CONSERVATION STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FISH SPECIES IN RIVER KOLODYNE IN MIZORAM: PIONEERING DETAILED TAXONOMIC STUDY AND REPORT

Ichthyofaunal surveys in the River Kolodyne (Chhimtuipui) at different locations from the headwaters to the downstream region in the province of Mizoram, done as a pioneering work (since updated), revealed the occurrence of 33 species of fishes belonging to 28 genera, 9 sub-families, 12 families and 6 Orders. during the entire period of study. These include 19 species under Cypriniformes, 7 species under Siluriformes, 3 species under Anabantiformes;2 species under Gobiiformes; and, 1 speices each under Beloniformes and Synbranchiformes. Conservation status and Distrubution of each species of fish have been discussed in the present communication.