Int J Biol Med Res.

2024; 15(4): 7884-7888

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Original Article

Diversity of Ichthyofauna from Ratnagiri, Ganeshgule, Maharashtra’s west coast.

Rakhi Rangankar, Tanvi Rangankar and Madhura Mukadam

Department of Zoology,
R. P. Gogate College of Arts and Science and
R. V. Jogalekar College of Commerce, Ratnagiri (MS) -415612

ARTICLEINFO ABSTRACT
Keywords: Ratnagiri located in the Maharashtra state of India is a well-known coastal region with a 167-kilometer-long
Arabian coast, coastline along the Arabian Sea. It has many important harbourswhich support a booming fishing industry.
fish species, Ratnagiri is renowned for various popular fish species such as mackerel, shark, skate, ray, tuna, and pomfret,
groupers, as well as low-cost species that serve as staple foods. While most people prefer popular fish, lesser-known
mullet. species are often ignored or consumed primarily by fishermen and poorer communities.This study aimed
to explore the rich fish biodiversity of these commercially minor species and evaluate their potential as
protein-rich food sources. The research was conducted between September 2022 and February 2023 in the
Ganeshgule area, where 19 fish species from 8 orders and 13 families were identified, including varieties such
as mullet, perch, walleye, and mangrove snapper. Fish samples were collected with the assistance of local
fishermen using traditional nets like the "Pata" and "Vavari" nets, and species were
identified using taxonomic keys alongside photographic documentation. Both day and night observations
were conducted to account for variations in fish behaviour.Results indicate that these lesser-known species
offer significant commercial potential due to their abundance and high protein content, which could provide
an affordable food source for local communities. These findings contribute to understanding fish diversity in
Ratnagiri and highlight the opportunity to promote these species as a sustainable food option.

© Copyright 2023 BioMedSciDirect Publications IJBMR -ISSN: 0976:6685.

Introduction Effective management of fisheries and conservation efforts requires

a complete understanding of the distribution and abundance of fish
With almost a billion people residing there, India poses significant species. Lesser-known fish species are often under-studied despite being
challenges to food security. After understanding the importance of fish more nutritious and flavourful than their popular counterparts. These
to many aspects of society, including food security, recreation, and even species are typically overlooked by consumers and researchers, leading
biological control, India started the Blue Revolution to address these to a gap in knowledge about their potential benefits. Their high protein
issues and support sustainable fishing techniques [1]. India contributes content and unique taste profiles make them valuable food sources,
significantly to securing global food security as the world’s third-largest especially for communities seeking affordable and nutritious options.
fish producer, making up 8% of total production [2]. Fishing has a Highlighting and studying these fish can contribute to diversifying diets
significant economic influence on India; in 2021 and 2022, the country and improving food security.
produced 16.24 million metric tonnes of fish [2].
Ganeshgule offers a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of
Ratnagiri is a coastal district known for its rich marine biodiversity, marine ichthyofauna, which is often overlooked. Fishermen in Ganeshgule
located on Maharashtra’s western coast in India. Many marine fish species, mainly use conventional fishing methods, with nets like the “Vavari net”
including Pomfret, Bombay duck, and Seer fish, can be found in Ratnagiri.
or “Pata net,” yielding a variety of fish species, many of which are lesser-
Because of the constantly changing maritime environment, it’s a perfect
known. People who live in coastal areas and have lower incomes typically
spot for studying fish biodiversity. The variety of fish populations is a key
have a preference for lesser-known fish species because they value their
indicator of the stability and health of marine environments.
distinct flavour and nutritional qualities.

The importance of these lesser-known species may not be fully

Corresponding author: understood by those who live in cities, but it is notable. On the other hand,
Dr. Madhura Mukadam
people frequently favour popular fish species, sometimes overlooking
Department of Zoology, the range of culinary and nutritional experiences that lesser-known
Gogate Jogalekar College, Ratnagiri marine species may provide.
Email: [email protected]
This study aims to catalogue and assess the variety of fish species in
the coastal waters of Ganeshgule, Ratnagiri, and highlight the flavour
and nutritional value of lesser-known fish species. Our goal is to
enhance understanding and appreciation of the diverse range of marine
life beyond the widely popular species. Additionally, this research
lays the groundwork for promoting sustainable fishing methods and
strengthening connections between the local community and its marine
environment.
© Copyright 2023 BioMedSciDirect Publications IJBMR -ISSN: 0976:6685.
 Dr Madhura Mukadam et al, Int J Biol Med Res. 2024; 15(4): 7884-7888
7885

