Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE FISH FAUNA OF PAWASHI IRRIGATION TANK IN SINDHUDURGA, MAHARASHTRA - A CASE STUDY

B.P. Bhosale. N.H. Sawant, RE. Shingare and S.G. Belsare

Abstract

Sindhudurg district of south Maharashtra is characterised by thick laterite soil, heavy rainfall of an average of 3000 -3500 mm, high humidity, ample sunshine and numerous water resources in the form of some perennial water tanks like Pawashi minor irrigation tank. The fish fauna of this tank includes introduced Indian major carps, several varieties of commercially important fishes like Tilapia, Etroplus, Magur, Ompak, Channa and other fishes include Puntius, Danio, Labeo kawrus, Gagata, Monopterus, Ambasis, Chiramenu, Garra, glassogobius, Crab (Metopegograpsus spp.) and gait freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii spp.). This paper highlights the commercial significance of these fishes and offer suggestions for their sustained development.