitats by damming streams on rivers like Teesta river, monsoon months two Hilsa species recorded in rivers of siltation leading to reduction in their depth has also Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts. Tenualosa toil was profoundly affected many fish species like the carp ( Labeo recorded from river Kaljani and Gadadhar in July-August, calbasu), the catfish ( Bagarius bagarius) and so on. Due to 2013. Tenualosa ilisha was recorded from river Torsa, changed habitat, the life cycles of these species have been Kaljani and Teesta in July-August, 2014. seriously disrupted. Therefore, unlimited exploitation of Damming, deforestation, diversion and withdrawal of water untapped wild germplasm resources is highly undesirable. for irrigation, urban and industrial consumption have caused These regions need a strategy for sustainable utilization of large scale changes in the channel bed and hydrology of the resources as well as the development and enhancement of river in terms of flow, flow-rate, flood-rhythm and regime. potential untapped fishery resources. Species-specific The upland fast-moving habitat has been lost to reservoirs recovery programmes and broad-area in-situ conservation which are unfavourable for rheophilic species (Sarkar et al., programmes will enable us to preserve endangered species 2008) [24]. Wanton killing by stupefying methods of brood from becoming extinct due to anthropogenic stresses. 12 fishes in spawning season and juveniles during post- endangered species are present in these areas like Tor monsoon periods have affected a number of food and game putitora, Tor tor, Ompok pabo, Notopterus chitala, fishes of upland waters. Over-fishing affects heritable life Notopterus notopterus, Anguilla bengalensis, Chaca chaca, history parameters like growth and age of sexual maturity. Gudusia chapra, Botia lohachata, Botia almorhae, Over-exploitation of fishery resources due to its higher Lepidocephalichthys arunachalensis and Ompok economic value has increased the vulnerability of the bimaculatus. These species have a high market value. The population in different ecosystems, namely Tor spp. and information on endangered fish habitats required can be Schizothorax spp. in upland waters, Chitala chitala, Ompok rapidly acquired and effectively utilized by using modern pabda, Pangasius pangasius, Eutropiichthys vacha, techniques of remote sensing and Geographic Information Semiplotus semiplotus and so on in warm water (Mahapatra Systems. By taking into consideration the socio-economic et al.,2015) [21]. Global climate change is likely to result in cost of in-situ conservation programmes and forming severe droughts and floods with major impact on human networks of local communities, non-governmental health and food supplies, according to the India’s report to organizations (NGOs) and other organizations, the the United Nations (Xenopoulos, 2005) [28] reduction in river sustainability of such programmes can be ensured. There is discharge due to combined effect of climate change and also an urgent need to be established fish sanctuary to water withdrawal will make up to 75% global freshwater fish preserve fish stocks and indigenous brood fishes.
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Table 1: Ichthyofauna Diversity of seven rivers of the three Districts (Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri) of Eastern Himalaya region.
