Ornamental Fish Diversity of some Wetlands in Nimati, Jorhat, Assam

The main sources of air-breathing and attractive fish species in the Brahmaputra basin are the wetland or the floodplain lakes. A significant number of riverine species are transported in the wetland areas by the flood impulse of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Various types of ornamental fish can be found in the marshes of Assam. There are numerous wetlands nearby Brahmaputra River in the Nimati Ghat of the Jorhat district of Assam. Many riverine species use wetlands as breeding and feeding areas. Unfortunately, the fish population in wetland areas is declining as a result of habitat destruction. The present communication deals with the ornamental fish diversity in some wetlands nearby Nimati, Jorhat. The study was conducted in three important wetlands of Nimati, Jorhat District namely Borsola, Sarala and Gohain beel during monsoon season. A total of 56 ornamental fish species from different genus has been recorded from the wetlands. The fish found in these wetlands are a source of livelihood to the local population. Some fish are utilized for therapeutic purposes as well.