Taxonomically Updated Inventory of Fishes in the Khandesh Region of Maharashtra

Abstract

An inventory of fish species from the Khandesh region of Maharashtra was developed through an extensive review, compilation, and analysis of existing literature. This study presents the first comprehensive and taxonomically updated inventory of the ichthyofauna of the region, filling critical knowledge gaps and providing a robust baseline for biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable fisheries management. A total of 62 species belonging to 11 orders, 23 families, and 44 genera were documented, with Cypriniformes emerging as the most dominant order and Cyprinidae as the most species-rich family. Importantly, 43 species previously reported were excluded after applying validated taxonomic criteria and verifying distributional ranges with recent secondary sources. Of the recorded species, two are categorized as endangered, one as vulnerable, and four as exotic. These findings establish a reliable baseline data for future ecological assessments and management interventions in the Khandesh region.