Ichthyofaunal composition, Commercial importance and Conservation status of Recorded species from Daroji Lake, Karnataka, India
Shireen Banu Kurdi1 and Shashikanth H. Majagi2*
1Department of Studies in Zoology, Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ballari - 583105 (India) 2Department of PG Studies and Research in Zoology, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi - 585106 (India) *Corresponding Author: Shashikanth Majagi, Email: majagish78@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Daroji lake in Karnataka is an important freshwater system in a semi-arid environment, with limited studies of its ichthyofaunal characteristics. This study establishes baseline data on fish diversity, commercial value, and conservation status through periodic field observations and structured interactions with the local fishing community. A total of 15 fish species belonging to different taxonomic groups were recorded, with the order Cypriniformes and family Cyprinidae emerging as the dominant taxonomic groups.The fish assemblage includes native and exotic species, with Indian Major Carps, Grass carp, and Common carp sustaining the local economy. Most species were categorized as Least Concern under IUCN criteria, whereas the presence of the “Near Threatened” Ompok bimaculatus highlights the reservoir’s conservation significance despite anthropogenic pressures such as industrial pollution and fluctuating water levels. The study highlights that sustainable management must balance fishery production with biodiversity preservation by prioritizing indigenous species stocking, protecting habitats for vulnerable fish, and implementing consistent water quality monitoring.