Cooch Behar Alipurduar Jalpaiguri Sl. Local Conservation Relative Food Economic Scientific name Family Raidak- No. name status abundance habit importance Torsa Kaljani Gadadhar Kaljani Gadadhar Teesta Jaldhaka Karala 2 Labeo rohita(Hamilton - 1 Rui Cyprinidae LRnt + H Fd Buchanan) Labeo 2 Calbaus Cyprinidae LRlc ++ H Fd calbasu(Hamilton) 3 Gonya Labeo gonius (Hamilton) Cyprinidae VU ++ H Fd Labeo 4 Silghorea Cyprinidae VU + H Fd dyocheilus(McClelland) 5 Bata Labeo bata (Hamilton) Cyprinidae LRlc ++ H Fd Catla catla (Hamilton- 6 Catla Cyprinidae LRlc + H Fd Buchanan) Cirrhinus mrigala 7 Mrigel Cyprinidae LRnt +++ O Fd (Hamilton-Buchanan) Puntius chola(Hamilton- 8 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or Buchanan) Puntius 9 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or conchonius(Hamilton) Puntius 10 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc ++ C Fd/Or phutunio(Hamilton) Puntius 11 Sarpunti Cyprinidae VU + C Fd sarana(Hamilton) Puntius 12 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or sophore(Hamilton) Puntius 13 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc + C Fd/Or stolickanus(Day) 14 Teripunti Puntius terio(Hamilton) Cyprinidae LRlc + C Fd/Or 15 Titpunti Puntius ticto (Hamilton) Cyprinidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or Oreichthys casuatis 16 Punti Cyprinidae LRlc + C Fd/Or (Hamilton-Buchanan) Puntius gelius 17 Gilipunti Cyprinidae LRl + C Fd/Or (Hamilton) Oreichthys crenuchoides 18 Punti Cyprinidae DD + C Fd/Or (Schafer) Chagunius chagunius 19 Pithkati Cyprinidae DD + O Fd/Or (Hamilton) Osteobrama belangeri 20 Gilachaki Cyprinidae LRnt + C Fd/Or (Valencienes) Osteobrama cotio 21 Gilachaki Cyprinidae LRlc + C Fd/Or (Hamilton) Chepti Semiplotus semiplotus 22 Cyprinidae VU + C Fd puthi (McClelland ) 23 Putitor Tor putitora (Hamilton) Cyprinidae EN + O Fd
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24 Mahasol Tor tor (Hamilton) Cyprinidae EN + O Fd Neolissochilus 25 Katli hexagonolepis Cyprinidae LRnt + O Fd (McClelland ) Amblypharyngodon 26 Mola mola (Hamilton- Cyprinidae LRlc + H Fd/Or Buchanan) Aspidoparia morar 27 Baspati Cyprinidae VU + C Fd/Or + + + (Hamilton) Cirrhinus reba 28 Khargebata Cyprinidae VU + O Fd (Hamilton) Crossocheilus latius 29 Kalabatta Cyprinidae LRlc + O Fd (Hamilton-Buchanan) 30 Klagachhi Garra kempi (Hora) Cyprinidae LRlc ++ H Fd 31 Klagachhi Garra gotyla (Gray) Cyprinidae VU ++ H Fd 32 Klagachhi Garra lamta(Hamilton) Cyprinidae LRlc ++ H Fd Barilius 33 Boroli Cyprinidae VU ++ O Fd barila(Hamilton) Barilius 34 Boroli Cyprinidae LRnt ++ O Fd barna(Hamilton) Barilius 35 Boroli Cyprinidae VU +++ O Fd bendelisis(Hamilton) 36 Boroli Barilius tileo (Hamilton) Cyprinidae VU ++ O Fd Barilius 37 Boroli Cyprinidae VU ++ O Fd vagra(Hamilton) Danio 38 Darikana Cyprinidae LRlc ++ C Or dangila(Hamilton) Devario aequipinnatus 39 Chhebli Cyprinidae LRlc ++ C Or (McClelland) Devario 40 Devriputhi Cyprinidae LRlc ++ C Or devario(Hamilton) Rasbora daniconius 41 Darikana Cyprinidae LRlc + C Or (Hamilton) Laubuca 42 Laubuca Cyprinidae LRlc + O Or laubuca(Hamilton) 43 Bhola Raiamas bola(Hamilton) Cyprinidae VU + C Fd/Or Rasbora 44 Darikana rasbora(Hamilton- Cyprinidae LRnt + C Fd/Or Buchanan) Salmophasia 45 Chela Cyprinidae LRnt ++ C Fd/Or bacaila(Hamilton) Psilorhynchus sucatio 46 Balitora Cyprinidae LRlc + O Or (Hamilton) Gudusia 47 Chapila chapra(Hamilton- Clupeidae EN + O Fd Buchanan) ~ 430 ~ International Journal of Applied Research