Materials and Methods: In Ganeshgule, mostly traditional fishing methods, utilizing nets
Study Area such as the “Vavari,” “Budi,” “Dol,” and “Rampan net,” were employed to
capture fish samples. A thorough observation of fishing operations was
Ganeshgule (16.8711° N, 73.2946° E), located 22 km from Ratnagiri conducted to gain insights into local fishing practices and the relationship
and 4 km from Purngad, was chosen as the primary study area to between the coastal environment and fish populations. The captured
investigate ichthyofaunal diversity and relative species abundance in the fish were carefully identified and documented, with a particular focus on
marine fisheries of this region of Maharashtra state. This coastal village lesser-known species.
is characterized by a combination of sandy and rocky shores, influenced
by the surrounding mountains and the Arabian Sea. (Fig.1). Sampling Period

Fig. 1 Map of Ganeshgule showing the fish collection site The study was carried out over six months to document the seasonal
 Dr Madhura Mukadam et al, Int J Biol Med Res. 2024; 15(4): 7884-7888
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fluctuations in fish biodiversity, from September 2022 to February and, when necessary, the expertise of local fishermen experienced in species
2023. During this time, visits were made one day per month to ensure a recognition. Fish samples were identified up to the species level following
thorough evaluation of the ichthyofaunal diversity in the research area. established taxonomic keys and references [3, 4, 5]. Photographs of each
species were taken immediately after capture with a digital camera to aid in
Method of Sampling accurate identification and documentation.
With the help of local fishermen, fish samples were gathered from Data Analysis
the west coastline area in the Ganeshgule area of the Ratnagiri District,
Maharashtra, India. Fishing operations using locally used nets, like the Quantitative data on species composition, abundance, and size were analyzed
“Pata net” and “Vavri net,” were closely monitored. To ensure precise using statistical software. Seasonal and depth-dependent variations in fish
identification and documentation, digital camera photos of the captured catch were assessed to identify patterns and trends.
fish were taken shortly after capture. This strategy made it possible to
Community Engagement
conduct a thorough evaluation of the ichthyofaunal diversity in the region.
Local communities were actively involved in the research process, providing
Data Collection
insights into traditional fishing practices and sharing knowledge.
The catch from each fishing operation was meticulously documented,
Results
noting species diversity and abundance. To take into consideration the
fluctuations in fish behaviour during the day, observations were done Species Diversity and Abundance
both during the day and at night. This method guaranteed a thorough
comprehension of the region’s ichthyofaunal variety. In our present study, observations revealed fluctuating trends in the catch
rate. During the research, we identified 19 distinct fish species, spanning 8
orders and 13 families. The recorded species diversity and relative abundance
Fish Identification
are detailed in Table 1.
Ichthyological fauna were identified using a combination of visual observations

Table 1. Distribution and abundance of species in Family, Order, Scientific Name and Common Name of fish

Family Scientific name Common name Marathi name Relative Abundance (%)
Order- Carcharhiniformes
Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus sorrah Spot tailed shark Vatu 2%
Scyliorhinidae Haploblepharus fuscus Brown shy shark Mushi 3%
Order- Carangiformes
Caranginidae Scomberoides lysan Double-spotted queen fish Khalvat 5%
Atropus atropos Cleftbelly trevally Kaap 4%
Caranx sexfasciatus Bigeye trevally Kokeri 5%
Fish

Order- Perciformes

Latidae Lates calcarifer Sea bass Kanay 10%

Lutajanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus Mangrove red snapper Tamboshi 10%
Lutjanus bengalensis Bengal snapper Tamboshi 5%
Serranidae Epinephelus coioides Orange spotted grouper Gobra 5%
Epinephelus malabaricus 15%
Epinephelus kupangensis Five bar groupers Gobra 3%

Polynemidae Eleutheronema tetradac- Forefinger threadfin Rawas 5%

tylum
Siganidae Siganus vermiculatus Vermiculated spinefoot Tauj 3%
Order- Scombriformes
Scombridae Rastrelliger kanagurta Indian mackerel Bangada 6%

Rastrellige rbrachysoma Short mackerel Bangada 4%

Order- Perifromes
Carangidae Trachurus trachurus Horse mackerel Hado bangada 5%
Mugiliformes
Mugilidae Mugil cephalus Flathead grey mullet Boyar 20%
Istiophoriformes

