Ichthyofaunal diversity of Ratapani wildlife sanctuary, Raisen and Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh

The present study has been conducted to assess the Ichthyofaunal biodiversity from different localities of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, Raisen and Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh. The surveys were conducted different localities of the study areas during September 2022 to January 2024. The results of present investigation revealed the occurrence of 70 fish species belonging to 12 orders 27 families and 42 genera. The members of Order Cypriniformes were dominated by 35 species with five families followed by Siluriformes 14 species with six families, Anabantiformes 7 species in four families, Synbranchiformes 3 species in one family. The orders Perciformes, Osteoglossiformes and Cichliformes 2 species each were recorded. The other orders Angullifromes, Beloniformes, Clupeiformes, Cypronidontiformes, Gobiiformes 1 species each were also recorded from the study area. The results of this study are promising; it sheds light on the unknown fish biodiversity of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, which needs to be strengthened through comprehensive future surveys.