<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

# Ichthyofaunal Diversity Of Akeru River - Khammam (D) Telangana, India.

Dr. T. Jagadeeshwara Chari<fnref n="1" />*, Dr.G. Paramesh<fnref n="2" />, Bhukya Saikumar<fnref n="3" />, Dharavath Ram Kumar<fnref n="4" />

## ABSTRACT

Ichthyofaunal diversity is a crucial component of global biodiversity and ecosystem health. Protecting and understanding fish diversity is vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting human economies, and ensuring the resilience of aquatic environments in the face of environmental changes. Through concerted conservation efforts and sustainable practices, it is possible to preserve the rich diversity of fish species for future generations. It encompasses the different species, their abundance, and the overall ecological balance within aquatic environments at akeru river. Ichthyofaunal diversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Fish species contribute to nutrient cycling, control populations of prey species, and serve as indicators of environmental health. Species ranges may shift, leading to altered community compositions and potential loss of endemic species. Conservation strategies need to consider the long-term effects of climate change on ichthyofaunal diversity. His diversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting human livelihoods, and indicating the health of aquatic ecosystems.

**Keywords:** Ichthyofaunal diversity, Species, Aquatic ecosystem, compositions, akeru river

## INTRODUCTION

The Akeru River starts from Nashkal in Warangal district. It flows through Mahabubabad and goes into Khammam. When it reaches Khammam, it joins the Akeru River (a left tributary of the Krishna) at Theerdhala village in Khammam Rural mandal. "Ichthyodiversity" is a scientific term which is used for fish diversity or referred to the variety of fish species (Burton et al., 1992). Fish are super important in and help humans indirectly or directly. They're a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals for our diets. Plus, they give lots of people jobs and money all around the world. In total, there are 8,411 different kinds of freshwater fish globally. India alone has recorded 930 kinds of fish in its freshwater spots. Also, freshwater fish make up 41% of all fishes and 20% of vertebrates that live in water bodies, Ganga has a bunch of different fishes because it has streams, rivers, dams, and an ocean nearby. There are about 179 types of freshwater fish spotted in Pakistan that belong to different groups - like 5 super orders, 10 orders, 26 families, and 82 genera. Some scientists say there are even more - around 193 freshwater fish species - in Pakistan. And one guy found 94 types just in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province! Around 30 fish are fished commercially in Pakistan including Tor macrolepis and Labeo rohita. Sadly, factors like water pollution and building dams can mess up habitats for fishes so they can't move around properly. Some places have reported that about a fifth of all freshwater fish species are struggling or have gone extinct. The "Mahseer" group faces some big problems as well - especially putitora which is on the endangered list now. Mahseers usually hang out in Southeast Asian countries as well as areas near the Himalayas like Pakistan and India. Akeru River is home to seven nearly-threatened fish species like Anguilla bengalensis & wallago attu according to B. Saikumar & D. Ram kumar (2023). Loss of habitats due to changes we make harm freshwater fish diversity a lot. The Munneru River has about eighty types of fish from nine orders and twenty families with some being native, others exotic, or near-threatened according to Ayodhya et al. (2024). Fishes are considered as important because they are rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals for human diet (Usman et al., 2017). Fishes are also vital for providing income and employment to millions of people across the world (Usman et al., 2017). There are about 30 fish species which are commercially exploited such as *Tor macrolepis*, *Cirrhinus mrigala*, *Cirrhinus reba*, *Labeo rohita*, *Gibelion catla*, *Clupisomanaziri*, *Channa straita*, *Channa marulius*, *Speratas arwari*, *Rita rita*, *Bagarius bagarius*, *Notopterus notopterus*, *Nemacheilus spp.*, *Tenualosa ilisha*, *Schizothorax spp.*, and *Wallago attu* (Usman et al., 2018). Ichthyodiversity is adversely affected by various factors like water pollution, over hunting, diversion of rivers and construction of dams which create hurdles in the migration of fishes from nestling zone to feeding zone. As regards the conservation status of the global freshwater fishes is concerned it has been assessed that 20% of freshwater fish species are mentioned either endangered or became extinct (Postle, 2002). Fish species distributed in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Himalayan regions including trans-Himalayan countries like Pakistan, India, Myanmar and Nepal (Akhter et al.,)

<footnote n="1">¹*Lecturer in Fisheries, Government Degree & PG College (A), Siddipet. Aff. To Osmania University-Hyderabad</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Asst. Professor of Zoology, Government Degree College, Rangasaipet</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³MSc fisheries, Government Degree & PG College (A), Siddipet. Aff. To Osmania University-Hyderabad</footnote>

<footnote n="4">⁴Lecturer in Fisheries, Government Degree & PG College (A), Siddipet. Aff. To Osmania University-Hyderabad</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_2.png" /><figcaption>Fig: 1 Akeru River of Khammam District</figcaption></figure>

Study area: - 17.325173, 80.130977

# MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fish samples were collected from different areas of akeru river with the help of local fishermen, fish collectors, local fish market, with the help of Cast net and fishing gears.