Sphyraenidae Sphyraena sphyraena European,barracuda Dandoshi 4%

Lampriformes

Trachipteridae Desmodema polystictum Ribbon fish Bala 2%

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This table shows that most species are accessible all year round, except It is ecologically significant that certain species, such as Epinephelus
the monsoon season (June to August) when fishing is prohibited by the malabaricus (grouper)and Mugil cephalus(mullets)predominate. Mostly
Maharashtra government to safeguard the populations of spawning fish. groupers are the top predators that support the equilibrium of marine
Every species has a relative abundance of zero during this time. Lutjanus food webs, mullets are essential to the nutrient cycling which occurs
argentimaculatus, Lates calcarifer, Epinephelus malabaricus, and Mugil within coastal ecosystems. Because of the great number of these species,
cephalus were the species most frequently observed. the region’s fisheries are likely to remain sustainable because of a robust
and well-balanced ecosystem.
Distribution of Size
Smaller-known species found in this study, like the Vermiculated spinefoot
There was a noticeable variation in the fish species’ size distribution; (Siganusvermiculatus) and the Brown shy shark (Haploblepharus fuscus),
Rastrelliger brachysoma, for example, showed a length range of 15 to 35 are also crucial to the environment. According to some researchers, the
cm with a mean size of 25.0 cm. The largest species found was Carcharhi- Vermiculated spinefoot helps to sustain the health of coral reefs by feeding
nus sorrah, which had a mean size of 100.0 cm and a range of 50 to 150 cm. on algae, whereas the Brown shy shark helps regulate the populations of
benthic invertebrates [9]. Since these species are important to the general
Table 2: Size Distribution and Mean Size of Fish Species observed in resilience and productivity of marine ecosystems, their conservation must
Ganeshgule be prioritised.

Implications for Fisheries Management

Scientific Name Minimum Maximum Mean Size
Size (cm) Size (cm) (cm)
According to the findings, sustainable fisheries management techniques
Carcharhinus sorroh 50 150 100.0 that take into account the entire range of fish biodiversity are essential.
Ecologically significant but lesser-known species should also be protected
Haploblepharus fuscus 30 80 55.0 by policy, in addition to those that are vital for commerce.
Scomberoides lysan 20 60 40.0
Need for Further Research
Atropus atropos 15 50 32.5
Caranx sexfasciatus 25 75 50.0 The identification of lesser-known species in our study highlights the
need for further research to explore their potential contributions to local
Lates calcarifer 25 55 40.0
food security and economic development. Research on the nutritional
Lutjanus argentimaculatus 20 45 32.5 worth and commercial potential of these species may be able to mitigate
fishing pressure on overfished species while offering local communities’
Lutjanus bengalensis 20 45 32.5
alternate means of subsistence [10].
Epinephelus coioides 20 60 40.0
The impact of environmental factors including habitat degradation and
Epinephelus malabaricus 20 60 40.0 climate change on fish biodiversity in the region should be the subject of
Epinephelus kupangensis 20 60 40.0 future research. Long-term monitoring programmes, such as the Great
Barrier Reef monitoring programme started by Sweatman et al. may
Eleutheronema tetradactylum 15 50 32.5 provide useful data regarding the adaptability of fish populations and
Siganus vermiculatus 15 45 30.0 direct the creation of adaptive management strategies [11].
Rastrelliger kanagurta 20 40 30.0
Conclusion
Rastrelliger brachysoma 15 35 25.0
By identifying and evaluating the variety and number of fish species
Trachurus trachurus 20 45 32.5
in the coastal waters of Ganeshgule, Ratnagiri, this study has contributed
Mugil cephalus 15 40 27.5 significantly to our understanding of the ichthyofaunal richness of
Sphyraena sphyraena 30 100 65.0 the region. Based on the results, plans for fisheries management and
conservation need to consider both more and less well-known species.
Desmodema polystictum 40 120 80.0 The long-term health and productivity of marine ecosystems in the region
will depend critically on encouraging sustainable practices and additional
research on understudied species. In addition to providing insightful
Discussion
data on fish biodiversity, this study promotes the inclusion of community
involvement and local knowledge in the development of successful
The results of this investigation offer a thorough summary of Ganeshgule’s
conservation plans.
ichthyofaunal variety, emphasising the existence of both well-known and
lesser-known species. A broad range of species should be taken into
Acknowledgements
account in fisheries management strategies due to the notable variance in
species abundance and size distribution.
This research was carried out with the support of the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, under the DBT Star College
Similar patterns of high species richness were noted by researchers in
Scheme. We sincerely thank DBT for funding and facilitating this study on
their research of the fish diversity in Kerala’s coastal waters, especially
fish biodiversity in the Ratnagiri district. We also extend our gratitude to
in families like Carangidae and Scombridae, which are similarly well-
the local fishermen of Ganeshgule for their valuable assistance in sample
represented in our results[6]. In line with their findings, several species,
collection and species identification.
including Trachurus trachurus and Rastrelliger kanagurta, were found in
our study, suggesting a wider regional trend in the make-up of coastal fish
Conflicts of Interest
groups.
Regarding this work’s publication, the authors declare that they have no
Our study’s results align with previous research conducted in similar
conflicts of interest.
coastal regions. For instance, high species diversity in coastal fisheries of
India was reported, with a notable dominance of species such as mullets
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