Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Wadgaon Dam in the Wunna River Basin, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Inland reservoirs support diverse fish assemblages but are increasingly affected by habitat modification, fisheries enhancement, and the introduction of non-native species. This study assessed the ichthyofaunal diversity of Wadgaon Dam in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The survey was conducted from March 2013 to March 2015. A total of 44 fish species belonging to 14 families and 10 orders were documented, with Cypriniformes as the dominant order (22 species), followed by Siluriformes (8 species). The assemblage included species of conservation concern, notably the Endangered Clarias magur; the Vulnerable Channa orientalis and Wallago attu; and the Near Threatened Chitala chitala, Anguilla bengalensis, and Ompok bimaculatus. Three species were classified as Data Deficient. The reservoir also supported transplanted Indian major carps and six exotic species, including the invasive Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, indicating the influence of stocking and species introductions on the fish assemblage. Representative specimens were taxonomically validated, and 15 species were assigned Zoological Survey of India accession numbers, strengthening the reliability of the inventory as a reference dataset. The study establishes an important baseline for monitoring changes in fish diversity and emphasises the need for continued surveillance of threatened native and introduced species, habitat protection, and responsible fisheries management in Wadgaon Dam and the wider Wunna–Wainganga drainage.