Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Coastal Waters, Maharashtra, India

Present study was carried out to assess ichthyofaunal diversity of Devgad coastal region in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, along the Konkan coast of India. The investigation was conducted for one-year to document diversity of marine fishes. Fish species were recorded through regular observations of freshly landed catches at the Devgad fish market. Total 35 fish species belonging to 11 orders and 22 families were documented during study period. Among them family Scombridae showed highest representation, followed by Carangidae and Engraulidae. Several economically important species such as Rastrelliger kanagurta, Sardinella longiceps, and Katsuwonus pelamis were observed in the fish landings. The fish community in the study area was relatively diverse and evenly distributed.