Chandan- Tenualosa 48 Clupeidae VU + C Fd Ilish toli(Valenciennes) Tenualosa 49 Ilishmach ilisha(Hamilton- Clupeidae VU + C Fd + _ + Buchanan) 50 Betrongi Botia Dario(Hamilton) Cobitidae VU + C Fd/Or Ladder 51 Botia rostrata(Gunther) Cobitidae VU + C Or loach Botia lohachata 52 Lohachata Cobitidae EN + C Or (Chaudhuri) 53 Lohachata Botia almorhae (Grey) Cobitidae EN + C Or 54 Lohachata Botia histrionic (Blyth) Cobitidae VU + C Or _ _ Pangio 55 Daria Cobitidae VU + C Or pangio(Hamilton) Cantophrys gongota 56 Ghor poia Cobitidae VU + C Or (Hamilton) Lepidocephalichthys 57 Gutum arunachalensis(Datta Cobitidae EN ++ C Or and Barman) Lepidocephalichthys 58 Gutum Cobitidae LRlc ++ C Or berdmorei (Blyth) Lepidocephalichthys 59 Gutum manipurensis Cobitidae LRlc ++ C Or (Arunkumar) 60 Balitora Balitora brucei(Gray) Balitoridae NE + O Or Aborichthys 61 Gutum Balitoridae LRlc + O Or elongatus(Hora) Schistura 62 Poia fasciata(Lokeshwar and Balitoridae NE + O Or Vishwanath) Schistura 63 Poia Balitoridae LRlc + O Or tirapensis(Kottelat) Bagarius 64 Bagari Sisoridae VU + C Fd bagarius(Hamilton) 65 Tinkata Conta pectinata(Ng) Sisoridae DD ++ C Or Erethistes pussilus 66 Tinkantia Sisoridae LRlc + C Or (Muller and Troschel) Erethistoides 67 Tinkantia Sisoridae DD + C Or Montana(Hora) Kaoya 68 Gagata cenia(Hamilton) Sisoridae LRlc + C Fd/Or tengra Kaoya Gagata 69 Sisoridae LRlc + C Fd/Or tengra dolichonema(He) 70 Tinkata Hara hara(Hamilton) Sisoridae LRlc ++ C Or 71 Tinkata Hara Jerdoni(Day) Sisoridae LRlc ++ C Or 72 Tinkata Hara koladynensis Sisoridae DD ++ C Or ~ 431 ~ International Journal of Applied Research
(Anganthoibi and Vishwanath) Pseudolaguvia ferula 73 Tinkata Sisoridae NE ++ C Or (Ng) Pseudolaguvia shawi 74 Tinkata Sisoridae NE + C Or (Hora) Sisor barakensis 75 Sisor (Vishwanath and Sisoridae VU + C Or Darshan) Sisor 76 Sisor Sisoridae LRlc + C Or rhabdophorus(Hamilton) Glyptothorax indicus 77 Kani tengra Sisoridae LRlc + C Or (Talwar) Glyptothorax cavia 78 Kani tengra Sisoridae LRlc + C Or (Hamilton) Glyptothorax telchitta 79 Kani tengra Sisoridae LRlc + C Or (Hamilton) 80 Pabda Ompok pabda(Hamilton) Siluridae VU + C Fd/Or 81 Pabda Ompok pabo(Hamilton) Siluridae EN + C Fd/Or Ompok bimaculatus 82 Pabda Siluridae EN + C Fd/Or (Bloch) 83 Boyal Wallago attu(Schneider) Siluridae VU + C Fd Clupisoma 84 Gharya Schilbeidae LRlc + C Fd garua(Hamilton) Clupisoma 85 Kocha Schilbeidae LRlc + C Fd Montana(Hora) Eutropiichthys murius 86 Muri bacha Schilbeidae LRlc + C Fd (Hamilton) Eutropiichthys 87 Bacha Schilbeidae LRlc + C Fd vacha(Hamilton) Golsha 88 Mystus bleekeri(Day) Bagridae VU + C Fd/Or tangra Kabasi- Mystus 89 Bagridae LRlc + O Fd/Or tengra cavasius(Hamilton) Mystus 90 Tengara Bagridae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or tengara(Hamilton) Golsha 91 Mystus gulio(Hamilton) Bagridae LRlc + C Fd/Or tengra 92 Tengra Mystus vittatus(Bloch) Bagridae VU +++ C Fd/Or 93 Aar Sperata aor (Hamilton) Bagridae VU + C Fd Sperata 94 Guji Bagridae VU + C Fd seenghala(Sykes) Batasio 95 Batasio Bagridae LRlc + C Or batasio(Hamilton) 96 Batasio Batasio fasciolatus(Ng) Bagridae LRlc + C Or 97 Batasio Batasio merianensis Bagridae DD + C Or ~ 432 ~ International Journal of Applied Research
