state of Meghalaya. We conducted intensive surveys as well as reviewed and analyzed the published information available on fish diversity of the state. In.
Fish Diversity in Meghalaya
Dr. Kh. T. Vaiphei and Prof. B. B. P. Gupta
Department of Zoology North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong – 793022 (Meghalaya)
Authors Dr. Kh. T. Vaiphei and Prof. B. B. P. Gupta Department of Zoology North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong – 793022 (Meghalaya)
Copyright @ Prof. B. B. P. Gupta Department of Zoology North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong – 793022 (Meghalaya)
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ISBN: 978-93-85895-19-7
Published by AkiNik Publications, 169, C-11, Sector-3, Rohini-110085 New Delhi, India for Prof. B. B. P. Gupta, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong – 793022 (Meghalaya).
Preface North-East Region (NER) of India comprises eight states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura), and forms part of two Biodiversity hotspots (i.e., Himalayan and Indo-Burma) of the 34 Biodiversity hotspots listed in the world by Conservation International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Kottelat & Whitten’s (1996) map of freshwater biodiversity hotspot also covers the NE India. Of the 806 species of fishes inhabiting the freshwaters of India, the Northeastern region is represented by 296 species belonging to 114 genera under 38 families and 10 orders. This forms about 33.13% of the total Indian freshwater fish species. Meghalaya (Latitude 2505'-26010' N; Longitude 89047'-92047' E; area: 22,429 km2) is literally the ‘Abode of the Clouds’. The state is endowed with great biodiversity values of flora and fauna. The entire state of Meghalaya receives very heavy rainfall as compared to other states of India, and possesses a well-developed river system, which provides ideal habitats for a wide range of fish diversity. Keeping in mind geographical location, topography and heavy rain fall, attempts have been made to establish the fish diversity of the state of Meghalaya. We conducted intensive surveys as well as reviewed and analyzed the published information available on fish diversity of the state. In this book, we have not only updated the inventory of fish species but also added pertinent information on each species. Our surveys and reviews of the fish species indicate that the state of Meghalaya is inhabited by at least 190 species under 32 families, 11 orders, and 91 genera. Though we have made intensive surveys, there is a strong possibility that the reported number of species will increase further in the near future due to identification of new fish species. This book provides species-wise specific information on all fish species found in Meghalaya. The information includes taxonomy, taxonomic characters for species identification, photograph, specific distribution in Meghalaya and other parts of India, and status (common/data deficient/ endangered/critically endangered/endemic etc.). The book will provide authentic and updated information on all fish species of Meghalaya, and act as a reference book on fish diversity of the state for undergraduate and postgraduate students, fisheries scientists, teaching community, anglers, entrepreneurs involved in sustainable exploitation of the fisheries resources and agencies involved in fish conservation. We have adopted some fish photographs from the Fish base and some other open resources for which we are thankful to the concerned publishers and websites. Authors
Contents Preface Introduction Taxonomic characters Species Index Descriptions and Distributions of Fish Species recorded in Meghalaya
01 - 12 13 - 22 23 - 26 27 - 216
Fish Diversity in Meghalaya Introduction Fishes are of immense value to humans. Fishes exhibit enormous diversity in their morphology, the habitats they occupy, and their biology. Fishes are found in rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries and oceans throughout the world. In most species of fishes, all individuals live entirely either in fresh or in marine waters. Almost 200 species are diadromous, i.e., regularly living part of their lives in freshwater and part in marine water. Among these, most are anadromous, i.e., spawn in freshwater but spend much of their time in the sea. A few are catadromous, i.e., spawn in the oceans but return to freshwater (Berra, 1981). History of Ichthyology in India There is hardly any water body which does not have some variety fish. Interest in study of fish is as old as Vedic era in India. The ancient Indians classified fish based on shape and structure, and their knowledge from keen observations are remarkable as seen from Kautilya’s “Arthashasthra” (Ca 300 B.C.) and King Somesvardeva’s “Manasollasa” (c. 1131 A.D.) etc. (Sadhale and Nene, 2005) Among other notable worker on Indian fish species like McClelland (1839), however, there is no work of greater importance on Indian fishes than the epoch making contribution of Francis Day 1829-1889 (1878): Fishes of India; being a natural history of the fishes known to inhabit the seas and freshwaters of India, Burma and Ceylon (1878-1889). In the last century, valuable contributions on fish systematics have been made by Hora (19211950), which were further extended by many leading workers like Misra (1952), Silas (1952), Menon (1992), Talwar (1975), Talwar and Jhingran (1991) and others. Fish constitutes almost half of the total number of vertebrates in the world. They live in almost all conceivable aquatic habitats. Out of 54711 recognized species of vertebrates, 27977 living species of fishes have been recorded so far and the species number is increasing every year due to identification of new fish species (Nelson, 2006). India is one of the mega biodiversity countries in the world, and occupies the ninth position In terms of freshwater mega biodiversity (Mittermeier and Mittermeier, 1997). In India, there are >2,537 species of fishes, out of which >930 live in freshwater and over >1,570 are marine (Talwar and Jhingran, 1991; Lakra et al., 2010).
