Fish and Their Habitats in North-East India Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract

Studies revealed rich biodiversity of fishes in North-East (NE) India biodiversity (BD) hotspot region. Fish habitats portrayed both lotic and lentic systems having different types of microhabitats and substrata in different stretches. Various limnological and ichthyological studies were done on Sone Beel wetland of national importance. Various studies were done on the zooplankton of different wetlands. Integrated Fish farming with fish and pigs have been found to a profitable venture. Occurrence of parasites have been reported from fishes in various wetlands. The dreadful EUS fish disease has been killing innumerable fishes of this region rendering many of them endangered. Attempts are being made to manage and conserve the fishes of the region through Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) involving the stakeholders from the grass root level.