Fish Diversity of Sharada River in Salyan Mid-Western Nepal

Abstract

The present study “Fish diversity of Sharada River in Salyan mid-western Nepal” was conducted to understand the fish diversity of Sharada River, it is one of the main tributatries of Babei River, originated from mahabharat range of Salyan district. Altogether 15 species of fishes belonging to 3 orders, 4 families and 10 genera had been recorded. Status of fish species was analyzed on the basic of fish composition and fish distribution. The diversity of fish species was recorded highest in the station I and low in station II and III. The study revealed that majority of fish species belonged to the Families cyprinidae. The most dominant species of this river was Garra gotyla followed by Barilius bendelensis, Puntius ticto, Puntius sophore, Schistura horai, Tor tor. The highest and lowest frequency occurrences were recorded 15.6 and 2.8 of Garra gotyla and Labeo pungusia respectively. Both conventional and non-conventional fishing appliances were found to be used in Sharada River and its tributaries. Most of fishing appliances and methods used were found seasonal, only cast net and hook and line was noted to be used all throughout the year. Fish population in Sharada River was declining day by day due to various activities such as stone mining, construction of dam for irrigation channel, regular fishing as well as natural calamities etc. The socio-economic condition of fishermen of the Sharada River area was poor, illiterate and unemployed, however, interested to educate children for good future.