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The rich icthyodiversity of India has been attracting attention of many leading ichthyologists from all over the world. Fish Diversity in Northeastern region North East Region (NER) of India comprises eight states (i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura), and has a very rich fish diversity. The richness of fish diversity of the region is attributed to many factors like (i) the geomorphology consisting of hills, plateaus and valleys, resulting in the occurrence of a variety of torrential hill streams, rivers, lakes and swamps, (ii) river drainage systems which include the Ganga-Brahmaputra, Koladyne and Chindwin-Irrawady drainage systems, and (iii) tectonic setting in the Indo-Chinese sub-region caused by collision of Indian, Chinese and Burmese plates resulting in the formation of the mighty Himalayas and Indo-Burma ranges. The hills and the undulating valleys of this region give rise to a large number of torrential hill streams, which join big rivers, and finally become part of the GangaBrahmaputra-Barak-Chinwin-Kolodyne-Gomati-Meghna river system. Map 1 - River system of NE region
The North-East India forms part of two Biodiversity hotspots (i.e., Himalayan and Indo-Burma) of the 34 biodiversity hotspots listed by Conservation International (Vishwanath et. al., 2007).). Concomitantly, the northeastern region of India was identified as a biodiversity hotspot by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC, 1998). Kottelat & Whitten’s
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(1996) map of freshwater biodiversity hotspot also covers NE India (Vishwanath et. al., 2007). After the pioneering work of Hamilton (1822) as many as 129 new species of fishes have been described from the NER. Gray (1830-35), McClelland (1838, 1839, 1842, 1845), Muller & Troschel (1849), Playfair (1867), Chaudhuri (1912, 1913), Mukherji (1933), Ahl (1937), Menon (1954, 1987, 1999, 2004), Jayaram (1952, 1966, 1999, 2006) and coworkers (2000, 20030); significant contributions were made by Vishwanath and coworkers (2002, 2007), Nath and Dey (1989), Tilak and Hussain (1990), Arunkumar (2000a, 2000b,, 2000c, 2000d) and coworkers (1998, 2000, 2003), Kullander and Britz (2002), and Ng (2003, 2005a, 2005b, 2006,) etc. with their reports on the descriptions of new fish species of the region. North-East India possesses certain endemic genera of fishes, viz., Aborichthys Chaudhuri, Akysis Blyth, Amblyceps Blyth, Badis Hamilton, Bangana Hamilton, Chaca Gray, Conta Hora, Erethistoides Hora, Erethistes Muller & Troschel, Exostoma Blyth, Meyersglanis Hora & Silas, Olyra McClelland, Parachiloglanis Wu, Pareuchiloglanis Regan, Pseudecheneis Blyth and Pseudolaguvia Misra (Vishwanath et. al., 2007). The available data on the fishes of North East India was far from complete till recently. This was due to lack of extensive survey works in this area, particularly in the interiors of hills because of difficult topography, inaccessibility and lack of proper language communication. In the past few years, researchers in the region have made extensive surveys of the water bodies and have added more new species names to the list of fishes. Recently, changes have taken place in the nomenclature, concepts of taxa and scheme of classification of fishes (Vishwanath et. al, 2007). With the publication of the result of extensive surveys of fishes in the Indo-Chinese region, changes have also taken place in the concept of the origin and evolution of freshwater fishes of the region (Vishwanath et. al, 2007). The ichthyofauna of the Northeastern region of India has elements of the Indo-Gangetic region, and to some extent, of the Myanmerese and SouthChinese regions (Yadava and Chandra, 1994). Ghosh and Lipton (1982) had reported 172 species of fishes with reference to their economic importance, while Sen (1985) reported 187 species of fishes from Assam and its adjacent states. Sinha (1994) compiled a list of 230 species of fishes from northeastern India. Nevertheless, Nath and Dey (1997) recorded 131 species of fishes from the drainages in Arunachal Pradesh alone. Further, according to Sen (2000), of the 930 species of fishes inhabiting the freshwaters of India (Talwar and
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Jhingran, 1991), the Northeastern region is represented by 267 species belonging to 114 genera under 38 families and 10 orders (Sen, 2000). Vishwanath et al. (2007) has reported a total of 296 fish species from the N. E. region. Recently, Goswami et al. (2012) has listed 422 fish species from north east India, belonging to 133 genera and 38 families. The maximum diversity is observed in the family Cyprinidae, which is represented by >154 species. Further, out of 422 fish species, 48 are endangered, 69 near threatened, 103 vulnerable, 153 least concerned, 23 data deficient and 26 not evaluated species (Goswami et al., 2012). Thus, the Northeastern region seems to contains >45% of the total of 930 freshwater fish species reported in India. Fish Diversity in Meghalaya Meghalaya (25 5'-26 10' N latitude, 89047'-92047' E longitude), covering an area of 22,429 km2 is located in the North Eastern part of India, and literally means the ‘Abode of the Clouds’. Meghalaya exhibits great scenic beauty - a panorama of lush green undulating hills, fertile valleys, meandering rivers, mesmerizing waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams and lakes due to its varied topographic, edaphic and climatic conditions. Meghalaya is endowed with great biodiversity values of flora and fauna. The luxuriant and varied growth of vegetation and other floral elements consists of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests. The forest cover in the states is about 69.8% (15657 km2) and total area of recorded forest is 42.3% (9496 km2) of the total geographical area of the state. The dense forest coverage is 4,044 km2 (25.8%) and open forest is 11,613 km2 (74.2%) of the total recorded forest. The entire state of Meghalaya receives very heavy rainfall as compared to other states of India and the Northeastern region. Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram are well known for receiving the heaviest rainfall in the world. The state has a well-developed river system. There are several rivers in Meghalaya, some of them are navigable, while others are not. The main rivers of Meghalaya in the Garo hills that form the northern river system and flow from west to east are the Chagua, Ajagar, Kalu, Dudnai, Didram, Ringgi and Krishnai etc. (Map 2). The Kalu and the Krishnai are only navigable of the northern river system. The main rivers that form the southern system are Bhogai, Daring, Sanda, Dareng, Bandra and Simsang. The biggest of all the rivers of the Garo hills is the Simsang, which is only partly navigable and possesses a very rich fish diversity. 0
