Abstract
Aim:
A survey was conducted at four sampling sites of the River Changa to study
the fish diversity in relation to river substratum. The aim of the study was
to prepare a check list of ichthyofaunal diversity and their habitat
preference guild in relation to sediment type.
Methodology: Ichthyofauna was collected from four selected
stations at monthly interval with the help of fishermen using gill net and
cast net. For the analysis of the riverine substratum, sediment samples were
collected from six square inches area at the sampling sites of the river by
grab sampling method. The composition of stones, pebbles, sand and mud were
evaluated from the sample.
Results:
A total of 64 fish species belonging to 6 families and 18 orders were
recorded. Among which 33 were cold water fishes, 31 were warm water fishes,
28 were rheophilic and 24 were eurytopic fishes. Site 1 and 2 were dominated
by rheophilic and cold water fishes and Site 4 was rich in eurytopic and warm
water fishes. Cypriniformes was the most dominant order with 42 fish species.
River sediment of Site 1, 2 and 3 were dominated by stones, pebbles and sand,
while sediments collected from Site 4 was dominated by sand and mud. Cold
water and rheophilic fishes were positively influenced by stones and pebbles.
Eurytopic and warm water fishes were positively influenced by sand and mud.
Interpretation: Cold water and
rheophilic fishes were abundant at upstream of the river and eurytopic and
warm water fishes were abundant at downstream of the river. Abundance and
distribution of fish species depends on the river substratum.
Key words: Ichthyofaunal diversity, Rheophilic, River Changa,
River substratum
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