An Annotated Checklist of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of the Godavari River, Andhra Pradesh, India
An Annotated Checklist of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of the Godavari River, Andhra Pradesh, India
N. Veerabhadra Rao1, P. Jawahar2, N. Jayakumar1, N.V. Sujathkumar1, V. Rani1, Ramesh Rathod3 and Hari Prasad Mohale1*
ABSTRACT
A thorough examination of Ichthyofaunal diversity was carried out in the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh from February 2022 to July 2023. The samples were identified up to the species level using standard taxonomic approaches such as morphometric, meristic, and descriptive features. A total of 88 fish species were reported in the six selected landing stations including 10 brackish water and 5 exotic fishes at Godavari River. An updated, comprehensive checklist of finfish with their current scientific names, trophic level, fishery status, and IUCN status was prepared after verification. Among the 16 orders, the order Cypriniformes was observed to have the highest contribution to the species diversity with 4 families, 19 genera, and 33 species, followed by Siluriformes with 19 species, and Cyprinodontiformes, Elopiformes, Gonorynchiformes, and Mulliformes with 1 family, 1 genera and 1 species. Among the six selected sampling stations, Rajamahendravaram was found to have rich species diversity, documented with 88 fish species followed by Dowleswaram 86 species, Kovvur 82 species, Tallapudi 72 species, Kunavaram 63 species, and Polavaram 41 species. Shannon - Wiener species diversity (H’), Species richness (d), and Species evenness (J) were represented during the study period.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