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Map 2 – Major Rivers of Meghalaya
The main rivers of the eastern and central regions of Meghalaya plateau that flow towards the north are Umiam, Umkhri and Digaru etc., and some major rivers of the eastern and central regions of Meghalaya plateau that flow towards the south are the Mawpa, Kynchiang (Jadukata), Myntdu, Kynshi and Myngot etc.. The Simsang River is the longest river and cultural icon of the Garo Hills. The river is known as Someswari River in Bangladesh. It originates from Nokrek Peak of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (1412 m MSL) and flows towards the East for about 45 Km. The river from the Nokrek mountains moves eastwards through Williamnagar (Headquarters of East Garo Hills District), Rongrenggre, Siju, Nongalbibra, Baghmara (Headquarters of South Garo Hills district) and Rewak. Jinjiram is another major river which originates from the Derek village and flows eastwards through Goalpara district of Assam. Jinjiram is the longest river of the Garo Hills. Kalu river (local name: Ganol) originates from the Tura peak and runs westwards through Garobadha, Damalgre, Rangapani and Goalpara. Its main tributaries are Chibok, Rongdik, Rompa and Ringdi rivers. Meghalaya has two drainage systems namely Brahmaputra in the north and Barak in the South. Important rivers of the Brahmaputra drainage are Umiam, Kopili, Myntang, Jingiram and Simsang, while Kynshi, Umngot, and Myntdu are the major rivers of the Barak drainage system. Keeping in mind the geographical location, topography and heave rain fall, attempts have been made to establish the fish diversity of Meghalaya. Sen (1995) reported 152 species belonging to 74 genera under 29 families and 8 orders from the state. However, Sen (2000) revised the numbers and reported 165 fish species from the state of Meghalaya. Later, however, Mahapatra et al. (2003) independently updated the fish inventory of the State and reported 175 fish species belonging to 86 genera under 32 families and 9 orders. The
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observed Increase in total number of fish species in Meghalaya might be due to identification of new fish species. So far the earlier workers have only listed the species without indicating the region of the state where a species is found as well as the status of each species. In order to know the recent status of fish diversity of the state, we conducted surveys in different parts of the state as well as compiled and analyzed the published information available on fish diversity of Meghalaya. Our surveys and reviews of the fish species presented in this book indicate that Meghalaya is inhabited by at least 190 fish species under 32 families and 11 orders, and the number is expected to change in future due to reporting of new species or synonyms. In this book, we have compiled species-wise specific information on all fishes found in Meghalaya. Species-specific information includes taxonomy, taxonomic characters for easy identification, photograph, specific distribution in Meghalaya and other parts of India and status (not evaluated.common/data deficient/ threatened, near threatened/endangered/ critically endangered/ endemic etc.). This book will provide authentic and complete information on all fish species of Meghalaya, and act as a reference book on fish diversity of the state for undergraduate and post-graduate students, fisheries scientists, teaching community, entrepreneurs involved in exploitation of the fisheries resources and agencies involved in fish conservation and sustainable exploitation. References Ahl, E. (1937). Neue Susswasserfische aus dem Indischen und Malaiischen Gebiet. Zool. Anz., 117, 113-119. Arunkumar, L. (2000a). Fishes of the genus Chela Hamilton-Buchanan (Cyprinidae: Cultrinae) from Manipur, India, with description of a new species. Aquaculture, 1, 121-124. Arunkumar, L. (2000b). Neonoemacheilus morehensis, a new species of Nemacheiline loach (Balitoridae: Nemacheilinae) from the Yu-River system of Manipur. Indian J. Fish., 47, 43-47. Arunkumar, L. (2000c). Loaches of the genus Lepidocephalicthys (Lepidocephalichthys) from Manipur, with description of a new species. J. Fish Biol., 57, 1093-1104. Arunkumar, L. (2000d). Laguvia manipurensis, a new species of sisorid cat fish (Pisces: Sisoridae) from the Yu River system of Manipur. Indian J. Fish., 47, 193-200.
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Arunkumar, L., and Tombi Singh, H. (1998). Fishes of the genus Danio (Hamilton-Buchanan) from Manipur, with description of a new species. J. Nature Conserv. 10, 1-6. Arunkumar, L., and Basudha C. H. (2003). Tor barakae, a new species of mahseer fish (Cyprinidae: Cyprininae) from Manipur, India. Aquaculture, 4, 271-276. Arunkumar, L., and Tombi Singh, H. (2000). Spiny eels of the genus Macrognathus Lacepede from Manipur, with description of a new species. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 97, 117-122. Berra, T. M. (1981). An atlas of distribution of the freshwater fish families of the world. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, pp. 1-197. Chaudhuri, B. L. (1912). Descriptions of some new species of freshwater fishes from north India. Rec. Indian Mus. (Calcutta), 7, 437-444. Chaudhuri, B. L. (1913). Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911-12. XVIII. Fish. Rec. Indian Mus., (Calcutta), 8, 243-257. Dey, F. 1829-1889 (1878). Fishes of India; being a natural history of the fishes known to inhabit the seas and freshwaters of India, Burma, and Ceylon. Williams and Norgate, London. Ghosh, S. K., and A. P. Lipton (1982). Ichthyofauna of the NEH Region with special reference to their economic importance. ICAR Research Complex, NEH Shillong. Spl. Bulletin, 1: 119-126. Goswami, U. C., Basistha, S. K., Bora, D., Shyamkumar, K., Saikia, B., and Changsan, K. (2012). Fish diversity of North East India, inclusive of the Himalayan and Indo Burma biodiversity hotspots zones: A checklist on their taxonomic status, economic importance, geographical distribution, present status and prevailing threats. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 4(15), 592-613. Gray, J. E. (1830-35). Illustration of Indian zoology; chiefly selected from the collection of Major General Hardwicke, F. R. S., 20 parts in 2 vols. Illus. Indian Zool., 1-202. Hamilton, F. B. (1822). An account of the fishes found in the river Ganges and its branches. Edinburgh & London. Fishes Ganges, 1-405. Hora, S. L. (1921a). Fish and fisheries of Manipur with some observations on those of the Naga Hills. Rec. Indian Mus., (Calcutta)., 22,165-214. Hora, S. L. (1921b). Indian cyprinoids fishes belonging to the genus Garra, with notes on related species from other countries. Rec. Indian Mus. (Calcutta), 22, 633-687.
