Taxonomic Diversity of Genus Tar ( Gray 1834 ) in Kali Gandaki River, Nepal

Abstract

Tor species is a member of the family Cyprinidae, which is widely recognized as game fish inhabiting in fresh water ecosystem. The aim of this study is to explore the taxonomic diversity, morphometric and meristic characters of Genus Tor (Gray, 1834) of Kali Gandaki River, Nepal. Thirty-four (34) Tor species were captured from five different sites of Kali Gandaki River. 35 morphometric and 5 meristic characteristics of Genus Tor were examined. On the basis of morphometric and meristic count, only Tor putitora was identified using identification keys and references. The study examined the relationship between body metrics such as total length, head length, and standard length. All morphometric characteristics showed a positive correlation with head length, standard length, and total length. Meristic counts were almost identical to different sites of Tor putitora of Kali Gandaki River. The results of this study may be useful in management and conservation of population of Tor putitora in Kali Gandaki River which is listed in IUCN Red List of Endangered species.