(Chaudhuri) Batasio tengana ( 98 Batashi Bagridae LRlc + C Fd/Or Hamilton) Rita rita (Hamilton - 99 Ritha Bagridae VU + C Fd/Or Buchanan) Xenentodon cancila 100 Kakhila Belonidae LRlc + C Or (Hamilton) Aplocheilus panchax 101 Panchokha Aplocheilidae LRlc + O Or (Hamilton) Macrognathus aral 102 Bhaim Mastacembelidae LRlc + C Fd/Or (Bloch and Schneider) Macrognathus 103 Bhaim morehensis (Arunkumar Mastacembelidae LRlc ++ C Fd/Or and Tombi) Macrognathus pancalus 104 Bhaim Mastacembelidae LRlc ++ C Fd/Or (Hamilton) Mastacembelus armatus 105 Bhaim Mastacembelidae LRlc ++ C Fd/Or (Lacepede) 106 Napit Badis assamensis (Ahl) Badidae DD + C Fd/Or 107 Botkoi Badis badis (Hamilton) Badidae LRlc + C Fd/Or Badis badis 108 Botkoi Badidae LRlc + C Fd/Or burmanicus(Ahl) Badis 109 Botkoi Badidae LRlc + C Fd/Or bengalensis(Hamilton) 110 Shol Channa striata (Bloch) Channidae LRlc + C Fd/Or 111 Cheng Channa bleheri (Vierke) Channidae LRnt + C Fd/Or Channa gachua 112 Cheng Channidae LRlc + C Fd/Or (Hamilton) Channa marulius 113 Sal Channidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or (Hamilton) Channa punctatus 114 Lata Channidae LRlc +++ C Fd/Or (Bloach) Anabas 115 Koi Anabantidae VU + C Fd testudineus(Bloch) Ctenops nobilis 116 Koleehona Belontiidae LRnt + O Or (McClelland) Colisa fasciatus 117 Khalisha Belontiidae LRlc ++ C Or (Schneider) Colisa lalia(Hamilton - 118 Khalisha Belontiidae LRlc + C Or Buchanan) Chuna- Colisa sota(Hamilton- 119 Belontiidae LRlc + C Or Khalisha Buchanan) Pseudambassis ranga 120 Lal chanda Ambassidae LRnt ++ C Or (Hamilton-Buchanan) Chanda nama 121 Namchanda Ambassidae LRnt ++ C Or (Hamilton-Buchanan)
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Chaca chaca(Hamilton- 122 Checa Chacidae EN + C Or Buchanan) Olyra longicaudata 123 Bot-singhi Bargridae LRnt + C Or (McClelland) Clarius batrachus 124 Magur Clariidae VU + C Fd/Or (Linnaeaus) Heteropneustes fossilis 125 Singhi Heteropneustidae VU ++ C Fd/Or (Bloch) Gang Amblyceps mangois 126 Amblycipitidae LRlc ++ C Or magur (Hamilton-Buchanan) Amblyceps tuberculatum Gang 127 (Linthoingambi and Amblycipitidae DD + C Or magur Vishwanath) Glossogobius giuris 128 Bele Gobiidae LRnt + C Fd (Hamilton-Buchanan) Rhinomugil 129 Khsola Mugilidae VU + H Fd/Or corsula(Hamilton) Setipinna phasa 130 Phesa Engraulididae LRnt + C Fd (Hamilton- Buchanan) Anguilla 131 Bamish Anguillidae EN + O Fd bengalensis(Gray) Amphipnous cuchia 132 Cuchhia Synbranchidae VU + O Or (Hamilton-Buchanan) Notopterus 133 Pholi Notopteridae EN ++ C Fd notopterus(Pallas) Notopterus chitala 134 Chital Notopteridae EN + C Fd (Hamilton- Buchanan) Microphis deocata 135 Pipe fish Syngnathidae LRnt + O Or (Hamilton-Buchanan) Tetradon cutcutia( 136 Tepa Tetradontidae LRnt ++ O Or Hamilton-Buchanan) Pangasius pangasius 137 Pangus Pangasiidae CEN + C Fd (Hamilton-Buchanan) Nandus nandus 138 Meni Nandidae LRnt + C Or (Hamilton-Buchanan) Psilorhychus 139 Balitora Psilorhynchidae LRlc + O Or sucatio(Hamilton) Psilorhychus balitora 140 Balitora Psilorhynchidae LRlc + O Or (Hamilton) Psilorhychus 141 Balitora homaloptera (Hora and Psilorhynchidae LRlc + O Fd Mukherji) Note: Feeding habit: O= Omnivorous, C= Carnivorous, H=Herbivorus, Economic importance: Fd= Food fish, Or= Ornamental fish. Conservation status: According to IUCN (2010) [16] and CAMP (1998) [7] DD= Data deficient, NE= Not evaluated, VU= Vulnerable, EN= Endangered, CNE= critically endangered, LRnt=Lower risk near threatened, LRlc=lower risk least concern. Abundance category: +++ =abundand species, ++ = less abundand and+ = rear species.
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