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Jayaram, K. C. (2006). Catfishes of India. Narendra Publishing, Delhi. Catfishes of India, 1-383. Jayaram, K. C., and Jeyachandra Dhas, J. (2000). Revision of the genus Labeo Cuvier from the Indian region with a discussion on its phylogeny and zoogeography (Pisces: Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, Cyprininae). Rec. Zool. Surv., India Occ., 183: 1-143. Jayaram, K. C., and Anuradha, S. (2003). A taxonomic revision of the fishes of the genus Mystus Scopoli (Family: Bagridae). Rec. Zool. Surv., India, Misc. Publ., Occas., 207: 1-141. Kottelat, M., and Whitten, T. (1996).Freshwater biodiversity in Asia with special reference to fish. World Bank Technical Paper343, 1-59. Kullander, S. O., and Britz, R. (2002). Revision of the family Badidae (Teleostei: Perciformes), with description of a new genus and ten new species. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters, 13, 295-372. Lacepede, B. G. E. (1800). Histoire naturelle des poisons. Hist. Nat. Poiss., 2, 1-632. Lakra, W. S., Sarkar, U. K., Gopalkrishna, A., Kathiruvelepandian, A. (2010). Threatened freshwater fishes of India. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. Pp. 1-20. Mahapatra, B. K., Vinod, K., and Mandal, B. K. (2003). Fish biodiversity of Meghalaya with a note on their sustainable utilization. Aquacult. 4, 1-10. McClelland, J. (1838). Observations on six new species of cyprinidae, with an outline of a new classification of the family. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal, 7, 941948. McClelland, J. (1839). Indian Cyprinidae. Asiatic Researches, 19, 217-471. McClelland, J. (1842). On the fresh-water fishes collected by William Griffith, Esq., F. L. S. Madras Medical Service, during his travels under the orders of the Supreme Government of India, from 1835-1842. J. Nat. Hist. Calcutta, 2, 560-589. McClelland, J. (1845). Description of four species of fishes from the rivers at the foot of the Boutan Mountains. J. Nat. Hist. Calcutta., 5, 274-282. Menon, A. G. K. (1954). Further observations on the fish fauna of the Manipur state. Rec. Ind. Mus., 52: 26. Menon, A. G. K. (1987). The fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Pisces. Vol. IV. Teleostei-Cobitoidae. Part 1. Homalopteridae. Zoological Survey of India, Fauna of India Homalopteridae, 1-259.
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Menon, A. G. K. (1992). Taxonomy of Mahseer fishes of the genus Tor Gray with description of a new species from the Deccan. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 89, 210-231. Menon, A. G. K. (1999). Check list- fresh water fishes of India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India, Misc. Publ., Occas., 175, 1-366. Menon, A. G. K. (2004). Threatened fishes of India and their conservation. Zoological survey of India, Kolkata, India, pp.1-170. Mishra, K. S. (1952). An aid to the identification of the fishes of India, Burma and Ceylon. Elasmobranchii and Holocephali. Rec. Indian Museum, 49, 89-137. Mittermeier, R. A., and Mittermeier, C. G. (1997). Megadiversity Earth’s Biologically Wealthiest Nation. In: McAllister, D. E., Hamilton, A. L., and Harvery, B. (Eds). Global Freshwater Biodiversity, 11, 1-140. Mukherji, D. D. (1933). Report on Burmese fishes collected by Lt.-Col. R. W. Burton from the tributary streams of the Mali Hka River of the Myitkyina District (Upper Burma). Part I. J. Bombay Nat Hist. Soc., 36, 813-831. Muller, J., and Troschel, F. H. (1849). Horae Ichthyologicae. Beschreibung and Abbildung neuer Fische, Berlin, 27, 24. Nath, P., and Dey, S. C. (1997). Fishes and Fisheries of Northeastern India. Vol. 1. Arunachal Pradesh, 140. Nath, P., and Dey, S. C. (1989). Two new fish species of the genus Amblyceps Blyth from Arunachal Pradesh, India. J. Assam Sci. Soc., 32, 1-6. Ng, H.H., 2003. A revision of the south Asian sisorid catfish genus Sisor (Teleostei: Siluriformes). J. Nat. Hist., 37, 2871-2883. Ng, H. H. (2005a). Gylptothorax botius (Hamilton, 1822), a valid species of catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from northeast India, with notes on the identity of G. telchitta (Hamilton, 1822). Zootaxa, 930, 1-19. Ng, H. H. (2005b). Conta pectinata, a new erethistid catfish (Teleostei: Erethistidae) from northeast India. Ichthyological Explor. Freshwater, 16, 23-28. Ng, H. H. (2006). The identity of Batasio tengana (Hamilton, 1822), with the description of two new species of Batasio from north-eastern India (Teleostei: Bagridae). J. Fish Biol., 68, 101-118. Nelson, J. S. (2006). Fishes of the world, 4th Edition, pp1-160. John Willey & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. Pillai, R. S., and Yazdani, G. M. (1977). Ichthyofauna of Garo Hills, Meghalaya (Indi). Rec. Zool. Surv. Of India. 72, 1-22.
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Playfair, R. L. (1867). On the fishes of Cachar. Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond. 1867, 14-17. Rainboth, W. J. (1996). FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. Fishes of the Cambodian Mekong. Rome, FAO, 1-265. Sadhale, N., and Nene, Y. L. (2005). On Fish in Manasollasa (c. 1131 AD). Asian Agri-History, 9 (3), 177–199. Sen, N. (2000). Occurrence, Distribution and Status of Diversified Fish Fauna of northeastern India, pp. 31-48. In Ponniah, A. G. and U. K. Sarkar (Eds.). Fish Biodiversity of North-East India. NATP Publication No. 2. NBFGR. Lucknow. Sen, N. (1995). Fauna of Meghalaya, Part 1: 483-606, Zoological Survey of India. Sen, T. K. (1985). The fish fauna of Assam and the Neighbouring Northeastern States of India. Records of Zoological Survey of India. Occasional Paper No. 64, 1-216. Silas, E. G. (1952). Further studies regarding Hora’s Satpura hypothesis. 2. Taxonomic assessment and levels of evolutionary divergences of fishes with the so called Malayan affinities in peninsular India. Proc. nat. Inst. Sci., India, 18, 423-448. Sinha, M. (1994). Threatened Coldwater Fishes of North-Eastern Region of India, pp. 173-176. In. Threatened Fishes of India. Natcon Publication No. 4. UP, 384pp. Talwar, P. K. (1975). Systematic position of Pama pama (HamiltonBuchanan), 1822 (Pisces; Sciaenidae), with a discussion on the taxonomic status of Otolithoides brunneus (Day, 1873). J. Inland fish. Soc., India, 7: 36-42. Talwar, P. K., and Jhingran, A. G. (1991). Inland Fishes of India and Adjacent Countries. Vol. I & II. Oxford and IBH Co., Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1158. Tilak, R., and Husain, A. (1990). Description of a new loach, Nemacheilus chindwinicus sp. Nov. (Homalopteridae, Cypriniformes) from Manipur, India, with notes on the systematic status of the genus Nemacheilus and the subfamily Nemacheilinae. Mitt. Zool. Mus. Berlin, 66, 51-58. Vishwanath, W. (2002). Fishes of north East India, a field guide to species identification. Manipur University and NATP. p198. Vishwanath, W., Lakra, W. S., and Sarkar, U.K. (2007). Fishes of North East India. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR). WCMC (World Conservation Monitoring Centre) (1998). Freshwater biodiversity: A preliminary global assessment. WCMC, Cambridge, U.K.
