Ichthyofaunal diversity of Karanja, Dharamtar creek along Maharashtra coast

Ichthyofaunal diversity was studied for creek situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra, one of the important district for state in terms of fisheries. In this, creek fishing is mainly done with traditional crafts and gear by Koiliwada community. Total 36 species of fishes belonging to 18 families and 8 orders were recorded of which 2 were Chondrichthyes and 34 species were Osteichthyes. Relatively more diversity in post-monsoon (29 species) seasons than pre-monsoon (20species) was observed with in monsoon (18 species). Large numbers of juveniles were recorded which could be not identified by traditional method of taxonomy due to their small size. Abundance of fish larvae in the creek show the preference of creek as nursery ground.