Diversity, Abundance and Population Status of Fish Fauna of River Jhelum

Abstract

Fishes plays an important role in the economy of many nations and forms an integral part of aquatic ecosystems. Present study was carried out to explore the fish fauna of River Jhelum, Kashmir valley. In order to assess the current status of fish fauna of the river Jhelum of Kashmir valley, Study was carried out from October 2017 to September 2018 .Monthly samplings were carried out at 4 study sites. During the present investigation a total of eight species of fishes were recorded viz, Schizothorax plagiostomus Heckel 1838, Schizothorax esocinus Heckel 1838, Schizothorax curvifrons Heckel 1838, Schizothorax labiatus McClelland 1842, Schizothorax niger Heckel 1838, Cyprinus carpio communis  Linnaeus 1758, Cyprinuscarpiospecularis Linnaeus 1758, Crossocheilus diplochilus Heckel 1838 and Triplophysa kashmirensis (Hora , 1922). Details for the collected material i.e. valid names,   richness and abundance are discussed in this paper. The Kashmir valley is rich in fish biodiversity, the fish fauna of this valley needs to be further explored.