## Morphological Identification

* **Description:** Identifying fish based on physical characteristics such as body shape, fin structure, coloration, and scale pattern.

* **Tools:** Fish identification keys, field guides, and reference books.

* **Steps:**

1. **Observation:** Examine external features like size, shape, and color.

2. **Measurement:** Measure various body parts (e.g., total length, fork length, and fin lengths).

3. **Comparison:** Compare observed features with identification keys.

* **Applications:** Widely used in field studies, biodiversity assessments, and fisheries management.

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /><figcaption>Fig 2: Systomus sarana</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>Fig 3: Cirrhinus fulungee</figcaption></figure>

## Meristic and Morphometric Analysis

* **Description:** Meristic analysis involves counting features such as fin rays and scales, while morphometric analysis involves measuring body parts.

* **Tools:** Rulers, calipers, and software for statistical analysis.

* **Steps:**

1. **Count Meristic Traits:** Record counts of features like dorsal fin rays, gill rakers, and vertebrae.

2. **Measure Morphometric Traits:** Take measurements of body parts such as head length, body depth, and fin lengths.

3. **Analyze Data:** Use statistical methods to compare traits among species.

* **Applications:** Useful for distinguishing closely related species and subspecies.

## Otolith Analysis

* **Description:** Otoliths, or ear stones, are calcium carbonate structures in the inner ear of fish, used for age and growth studies and species identification.
* **Tools:** Microscopes and image analysis software.

* **Steps:**

1. **Extract Otoliths:** Carefully remove otoliths from the fish.

2. **Examine Shape and Structure:** Analyze otolith shape, size, and growth rings.

3. **Compare to Reference Collections:** Match observed otoliths with known species.

## Fin and Scale Morphology

* **Description:** Examining the structure and pattern of fins and scales for identification.

* **Tools:** Microscopes, dissecting kits, and reference atlases.

* **Steps:**

1. **Collect Fins and Scales:** Carefully remove fins and scales for analysis.

2. **Examine Under Magnification:** Look for distinctive patterns, shapes, and structures.

3. **Compare with References:** Use atlases or guides to identify species.

## List of fish species, order and families of akeru river

<table><thead><tr><td>S.No</td><td>Scientific name</td><td>Common name</td><td>order</td><td>Family</td><td>IUCN Status</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Catla catla</td><td>Katla</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Labeo rohita</td><td>Rohu</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Cirrhinus mrigala</td><td>Mrigal</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Labeo calbasu</td><td>Kalbasu</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Amblypharyngodon mola</td><td>Indian carplet</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Amblypharyngodon microlepis</td><td>Indian carplet</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Cirrhinus cirrhosa</td><td>White carp</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Systomus sarana</td><td>Olive barb</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Cirrhinus fulungee</td><td>Deccan white carp</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Cirrhinus reba</td><td>Reba carp</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Ctenopharayngodon Idella</td><td>Grass carp</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>I</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Cyprinus carpio</td><td>Common carp</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>I</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Devario devario</td><td>Sind danio</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Garra lamta</td><td>Stone sucker</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Garra mullya</td><td>Stone sucker</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Labeo bata</td><td>Bata</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Osteobrama belangeri</td><td>Manipur Osteobrama</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>NT</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Osteobrama cunma</td><td>Cunma Osteobrama</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>NE</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Puntius chola</td><td>Swamp barb</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Puntius sophore</td><td>Spot fin barb</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Puntius ticto</td><td>Fire-fin barb</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Rasbora daniconius</td><td>Slender barb</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Salmophasia bacaila</td><td>Large razor belly minnow</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Salmophasia untrahi</td><td>Mahanandi razor belly minnow</td><td>Cypriniformes</td><td>Cyprinidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Mystus cavasius</td><td>Gangetic mystus</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Bagridae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>Mystus tengra</td><td>Tengra cat fish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Bagridae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>Mystus vittatus</td><td>Stripped dwarf catfish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Bagridae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>28</td><td>Clarias batrachus</td><td>Air breathing catfish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Clariidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>29</td><td>Pterygophlichthys pardalis</td><td>Amazon sail fin catfish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Loricariidae</td><td>I</td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>Ompok bimaculatus</td><td>Butter cat fish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Siluridae</td><td>NT</td></tr><tr><td>31</td><td>Ompok pabda</td><td>Pabda catfish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Siluridae</td><td>NT</td></tr><tr><td>32</td><td>Ompok pabo</td><td>Pabo catfish</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Siluridae</td><td>NT</td></tr><tr><td>33</td><td>Wallago attu</td><td>Freshwater shark</td><td>Siluriformes</td><td>Siluridae</td><td>LC</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>34</td><td>Macrognathus aral</td><td>One stripe spiny eel</td><td>Synbranchiformes</td><td>Mastacembelidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>35</td><td>Macrognathus pacalus</td><td>Barred spiny eel</td><td>Synbranchiformes</td><td>Mastacembelidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>36</td><td>Macrognathus armatus</td><td>Zigzag spiny eel</td><td>Synbranchiformes</td><td>Mastacembelidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>37</td><td>Chanda nama</td><td>Indian glassy fish</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Ambassidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>38</td><td>Parambassis ranga</td><td>Indian glassy fish</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Ambassidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>39</td><td>Anabas testudineus</td><td>Climbing perch</td><td>Anabantiformes</td><td>Anabantidae</td><td>DD</td></tr><tr><td>40</td><td>Channa gachua</td><td>Dwarf snakehead</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Channidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>41</td><td>Channa marulius</td><td>Giant snakehead</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Channidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>42</td><td>Channa punctata</td><td>Spotted snakehead</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Channidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>43</td><td>Channa striata</td><td>Striped snakehead</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Channidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>44</td><td>Etroplus maculatus</td><td>Orange chromide</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Cichlidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>45</td><td>Etroplus suratensis</td><td>Green chromide</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Cichlidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>46</td><td>Oreochromius mossambicus</td><td>Mosambique tilapia</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Cichlidae</td><td>I</td></tr><tr><td>47</td><td>Oreochromius niloticus</td><td>Nile tilapia</td><td>Perciformes</td><td>Cichlidae</td><td>I</td></tr><tr><td>48</td><td>Glossogobius giuris</td><td>Bar-eyed goby</td><td>Gobiiformes</td><td>Gobiidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>49</td><td>Anguilla bengalensis</td><td>Long finned eel</td><td>Anguilliformes</td><td>Anguillidae</td><td>NT</td></tr><tr><td>50</td><td>Xenentodon cancilla</td><td>Freshwater gar fish</td><td>Beloniformes</td><td>Belonidae</td><td>LC</td></tr><tr><td>51</td><td>Notopterus notopterus</td><td>Bronze feather back S</td><td>Osteoglossiformes</td><td>Notopteridae</td><td>LC</td></tr></table>

