Checklist of Fishes in the Middle Stretch of River Ganga, India

Abstract

Aims: This study presents a unified checklist of fishes reported from the middle stretch of the Ganga, with emphasis on the Kanpur–Ramnagar area of Uttar Pradesh. A scientifically updated checklist is important for biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable fisheries management. Study design: A field-based descriptive and comparative study was conducted to assess fish diversity, community structure, habitat characteristics, and associated environmental variables across nine sampling sites along the Kanpur–Ramnagar stretch of the Ganga River from 2022 to 2024, covering the post-winter, post-summer, and post-monsoon seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Nine locations between Kanpur and Ramnagar were surveyed during 2022–2024. Methodology: Fish were sampled at nine locations along the Ganga River between Kanpur and Ramnagar during the post-winter, post-summer, and post-monsoon seasons. Fish were captured using conventional fishing gear and identified using taxonomic literature and FishBase. The taxonomy, nativity, and conservation status of each species were documented, and a standardised checklist was prepared. Results: Surveys of nine localities between Kanpur and Ramnagar during 2022–2024 yielded 109 fish species representing 71 taxa and 31 families. Cypriniformes and Siluriformes were the two principal taxonomic groups, and Cyprinidae was the most species-rich family. Most recorded species were native, with seven non-native fishes: Clarias gariepinus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Oreochromis niloticus. The checklist also provides information on conservation status and nativity. Comparison with previous data indicates temporal variation in species composition and abundance in the middle Ganga. Conclusion: The checklist provides an updated baseline of fish diversity in the middle Ganga and can support future biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, and sustainable fisheries management.