Impact of water quality attributes and comparative study of icthyofaunal diversity of Asan lake and River Asan

Abstract

The present study reported a total of 28 taxa with six families from Asan lake whereas only 18 taxa were reported from river Asan in Doon valley. The families identified were Cyprinidae, Chandadae, Belonidae, Cobitididae, Mastacembellidae, and Sisoridae. The impact of water quality parameters was quite evident on the fish diversity and density of Asan Lake and River Asan. Correlation between hydrological attributes showed good relationship in Asan lake and these parameters were found to be the most important variables in shaping fish assemblage.However, in River Asan the effect of physico-chemical factors were significant on fish diversity. The study showed that Asan lake supported considerable diversity of the fishes and is important for conservation. Its fish fauna is threatened being either vulnerable or endangered. The low fish diversity in river Asan indicated the disturbed habitat and ecological conditions of the river and the data generated from it would be useful for conservation planning and management and also for future assessment of this river.