*NT-Near threatened, *NE-Not Evaluated, *DD-Data Deficient, *LC-Least concern,

*I-Introduced, *VU-Vulnerable.

## RESULT & DISCUSSION:

The present study results were revealed that the occurrence of 51 fish species belonging to 07 orders and 14 families list of fishes including their order family, genus, species, common name & IUCN status of the above species are mentioned as per as. Due to seasonal variations, some fishes migrate from akeru to Kirshna River through munneru river.

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

## Discussion:

Regarding the data of the ichthyofaunal diversity in the akeru river the most dominant fishes are the major carps and minor carps are largely found during the study period of this ichthyofaunal diversity.

**Dr. Ayodhya Reddy, et al (2024)** A study on ichthyofaunal diversity of munneru river, concluded that munneru river has species richness having 80 fishes following by 09 orders and 20 families.
**G Paramesh**, et all (2023) reported the ichthyofaunal diversity of Ranganayaka, in this study the authors identified 41 fish species following following 8 orders and 15 families, among these cypriniformes are dominant 14 species belonging to this cyprinidae family.

**Kante Krishna prasad**, chelmala srinivasulu (2021) a checklist of fishes of Telangana state, india they had concluded 143 species of freshwater following 14 order and 34 families are recorded in Telangana state in this study while 39 are endemic to india

**T.Jagadeeshwara Chari**, Prof. A.V.Rajashekar (2020) reported the species abundance in the Singaraya reservoir and the occurrence of 33 species belonging to 6 orders, the cypriniformes 15 species, siluriformes 8 species, osteoglossiformes 2 species, channiformes 3 species, perciformes 4 species, anthriformes 1 species were identified. Order wise percentage wise composition

**Conclusion:**

We here by conclude that the akeru river has 51 different fish species, the present study will help to the fisheries department and fisheries students to know about the distribution of the fishes at akeru river and easy to implement fishery mesh size regulations and conservation strategies at different seasons to overcome from the loss of some rare fishes and easy to study the relation between different fishes and migration of fishes. The diversity of fish is more in akeru river and dominant by order cypriniformes having 24 fishes and second dominant by perciformes 12 and least distributions is occupied by Anguilliformes, Beloniformes, Osteoglossiformes each having a single numbered distributions.