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Yadava, Y. S., and Chandra, R. (1994). Some threatened carps and cat fishes of Brahmaputra River System. pp. 45-55. In: Threatened Fishes of India. Natcon Publication No. 4. UP. 384.
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Taxonomic Characters of Orders and Families of Fish in Meghalaya 1. Order: Anguilliformes: Body cylindrical, very elongate, eel like. Pelvic fin absent. No fin spines. Scales absent, if present, cycloid, embedded in skin. Gill opening narrow; gill rakers absent. Maxilla toothed. Premaxilla, vomer and ethmoid united into a single bone. Swim bladder physostomous. Oviduct absent. Family: Angullidae (Freshwater Eels) - Body cylindrical, very elongate, eel like. Pelvic fin absent. Tongue free. Dorsal fin commences at some distance behind nape, far behind gill openings. Pectoral fins absent. Gill openings situated in the pharynx in the form of moderate slits near base of pectoralfins. Lateral line complete. Mouth terminal, lips thick. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins confluent. 2. Order: Beloniformes - Body elongate but cylindrical. Both upper and lower jaws extended into long beaks and with sharp teeth. Interhyal absent. Interarcual cartilage small or absent. Principal rays more in lower caudal fin lobe. Upper jaw fixed and non protractile. Pelvic fin abdominal. Adipose fin absent. Dorsal and anal fins posteriorly placed. No fin spines. Family: Belonidae Belonidae (Freshwater Gars, needlefishes): Body elongate, slender, with small scales. Head with scales. Gill openings wide. Dorsal fin placed far posterior of body without spines; dorsal fin rays varying in elevation, sometimes forming a lobe to the fin. Pectoral fins short, placed high on sides, with 10 to 12 rays. Pelvic fins abdominal with six rays. No separate finlets. Upper and lower jaws produced into a beak; jaws provided with numerous needle-like teeth. Mouth opening large. Scales small. Dorsal fin origin above anal fin origin. Caudal fin truncate or rounded. 3. Order: Clupeiformes - Belly sharply edged and with a row of abdominal scutes. Lateral line not extending onto the body. Pelvic fin abdominal. Parasphenoid teeth absent. Parietals separated by supra occipital. Gill rakers numerous and elongated. Head scales. Air-bladder divided into two large vesicles which are lodged within ossified bullae of prootic and pterotic bones; thus the air bladder is intimately connected intracranially with the inner-ear. A characteristically marine, pelagic and shoaling fishes with numerous
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freshwater representatives in tropical Africa and India. Most are plankton feeders. Family: Clupeidae (Herrings, Sardines, Shads) - Head scale-less. Dorsal fin short. Caudal fin deeply forked. Teeth small or absent. Maxillaries compose of three pieces not ossified together. Abdomen with scutes. Head without scales. Teeth when present, rudimentary and deciduous. Barbels absent. Gill membrane free. Opercular pieces four. A single dorsal fin with a few or a moderate number of weak rays. Anal fin generally short, long in a few genera. Scales present on body. Lateral line mostly absent. Pyloric appendages when present numerous. Family: Engraulidae (Anchovies) - Tip of snout overhanging mouth, latter set far back on the underside of head. Lower jaw inconspicuous, upper jaw extending well beyond eye. Teeth small, uniserial, rarely canine. Anal fin long with more than 40 rays. Maxillaries compose of two pieces, not ossified together. Gill membranes united, free from isthmus. Branchiostegal rays 7 to 19. A single dorsal fin with a few or a moderate number of weak rays. Anal fin long. Scales thin, cycloid, deciduous, generally absent on head. No lateral line. 4. Order: Cypriniformes - Parietal, symplectic, subopercular, and intermuscular bones present; vomerine teeth absent; heavy long plates never present on body; branchiostegal rays 5-8. In term of species this is the second largest order of fishes. Head without scales. Bony plates never developed. Mouth usually protractile and always toothless. Maxillaries reduced. Lateral line present. Air-bladder free or often enclosed in a bony capsule in bottom dwelling forms. A widely distributed group of economic value. A single dorsal fin. Family: Balitoridae (Loaches) - Body covered with small cycloid scales, greatly depressed, ventral surface flattened. Body, head and part or whole of ventral surface without scales. Jaws and palate edentate. Gill openings either greatly restricted or situated above base of pectoral fins or of moderate size extending to ventral surface for a short distance. Gill membranes united with isthmus. Pseudobranchiae absent. Paired fins may or may not be horizontally placed with one or two simple unbranched rays. Lateral line well marked and complete. Air-bladder reduced, divided and enclosed in a bony capsule,
