Icthyofaunal Diversity of Uttrakhand (Devprayag to Haridwar)

Present investigation is carried out during December 2012 to April 2013, to assess the diversity and composition of freshwater fishes in river Ganga- Uttrakhand (Devprayag to Haridwar). Uttrakhand, a newly created hill state in India, is enriched with aquatic ecosystem of various disciplines like rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs. The important rivers are Alakhnanda, Bhagirathi, Bhilangana, Mandakini, Koshi, Ganga and Yamuna. They all contain a very rich and colourful fish fauna. In the present study, we analyze fish diversity of river Ganga at different locations between Haridwar to Devprayag. By this study we explained the effect of human interference, pollution on fish diversity. During the course of study a total of 19 species belonging to 11 families were reported from this region. Prior to reaching Rishikesh it is coupled by another tributary Nayar, which is a recognized breeding ground for most important game fish of Ganga, refereed as Masheer (Tor sp.). Cypriniformes and Cyprinidae were the most species rich order and family of this region. Some endangered are rare fish fauna are also reported in the present investigation. Key Words-fresh water, diversity, human interference, breeding grounds, endangers