Density of Distribution and Habitat of Black Ruby Barb (Puntius nigrofasciatus) in Kuru Ganga - A Branch of Kalu Ganga

Abstract

Kukule Ganga south of Kuruwita town slowly meanders through a broad valley, and it flows fast north of it with rapids and pools. Both these regions sustained 12 species of freshwater fish of which Puntius nigrofasciatus is one, it's density of occurrence was about 2% in the southern part and about 10% in the northern part of town. Their density increased towards the hilly area and the populations are confined to pools with marginal vegetation of Lagcnandra ovata. Spawning is around March/April and November. Their commercially exploitable yield in the region is between 0.09-0.321M2. Dynamiting and river bed gem mining has severely affected the fish fauna.