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formed by the dorsal ribs of the second and fourth vertebrae. Sub-temporal fossa deep. Operculum elongated. Pre-operculum reduced. Posterior process of quadrate large. Family: Cobitidae - Bottom dwellers. Popular aquarium fish. Body short, low, more or less cylindrical, posteriorly compressed but never depressed. Body with small cycloid scales when present, usually immersed in mucus, may be present on head also. Mouth sub-terminal to inferior. Lips thick, fleshy, papillated. Jaws and palate edendate. Three pairs of barbells. Pharyngeal teeth few and in one row. Pseudo-branchiae absent. Gill membranes free from each other. Air-bladder entirely or partially enclosed in a bony capsule, posterior part small or vestigial. Family: Cyprinidae (Carps, Minnows) - Body compressed. Body with scales, generally compressed, abdomen rounded or cutting. Eyes never covered with skin. Mouth transverse, superior, inferior or terminal, with or without a sucker more or less protractile and toothless. Lower jaw may be prominent, sharp or rounded, sometimes provided with a knob at the symphysis, which may be movable. Upper jaw usually bordered only by premaxilla. Lips usually thin, not with papillae, developed in various stages; sometimes absent from one of the jaws or closely infesting both jaws or reflected from one or the other. Last simple dorsal ray often spiny or serrated. Adipose fin absent, anal fin short. Barbels one or two pairs, present or absent. Family: Psilorhynchidae (Stream loaches) - Body arched dorsally, ventral surface of head flattened. Head and belly without scales. Barbels absent. Mouth small, sub-terminal. Jaws with sharp horny edges, lips fleshy. Gill opening narrow. Pharyngeal teeth with one row of teeth. Paired fins horizontal with two or more simple rays. Lateral line complete. Air-bladder greatly reduced; either free or partially enclosed by bones; posterior chamber of airbladder very small and anterior covered by a thick fibrous coat. Basipterygium plate-like with or without lateral foramen well developed for attachment of muscles. 5. Order: Cyprinidontiformes - Body short, compressed, or elongate, with scales. Head with scales. Margin of upper jaw formed solely by premaxillaries. Upper jaw protractile in many species. Teeth in both jaws, also in the superior and inferior pharyngeal bones. Upper and lower pharyngeal bones
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well developed. Infraorbital series reduced to two, rarely three elements. Opercular and pre-operculum bones unarmed. A single spineless dorsal fin. Pelvic fins abdominal, sub-abdominal or thoracic. Air-bladder physoclistic. Small to medium sized surface feeding fishes, principally in fresh and brackish waters, some marine. Most freshwater species with pronounced secondary sexual dimorphism in size, color, and in fin shape and function. Both oviparous and viviparous species are found. Family: Aplocheilidae - Body fusiform and compressed. Upper jaw protrussible, bordered by only premaxilla. Fins with no spines. Dorsal fin inserted far behind. Scales large, cycloid. Lateral line on head. Family: Poecilidae (Live bearers) - Body short, cylindrical, compressed. Head and body with scales. Premaxillaries slightly protractile; mandible prominent. Teeth on jaws; palate edentate. Gill membranes free from each other and also from isthmus. Anal fin without any spine. Lateral line complete, chiefly on head. Pectoral fins first few rays sexually modified in males in some cases. 6. Order: Mugiliformes - Body oblong to elongate, compressed, may be depressed anteriorly to a little extent. Head and body with a scales. Eyes with or without adipose eyelids. Opercles with or without a spine. Teeth very fine or absent. Gill openings wide, gill rakers long. Two dorsal fins short, widely separated, first with spines. Anal fin slightly longer than second dorsal. Pelvic fins sub-abdominal with a spine and suspended from an elongated shoulder bone. Lateral line absent. Pyloric appendages generally few. Mostly marine, these economically valuable fishes are found often entering estuaries and tidal rivers. One genus Rhinomugil is mostly a freshwater inhabitant. Family: Mugilidae - Spiny and soft dorsals widely separated. Pelvic fin subabdominal. Lateral line absent or faint. Ctenoid scales on body. Mouth moderate, teeth small or absent. Gill rakers long. Intestine exceedingly long. 7. Order: Osteoglossiformes - Body deep, strongly compressed. Nassal capsule rigid. Tongue bones and paraphenoid bear well developed teeth. Maxilla small and fixed in skull. Supramaxilla absent. Caudal fin with 16 or fewer branched rays. Caudal fin skeleton mostly with large first ural centrum
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and no urodermals. Unlike in many gnathostomes, intestine passes posteriorly to left oesophagus and stomach. Family: Notopteridae (Featherbacks) - Back humped. Dorsal fin small, inserted in the middle of back. Anal fin very long, starts just behind the pelvic fins, confluent with caudal fin. Pelvic fin small to absent. Scales tiny, 120 or more on lateral line. Abdomen edge in front of pelvic fin keeled. Anterior limbs of swim bladder pass forward lateral to the skull. Maxilla toothed. 8. Order: Perciformes - Skin with scales, commonly ctenoid. Mouth may be protractile, particularly upper jaw, with the pre-maxillary having ascending, articular and lateral (maxillary) processes. Head and cheeks with muciferous canals, pores. Bones of head commonly with numerous pungent spines. Upper and lower pharyngeals well developed and toothed. Teeth may be present or absent on vomer and palatines, villiformes on jaws with or without canines. Two dorsal fins, first spinous. An adipose fin never present. Pectoral fins inserted laterally and vertically on the sides. Pelvic fins, if present, thoracic or jugular, with spines, usually with five rays. Anal fin with spines. This order is the largest and the most diversified of all fish orders. Family: Anabantidae (Climbing perches) - Body oblong, compressed. Head and body covered with ctenoid scales. Teeth on jaws, extremities of vomer, and parasphenoid with two rows of conical teeth. Palate edentate. Gill membranes scaly and broadly united. A single long dorsal fin with spinous and soft part. Anal fin with spines. Lateral line interrupted. Air-bladder bifid posteriorly, with either extremity produced. Pyloric appendages few or absent. Family: Belontidae (Gouramies) - A specialized group of Anabantid fishes in which the body is short, compressed, anteriorly depressed to a slight extent. Head and body covered with ctenoid scales generally. Teeth on jaws, none on palate. Pseudobranchiae rudimentary or absent. Gill openings rather narrow, membranes united below isthmus. Opercle and interopercle not serrated. A suprabranchial cavity present. A single dorsal fin with spines and soft rays. Air-bladder may be present or absent. Median rays of caudal fin often produced. Pyloric appendages when present few. Family: Chandidae (Glass fishes) - Body short, elevated, oblong, compressed, slightly translucent. Moderate to small, deciduous cycloid scales
