A STUDY ON FISH DIVERSITY OF CHIKKA THOTLUKERE LAKE, TUMKUR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

Mythri V And Lalitha HM

Abstract

Water is one of the most important components of aquatic ecosystem and plays its unique role by providing habitat for numerous aquatic organisms. Among freshwater ecosystems, ponds, lakes, tanks and other small lentic ecosystems form an integral part of the biosphere. Fishes are the prime indicators of ecological health and maintain a balance in the food chain by consuming planktons, small animals and become food for many other animals.  Fish is a rich source of food, providing proteins, fats, minerals, vitamin A and D, phosphorous and other nutrients. They are preferred in our diet due to their high nutritional values. The present study was conducted for a period of one year from March 2024 to February 2025 in Chikka Thotlukere Lake, Tumkur District, Karnataka.  Fishes were collected randomly at different sites of the lake by using gill nets of different mesh sizes which varied from 10 to 100 mm with the assistance of local fishermen and preserved in 10% formalin solution in separate specimen jar according to the size of species. The results of the present investigation indicate the presence of 10 species of fishes belonging to 4 orders and 4 families. Order Cypriniformes was most dominant with 6 species followed by order Perciformes with 2 species, Anabantiformes and Siluriformes each with 1 species. The fish species recorded were of commercial importance. The major threats faced by the freshwater fishes are mostly in the form of human interventions and aquatic pollution. The study of fish fauna of the aquatic bodies is useful for planning and monitoring of fish culture. Hence, proper management and utilization of the fish wealth is necessary to take up the sustainable steps to monitor and conserve fish health.