Authors : Atul Kanbarao Kamble

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/362emute

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4npwbn83

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1834

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Freshwater ecosystems are important in sustaining biodiversity and livelihoods, especially in semi-arid areas like Marathwada. Godavari River, the surrounding ponds, and reservoirs of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar create a great habitat for fish species. The research purpose of the current study is to determine the taxonomic diversity, species composition, and distribution of freshwater fishes in these water bodies. The research design was to perform field sampling and secondary data analysis to record fish species and taxonomically classify them. The findings showed a diverse ichthyofaunal biomass comprising families like Cyprinidae, Bagridae, and Channidae. The fisheries of the area are mainly Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, and catfish. According to previous research in the Godavari basin, there were almost 60 fish species, meaning that the area is very biodiverse. Nevertheless, the research also determines the major risks associated with anthropogenic processes that include pollution, the construction of dams, and overfishing, which negatively affect the fish diversity and distribution. Finally, the paper provides an emphasis on the environmental significance of freshwater ecological systems and the necessity of immediate conservation and sustainable management practices. The conservation of the fish diversity is important to provide ecological balance, improve the fisheries productivity, and secure long-term food security in the region.

Keywords : Freshwater Fish, Taxonomic Diversity, Godavari River, Marathwada, Ichthyofauna.

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