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on head and body. Pseudobranchiae well developed. Branchiostegal rays six. Lower point of preopercle with a double serrated sdge. Opercle without spine, ending in a membranous flap. Two dorsal fins, with a spinous and soft part. Anal fin with spines. Lateral line complete, or interrupted. Family: Channidae (Milk fish) - Body elongate, cylindrical anteriorly and slightly compressed posteriorly. Scales cycloid, rather small only on body. Some scales enlarged over nape. Branchiostegal rays four. Abdomen rounded, smooth. Mouth terminal. Eyes large, placed at centre of head. Dorsal fin single. Lateral line distinct. Non-protractile upper jaw. Lower jaw with small symphyseal tubercles. Lateral line complete. Maxillaries short, wide. Supramaxillaries, gular plate absent. No teeth. A suprabranchial organ present. Airbladder with a constriction. Familly: Cichlidae - Body oblong, elevated, compressed. Head and body slightly ctenoid scales. A single nostril on each side of snout. Inferior pharyngeal bones triangular with a median longitudinal suture. Teeth on jaws. Palate edentate. Pseudobranchiae absent. Branchiostegal rays six. Dorsal fin single with a spinous and soft part. Anal fin with spines and a soft part. Lateral line interrupted or abruptly ceasing. Air-bladder present, large and simple. Pyloric appendages absent, few when present. Family: Gobiidae (Gobies) - Body varying from oblong to very elongate, eellike in some genera. Head generally with mucous canals and open pores. Five branchiostegal rays. Two dorsal fins united with each other or separated narrowly by a notch, or well separated, with soft flexible spines and/ or rays. Pelvic fins united, usually forming adhesive or sucking disc. Basal membrane present or absent. Anal fin short, or long, or continuous with caudal fin. Anal papilla present. Lateral line absent; exposed pit-organs present. Scales ctenoid or cycloid (rarely absent). Family: Nandidae (Leaf fishes) - Body oblong, elevated, compressed with moderate sized ctenoid scales. Head covered with scales. Teeth on jaws and palate. Pseudobranchiae present in marine genera, concealed or absent in freshwater forms. Branchiostegal rays five or six. Operculum armed with a spine. A single dorsal fin with a spinous and a soft portion. Pelvic fins thoracic, without thoracic process. Anal fin with spines. Lateral line interrupted or absent. Air-bladder present. Pyloric
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9. Order: Siluriformes - Parietal, symplectic, sub-opercular and intermuscular bones absent; vomer usually tooth (as is the pterygoid and palatine); adipose fin usually present; body either naked or covered with long plates; eyes usually small (barbells are important in detecting food); maxillae usually rudimentary supporting a barbel on each side. An unusually well defined order, comprising approximately 30 families (400 genera) and about 2000 species found in its entire ranges. Most are confined to freshwater but some are marine. Family: Amblycipitidae - Body compressed. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together, separated by nasal barbell. Dorsal fin covered by thick skin, its base short, and spine weak. Adipose fin present, confluent with caudal fin some. Caudal fin forked to emarginated. Anal fin base short. Teeth on premaxillaries and mandible, palate edentate. Gill openings very wide, extending far forward on ventral surface, membranes united with each other, but free from isthmus. Family: Bagridae - Body naked. Barbels 4 pairs. Generally large sized, more or less elongate fishes, with a compressed body. Teeth on pre-maxillaries, mandible and vomer. Nostrils widely separated, above angle of mouth, anterior tubular on tip of snout, posterior nearer eye than tip of snout and with the nasal barbels. Barbels six or eight, generally well developed. Gill openings wide, extending to above base of pectoral fins, membranes free from each other and also from isthmus. Rayed dorsal fin short, inserted anteriorly above middle of pectoral fins, with six to eight rays and a spine. Adipose dorsal fin smooth; not confluent with either rayed dorsal or with caudal. Paired fins inserted horizontally. Pectoral fins with a strong spine, generally serrated. Anal fin short or moderately long, not confluent with caudal. Caudal fin forked or deeply emarginated. Lateral line present, generally complete. Family: Chacidae - (Angler Catfishes) - Robust large sized ugly fishes with head extremely long, broad and flattened, nearly square in outline viewed from above. Mouth terminal, very broad, its anterior margin viewed from above varying from almost straight to broadly convex. Teeth villiform on premaxillaries, mandible; palate edentate. Nostrils small, widely separated, anterior pair tubular, situated along front border of snout, posterior pair with or without a short barbell. Gill rakers absent. Gill openings moderately large, extending onto isthmus only a short distance antero-ventral to pectoral fins. Branchiostegal rays six to eight.
