DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF FISH SPECIES IN RIVERS TUICH0NG AND TUIVAI IN MIZORAM: PIONEERING DETAILED TAXONOMIC STUDY AND REPORT

Abstract

Fish diversity and taxonomic surveys in the River Tuichong at different locations from the headwaters to the downstream region in the province of Mizoram, done as a pioneering work (since updated), revealed the occurrence of 8 species of fishes under 8 genera, 3 sub-families, 7 families and 3 Orders. during the entire period of study. These include 5 ichthyospecies under Cypriniformes, 2 fish species under Siluriformes and one fish species under Anabantiformes. Conservation status and Distrubution of each species of fish have been discussed in the present paper.

Likewise, Fish faunal surveys in the River Tuivai at different locations and on different dates in the province of Mizoram, done as a pioneering work (since updated), revealed the occurrence of 9 species of fishes belonging to 9 genera, 4 sub-families, 6 families and 2 orders during the entire period of study. These included 6 species under Cypriniformes and 3 species under Siluriformes. Conservation status and Distrubution of each fish species have been discussed in the present communication.