Current Status of Small Indigenous Fish Species of Western Nepal

This study describes the diversity and current status of Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS) in rivers and lakes of Western Nepal. Fish sampling was conducted between 2018 and 2022 across five major water bodies using cast nets and traditional fishing gear, with assistance from local fishermen. A total of 10,976 individual fish were recorded, representing 61 species from 9 orders, 21 families, and 43 genera, including six species apart from the SIS category. The identified species were grouped into nine categories: Barbs and Minnows, Catfishes, Eels, Featherbacks, Loaches, Minor carps, Perches, Snake heads, and Sucker heads. Among these, Barbs and Minnows were the most diverse, comprising 32.79% (20 species) of the total. Cypriniformes emerged as the dominant order, with Cyprinidae and Danionidae being the most represented families, highlighting their significant role in the region's fish diversity. The study classified species into three availability-based categories: commonly available (27 species), moderately available (25 species), and rare (9 species). The presence of rare species underscores the region's ecological richness and the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts. The study's findings emphasize the importance of abundance-based assessments in developing targeted conservation strategies. These strategies should include habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, policy reforms, and further research to fill existing knowledge gaps.