Ichthyo Faunal Diversity of Hathnikund Barrage, Haryana, India

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly influenced by hydraulic structures and anthropogenic activities, which can significantly affect fish diversity and habitat conditions. Therefore, periodic assessment of ichthyofaunal diversity is essential for effective conservation and sustainable management. This study provides a detailed assessment of fish diversity in the Hathnikund Barrage, Haryana, from September 2022 to March 2024. A total of forty-seven fish species were recorded, representing five orders and eight families. The fish species belonged to orders Cypriniformes followed by Siluriformes, Perciformes, Anabentiformes and Synbranchiformes. The families were Cyprinidae, Siluridae, Bagridae, Ailiidae, Sisoridae, Ambassidae, Channidae and Mastacembelidae. The order Cypriniformes was the most dominant, encompassing 70% of the species, with Cyprinidae being the most prevalent family. The conservation status (IUCN status), of these species varied, with 85% classified as Least Concern and only 2 % belonged to endangered category. The study observed fluctuations in diversity indices, with Shannon’s index ranging from 3.48 to 3.68, and Simpson's 1-D diversity index from 0.96 to 0.97.