Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Ecological Status of Gose Khurd Reservoir, Maharashtra, India
Umesh Suryawanshi
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
H. N. Anjanayappa
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
P. Nayana
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Kanhaiya Gopal Bhivagade
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
Bhosle Rameshwar Venkatrao
Regional Business Development Consultant, Konkan Region Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, Thane, India.
Aitwar Vaijnath S.
College of Fishery Science, Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Jayashri Mahadev Swamy
College of Fishery Science, Udgir, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
Shiwam Dubey
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Narendra Kumar Maurya
College of Fisheries, Mangalaru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, India.
Vaishrawan Randive
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
Rinkesh N. Wanjari
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
J. G. K. Pathan *
College of Fishery Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Gose Khurd Reservoir on the Wainganga River is one of central India’s largest irrigation projects and holds significant potential for inland fisheries and livelihood support. Earlier studies (2013–2015) recorded 54 fish species, whereas a recent survey (2024) documented 75 species across 12 orders and 21 families, indicating increased diversity possibly due to improved sampling or ecological changes. Biodiversity indices (Shannon–Wiener index: 2.849) suggest a moderately stable and productive ecosystem, with Cyprinidae as the dominant family. Spatial variation in species composition was observed, influenced by hydrological and habitat factors. The fish assemblage was dominated by a few species, namely Salmostoma bacaila, Ambassis nama, Salmostoma boopis, Osteobrama vigorsii, and Clupisoma bastari, contributing over 70% of the total catch. Native species predominated, with minimal exotic intrusion, indicating relatively intact ecological conditions. However, the low occurrence of large-bodied economically important species such as Ompok bimaculatus, Wallago attu, and Sperata seenghala raises conservation concerns. Overall, the study highlights the reservoir’s rich biodiversity and fisheries potential, emphasizing the need for sustainable management through regulated fishing, habitat restoration, stock enhancement, and long-term monitoring.
Keywords: Fish diversity, ecology of reservoirs, biodiversity indicators, freshwater fishing