Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Gose Khurd Reservoir, Maharashtra, India
Umesh Suryawanshi
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
H.N. Anjanayappa
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
S.R. Somashekara
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Kumar Naik A.S.
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Ganapathi Naik, M.
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
P.A. Telvekar.
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
P. Nayana
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Pawar. H. B.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Goa, India.
J.G.K. Pathan
*
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A comprehensive assessment of ichthyofaunal diversity was conducted across five sampling sites in the Gose Khurd Reservoir, Maharashtra, between January and September 2024. The study identified a total of 72 fish species belonging to 24 families and 11 orders, with a clear dominance of the family Cyprinidae. Notable spatial differences were observed in the structure of the fish community. Diversity metrics indicated that Station 5 had the highest species richness (S = 55), Shannon-Wiener index (H' = 2.849), and Simpson's index (1-D = 0.912), reflecting a well-balanced and complex ecosystem. In contrast, Station 1 demonstrated the lowest diversity (H'=2.186), with a few species like Ambassis nama and Osteobrama vigorsii being particularly dominant. The occurrence of specialist species, such as Tor tor and Nemacheilus savona, suggests a high level of habitat variability, especially in the inflow regions. Interestingly, while non-native species (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Pangasius pangasius and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) were found, their populations were relatively low, indicating a currently strong native fish community. The findings of the present study indicate that the Gose Khurd Reservoir supports a high level of fish diversity, comparable to other significant reservoirs in Maharashtra. The variations in diversity across locations underscore the need for targeted conservation measures to protect essential habitats from potential threats, such as the spread of invasive species and habitat degradation, thereby ensuring the long-term ecological integrity of this important aquatic resource.
Keywords: Fish diversity, Ichthyofaunal diversity, Shannon-wiener index, reservoir ecology, invasive species, Gose Khurd, Maharashtra