**References**

1. Dr. Ayodhya Reddy et al (2024) A Study On Ichthyofaunal Diversity Of Munneru River Of Khammam (D) TS India, Afr.J.Bio.Sc. 6(5) (2024). 3312-3327 ISSN: 2663-2187 https://doi.org/10.33472/AFJBS.6.5.2024. 3312-3327

2. Dr. T. Jagadeeshwara Chari, Dr. A. V. Rajashekar (2020) The Study On Fish Fauna Of Singaraya Reservoir Siddipet District, Telangana, International Journal Of Innovative Studies In Aquatic Biology And Fisheries, Volume-6,Issue-4, Pp 21-25, Fisher 97-104 Edition.

3. Owais Ahmad Wani, Uma Shankar Gupta (2015) A Study On Ichthyofaunal Diversity Of Sagar Lake, Madhya Pradesh, India, international journal of biodiversity and conservation, volume 7(3), pp126-129, march 2015.

4. Dahanukar, N. (2010). "Labeo dyocheilus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:2010:e.T166625A6249964. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.20104.RLTS.T166625A6249964.en

5. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2016). Species of Mystus in FishBase. October 2016 version.

6. G.paramesh and T. jagadeeshwara chari (2023). A Study On Ichthyofaunal Diversity Of Ranganayaka Sagar Reservoir, Siddipet, Telangana, August 2023. Gorteria ISSN:0017-2294

7. Kante Krishna prasad, chelmala srinivasulu (2021) A Checklist Of Fishes Of Telangana State, India. Journal Of Threatened Taxa 26 April 2021, ISSN: 18324-18343

8. Dr. S. Thirumala, Dr. B. R. Kiran (2016) The Occurrence And Distribution Of Cyprinid Fishes In Three Lentic Water Bodies Of Shivamogga District, Karnataka, International Journal For Innovative Research In Multidisciplinary Field, Volume-2, Issue-11, November-2016.

9. APHA (1998): Standard methods for Examination of water and waste water. American Public Health Association 20th Edn. New York.

10. Chary KD., (2003), Present status, Management and Economics of Fisheries of a minor Reservoir, Durgamcheruvu of Rangareddy District, Ph.D. thesis, Osmania University, Hyderabad

11. Ram kumar D et al. 2024. A Preliminary Study on Ornamental Fish Disease in Telangana State, IJOAC, Vol - 8, DOI 10.23880/ijoac-16000313

12. Dehadrai, S., (2001), Reservoir fisheries in India. Proc. Nat. sem Riverine and Reservoir

13. Devi, D.S., (1997), Ph.D. thesis, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Studies in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries. Volume 6. Issue 4. PP 21-25. Fisher. 97-104 edition.

14. Khan, M.A., H.P. Singh. R.K. Dwivedi, D.N. Singh and R.K. Tyagi., (1996). Ecology and fish yield from Baghla reservoir a small impoundment in Ganga basin. J. Inland Fish. Soc. India, 28(2): 91-100.

15. Saikumar B et al. 2024 A study on fish diseases in fresh water aquaculture at siddipet(D) Telangana state. IJOAC, Vol 8, Issue 1, DOI:10.23880/ijoac-16000293

16. Krishna.M and Piska. R.S., (2006), Ichthyofaunal diversity in Secret lake Doorgame Cheruvu, Rangareddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India, J. Aqua. Biol. Vol. 21(1): 77-79

17. Mohan V.C., Sharma K.K., Sharma A. and Watts P., (2013). The Study of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Chenani Hydroelectric Reservoir, Udhampur (J&K) INDIA, International Research Journal of Environment Sciences, Vol. 216), 8-12.

18. Mohanty SK., (1984). An approach for the development of reservoir fisheries in Orissa. Proc. Fresh.

19. B.Saikumar, Ramkumar (2023), A Case Study On "Near Threatened Fish Species Of Akeru River" Khammam, Telangana, India, International Journal Of Research And Analytical Reviews (IJRAR) volume10, issue3, September 2023, pages 202-207, ISSN 2349-5138.

20. Sakare, V.B., and Joshi, P.K., (2003). Water quality of Migni (pangaon) reservoir and its significance to fisheries. ABN-008N Nat. conf. Recent trends Aquat. Biol. 56.
21. Dr.P.Ayodhya Reddy et al 2024 First Record of The Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Exotic Invasive Catfish) In The Munneru River Of Khammam (D) Telangana. REDVET - Revista electrónica de Veterinaria - ISSN 1695-7504, Vol 25, No.1 (2024)

22. Srinivas.Ch., (2005). Impact of river Moosi pollution on the fisheries Edulabad reservior Rangareddy district A.P. India. Ph. D. thesis, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

23. Sukumaran P.K., and Das A.K., (2001), Distribution of fisheries reservior of karnataka.

24. Sulthan.S. and Mc.Chauhan., (2005), Fish productivity and catch analysis of Pahunja reservior, fishing chimes, 25 (1): 179-181.

25. Ng, H.H. (2010), "Mystus cavasius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T166409A6202832. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T166409A6202832.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.

26. Dahanukar, N. 2010. Systomus sarana. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2.