Diversity and Distribution of Fishes in Damodar River System(India): In Relation to Hydrological Variation and Anthropological Stress

Damodar river is one of the most important watersheds in eastern India and also a main tributary of the river Ganga.Fighting an unceasing battle against anthropogenic activities,the piscine world of Damodar river is at stake.Mining,dam construction,industrialisation,overfishing have continuously threatened the fish faunal resources of this river that all along its continuity and all over the vast catchment area has lost its erstwhile wealth.This consolidated work reveals fish faunal diversity,distribution,abundance in this rain- fed river, and also identified natural breeding grounds.It is a wonderful resource which has highlighted some factors which will definitely enhance production of fish population in the reservoir areas and also in the main stream.It is a challenging work which will definitely help to conserve,recreate diversity of ichthyofauna of the Damodar river system.The suggestions definitely aim at the preventive measures to be taken to increase fish population and also how to meet the market demand for palatable prospects.