Documenting the current Ichthyofaunal status of River Ganga in the middle Gangetic plains at Patna, India

River Ganga supports largest river basin in India and harbours high Ichthyofaunal diversity which is a source of livelihood for millions of fishermen inhabiting its banks. However, the river is deteriorating gradually due to anthropogenic disturbances since last few decades which has negatively affected its biodiversity. The present study was conducted to determine the current Ichthyofaunal status of River Ganga in the Middle Gangetic Plains (MGP) at Patna, India. Fish specimens were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon of 2022 and 2023 and were identified using morphometric and meristic characteristics with relevant literature from four major fish landing sites. Seventy-three fish species belonging to 26 families and 9 order were reported during the study period. Six exotic species were noted namely Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Oreochromis niloticus and Carrasius auratus. Cypriniformes was the most dominating order comprising 34% of the total fish specimens whereas Cyprinidae was the most dominant family comprising 25% of the total fish species. Electrofishing was observed at few sites which poses a great risk to existing fish species. Sustainable management plans need to be implemented by the state and central government to promote fisheries and to prevent decline in fish richness.