Fish Diversity and Threat Status in the Upstreams of Vamanapuram River, Kerala, India

The present study aimed to monitor the diversity and threat status of fishes in the selected upstream areas of Vamanapuram River from May 2016 to January 2018.22 species of fishes belonging to 11 families and 8 orders were collected and identified during the survey period. Among them the family Cyprinidae was found to be dominating with 7 species followed by Siluridae, Cichlidae, Bagridae, Channidae, Aploecheillidae, Anguillidae, Anabantidae, Heteropneustidae, Claridae, Mastacembelidae and Belonidae. Out of the 22 species identified, 10 were ornamental and 12 edible. While assessing the threat status of these fishes Anguilla bengalensis and Horabagrus brachysoma were noted as endangered and Channa micropeltes was critically endangered.5species were vulnerable, 3 species were at low risk nearly threatened and 2species were under least concern category. An exotic species, Oreochromis mossambicus was also observed in the present investigation. The present study clearly indicates that there is high ichthyodiversity in the upstream areas of Vamanapuram River and are at high risk and special attention should be given to the conservation of these fauna.