Researchers document fresh water fish diversity of Goa

Panaji, April 21: The scientists at Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Cochin have initiated surveys in order to catalogue the fresh water fish diversity in Goan rivers.

The surveys are carried out at eight sampling locations covering the two major river systems of Goa, Mandovi and Zuari, a senior ICAR scientist said.

The surveys yielded 40 species fresh water fish from the stretch, he added. The scientists reported some native barb species which can be promoted as an ornamental fish in Goa like Pethia setnai and Haludaria Pradhani.

The stretches are showing a decrease in fish species abundance, he said, adding that the details of the survey are being compiled. The research team included Dr V S Basheer, Senior Scientist (NBFGR), Sreekanth G B, Scientist (ICAR Goa), Manju Lekshmi, Scientist (ICAR) and Rahul G Kumar among other.

PTI