CULTIVABLE FRESHWATER FISHES OF MAHARASHTRA

摘要

Cultivable freshwater fishes of Maharashtra comprises of 96 species (58 primary freshwater and 38 diadromus) under six orders, 17 families and 49 genera. Out of 96 species, 30 are endemic to Western Ghats, eight are endemic to India and nine are exotic. Of the 96 species assessed for conservation status two species are critically endangered, ten species are endangered, four species are vulnerable and 14 species are near threatened. The most diverse family was Cyprinidae with 44 species and 20 genera.Among the cultivable freshwater fishes recorded from Maharashtra, 38 species are under experimental, semi intensive, intensive aquaculture and seed production as well as culture techniques need to develop for remaining 58 species. There is urgent need to develop brood stock from wild for captive breeding, seed production and culture of several other medium and minor carps, catfishes which show high regional demand.