UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This study delivers an integrative, voucher-anchored confirmation of Labeo catla (Hamilton, 1822) from Khairi Dam, Maharashtra, combining mitochondrial DNA barcoding with comparative morphometric–meristic diagnostics. The objective was to verify species identity for reservoir stocks that underpin regional aquaculture and biodiversity accounting. Fifteen adult specimens (N = 15) were collected by gill nets; standard biometric data and a non-lethal fin clip were taken per specimen, with vouchers curated at ZSI Hyderabad (ZSI-SRC-CYPR2023/Khairi/01–15). A 652-bp COI fragment from the representative voucher RMK1 was amplified with FishF1/FishR1 primers and Sanger-sequenced. The assembled sequence showed no ambiguous bases (Q≥30 across >98% sites; GC 46.2%) and returned 99.38% identity and 98% query coverage to Labeo catla mitogenome MT303069.1 in BLASTn. Neighbor-Joining phylogeny (MEGA11; K2P; 1,000 bootstraps) clustered RMK1 with catla complete mitogenomes (AP011355.1; KY419138.1), clearly separated from the outgroup Magallana gigas. Morphometric and meristic characters for the series fell entirely within authoritative catla ranges: body depth 38–42% SL, head length 28–32% SL, lateral-line scales 62–67, dorsal fin ii,9–11, anal fin iii,5–6, and gill rakers 15–18. No outlier exceeded published bounds. Convergence of molecular and morphological evidence, supported by voucher curation, certifies the Khairi Dam specimens as Labeo catla. The workflow—non-lethal sampling, standard COI barcoding, reference-anchored phylogeny, and a concise meristic panel—offers a realistic template for hatchery auditing, stock traceability, and reservoir monitoring, providing a valuable tool for improving broodstock management and genetic quality in aquaculture, while establishing a curated baseline for future population-genetic and performance studies in Indian major carps