Fish Diversity of Topchanchi Lake (IBA), and Conservation Threats, District Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

Rajeev Ranjan, Satya Prakash, Gautam Kumar, Anil Kumar Mishra

Abstract: The study was conducted at Topchanchi Lake, located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand state. The present study recorded 36 fish species belonging to 7 orders, 16 families, and 24 genera. Among the 36 recorded species, 17 species (47.22%) belong to the order Cypriniformes, making it the most dominant and diversified group. This was followed by the order Perciformes, which had 8 species (22.22%); Siluriformes with 6 species (16.67%); Osteoglossiformes with 2 species (5.56%); and Cyprinodontiformes, Synbranchiformes, and Cichliformes, each with 1 species (2.78%). In terms of family composition, the Cyprinidae family was the most dominant, with 11 species (30.56%). This was followed by 4 species (11.11%) each from the families Channidae and Danionidae; 3 species (8.33%) from Bagaridae; and 2 species (5.56%) each from Notopteridae and Ambassidae. The remaining species comprised 1 species (2.78%) each from other families. Among the recorded species, 2 were classified as globally threatened: Chitala chitala is listed as Near Threatened (NT), and Oreochromis mossambicus is listed as Vulnerable (Vu) according to the IUCN Red List (2025). None of the fish species recorded are listed in Schedule I or II under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended, 2022). This study also highlighted the presence of various indigenous, ornamental, aquaculture, and commercially important fish species in the Lake. This work is likely the first scientific documentation of fish diversity in the area and will provide a baseline for understanding the fish diversity in Topchanchi Lake. Additionally, the findings will open up opportunities for further research and management efforts aimed at conserving fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Keywords: Fish, Diversity, Topchanchi Lake, Conservation, Dhanbad, IBA

How to Cite?: Rajeev Ranjan, Satya Prakash, Gautam Kumar, Anil Kumar Mishra, "Fish Diversity of Topchanchi Lake (IBA), and Conservation Threats, District Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 649-656, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25711112154, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25711112154