Diversity and Relative Abundance of Ichthyofauna in Manasbal Lake of the Kashmir Himalayas, India

Diversity, abundance and distribution pattern of the fish fauna are important aspects that need to be considered in order to frame the conservation and management strategies in any water body. To assess the composition, diversity and relative abundance of the fish fauna in the Manasbal Lake of Kashmir, the present study was carried out for two years (March 2018 - February 2020). A total of 22522 fish specimens were netted out during the sampling period, and the relative abundance and various diversity indices were used to assess the overall diversity of the inhabiting fish fauna. A total of 7 species belonging to two families, Cyprinidae and Poeciliidae, were reported, of which the family Cyprinidae was dominant in the catch. The relative abundance and diversity of the fish fauna showed spatio-temporal variation wherein Pethia conchonius was most abundant during spring and winter, while Gambusia holbrooki was most abundant during summer and autumn. Cyprinus carpio was found to be abundant during all the seasons at Site II and Site III as compared to native cyprinids, Schizothorax niger and S. curvifrons. The current study also indicated a good fish diversity in the lake which varies on spatio-temporal scales, showing maximum diversity during winter (Hʹ =1.498) and minimum diversity during summer (Hʹ = 1.247), while Site II showed maximum diversity (Hʹ =1.369) and Site I showed minimum diversity (Hʹ =1.085). Overall lake possesses good fish diversity that could be a great source of income for the local populace provided the fish assemblages are sustainably managed.