Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity in the Rapti River Basin, Hetauda, Central Nepal

This study presents a comprehensive baseline survey of ichthyofaunal diversity, taxonomic structure, and ecological adaptation within a 5 km stretch of the Rapti River basin in Hetauda, Central Nepal. Documenting 19 distinct fish species across 3 orders and 5 families, the research highlights the ecological dominance of the Cyprinidae family and examines specialized benthic adaptations, habitat partitioning, and anthropogenic impacts along the river ecosystem. The work features detailed taxonomic inventory analyses and complete photographic specimen documentation (Photoplate I) to establish a foundational benchmark for local aquatic biodiversity conservation and river health monitoring.