Western Himalaya is a unique biogeographical region with a distinct Icthyofaunal assemblage. Studies  on the ecology of freshwater fishes have been fewer in this region. This study was carried out to address questions pertaining to the diversity and conservation status of fish species occurring in a network of river systems in the Garhwal Himalaya. Sampling was conducted in three rivers namely, Khoh, Kolhu, and Mandal. Fishes were captured using cast net. Mark-recapture method was used to sample the fish species and Jolly-Sober method was used to arrive at an estimate of the population. Fishes were marked using the fin clipping method. Morphological variables including length and body weight were measured for all captured fishes. For Golden mahseer, the body condition factor was assessed in all the study sites.

Forty three species belonging to six orders and nine families were recorded in the three river systems. Species richness was greater in Mandal River followed by Khoh and Kolhu. The recapture rate of marked fishes was very low and the estimated population resulted in high standard error. Mostly juveniles of Golden mahseer of 6 to 10 cm size classes were abundant in all three rivers followed by 11-15 cm group. Around 80% of the fish species sampled were classified into the rare category. The total length measured for Golden mahseer (Tor putitora) varied from 3 cm to 28 cm. The condition factor was calculated based on the available size class. It was found that 20 to 25 cm size classes of golden mahseer were in better condition in the study Rivers.
 

M. Sc. Dissertation :

Conservation status of fishes in tributaries of Ramganga upstream with special reference to Golden masher(Tor putitora) - Vidyadhar M. Atkore