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Family: Clariidae (Air breathing Catfishes) - Large sized elongate fishes with a compressed body. Teeth on pre-maxillaries, mandible and vomer. Nostrils widely separated, anterior tubular, situated near tip of snout, posterior slit-like and with nasal barbell. Barbels eight, well developed. Gill openings wide, extending to above base of pectoral fins. An air-breathing arising from the branchial arches may be present. Branchiostegal rays seven to nine. Dorsal fin without spine, its base long, confluent or separate with caudal fin. Anal fin long, caudal fin rounded. Gill opening wide. Barbels 4 pairs. Labyrinthine organ arising from gill arches for air breathing. Family: Erethistidae - Body elongated and narrow. Thoracic apparatus narrow gill openings, body slender, dorsal spine serrated on anterior margin, pectoral spine with serrations on anterior margin pointing towards tip of point. Upper lip papillate. Anal fin with 9-10 rays. Head and body tuberculated. Caudal fin deeply forked, its lobes greatly produced. Family: Heteropneustidae (Stinging Catfishes) - Moderate sized elongate fishes with a compressed body. Teeth on pre-maxillaries, mandible and vomer. Nostrils widely separated, anterior produced into a short tube, on tip of snout, posterior slit-like behind nasal barbells. Barbels eight, well developed. Gill openings wide, extending to above base of pectoral fins. A long air-sac extends posteriorly from gill-chamber through muscles of back to tail. Branchiostegal rays seven. Adipose fin absent, caudal fin rounded. Long air sac extends posteriorly from gill chamber, serves for aerial respiration. Pectoral spine with venom glands. Family: Schilbeidae - Body elongated, compressed. Abdomen rounded. Teeth present on maxillaries, mandible and vomer. Nostrils widely separated. Barbels two, four or eight, fairly well developed (vestigial or absent in Silonia). Gill openings very wide, extending up to lateral line, membranes free from each other and also from isthmus. Branchiostegal rays five to 12. Adipose dorsal fin generally present, may be absent. Paired fins inserted laterally. Pectoral fins with a strong spine, usually serated. Anal fin very long, not confluent with caudal fin. Caudal fin forked. Lateral line generally complete, simple. Family: Siluridae (Sheat fish) - Large sized, elongate fishes with a compressed body. Depressible teeth on pre-maxillaries, mandible and vomer.
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Nostrils separated from each other by a short a distance, anterior tubular on tip of snout, posterior valved and situated before anterior border of eyes. Barbels four or six, generally well developed. Nasal barbels invariably absent. Gill openings very wide, extending up to lateral line, membranes free from each other and isthmus. Branchiostegal rays 8 to 21. Rayed dorsal fin mostly one (two in Pinniwallago) short with four or five rays and without a spine. Adipose dorsal fin absent. Paired fins laterally inserted. Pectoral fins with a strong spine, occasionally serrated. Anal fin very long, up to 93 rays extending from just posterior to anal opening to caudal or confluent with it. Pelvic fins small, not prominent, may be absent. Family: Sisoridae (Sisorid catfishes) - Generally small to medium sized fishes with head and anterior part of body depressed, and tail compressed or entire body compressed. An adhesive apparatus on thorax may be present or absent. Teeth on pre-maxillaries and mandible; palate edentate. Nostrils close together, slit-like, separated by nasal barbel of varying lengths. Dorsal and pectoral fins with or without spine. Adipose dorsal fin present. Anal fin with less than 15 rays. Caudal fin forked and separated from anal fin. Lateral line complete. Small forms inhabiting mountains rapids. 10. Order: Synbranchiformes - Body eel-like; gill openings confluent, restricted above; dorsal and anal fins confluent with small caudal fin; no rays in dorsal and anal fins; no pectoral fins; pelvic fins minute and jugular or absent; anals in anterior half of body; no swim-bladder; no ribs. Gill membranes attached to isthmus, and gill opening in the form of a slit or pore under head or throat. Three or four branchial arches. Accessory breathing apparatus in the form of air-sac may be present or absent. Vertical fin rudimentary in the form of mere folds of skin. No paired fins. Air-bladder absent. Lateral line present. Found in freshwater and the sea. Family: Chaudhuridae (Spineless eels) - Body eel-like, compressed, without scales. Adult size small (between 40 to 60 mm). Nostrils lateral. Gill openings separate and integument covering them supported by five or six branchiostegal rays. Branchiostegal rays 5. Teeth arranged in bands on jaws only. Dorsal and anal fins long without spines. Pelvic fins and girdle absent. Pectoral girdle attached to skull.
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Family: Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels) - Body elongated, eel like, compressed, covered with minute scales. Snout elongate, supported by cartilaginous rod. Soft dorsal fin preceded by series of isolated spines. Anal fin with 2-3 spines. Fleshy rostral appendages present. Body covered with small scales. Basisphenoid absent. Family: Synbranchidae (Swamp eels) - Paired fins absent. Dorsal and anal fins reduced to rayless ridge. Caudal fin small or absent. Scales minute, embedded in skin or absent. Eyes small. Anterior and posterior nostrils widely separated. The only teleost with amphistylic jaw suspension. Gill membranes united. Branchiostegal rays 4-6. Swim bladder absent. Ribs absent. No spines in anal fin. 11. Order: Tetraodontiformes - Body rounded or broad, inflatable, globular in inflated condition. Skin with more or less regularly arranged spines, generally restricted to some parts of the fish, leaving the other parts naked; spines may have double or treble roots. Gill openings restricted to lateral slits. Teeth coalesced, forming a beak with jaws, each jaw with a median suture. Spinous dorsal, pelvic fins absent, or reduced. Pectoral, caudal fins present. Nasal organs raised up into a tubular papilla bearing the two nostrils; nostrils may be confluent into one and the nasal organ appears as a circular tube produced terminally into two, more or less distinct tentacles. No parietals, nasals or infra-orbitals, and usually no lower ribs. Family: Tetraodontidae - Body short, rounded in cross section, inflatable. Skin naked or with pricles. Fine conical teeth in jaws. Ribs and epineurals absent. Pelvic fin absent. Caudal fin emarginated to round. Lateral line absent.
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Systematic Species Index of Fish in Meghalaya 26. Schistura vinciguerrae Family: Cobitidae 27. Botia almorhae 28. Botia Dario 29. Botia histrionic 30. Botia lohachata 31. Botia rostrata 32. Cantophrys gongota 33. Lapidocephalichthys annandalei 34. Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei 35. Lepidocephalichthys caudofurcatus 36. Lepidocephalichthys guntea 37. Lepidocephalichthys irrorata 38. Neoeucirrhichthys maydelli 39. Pangio pangia Family: Cyprinidae 40. Amblypharyngodon mola 41. Bangana dero 42. Bangana elanga 43. Barilius barila 44. Barilius barna 45. Barilius bendelisis 46. Barilius shacra 47. Barilius tileo 48. Barilius vagra 49. Catla catla 50. Chagunius chagunio 51. Chela cachius 52. Chela laubuca 53. Cirrhinus mrigala 54. Cirrhinus reba 55. Crossocheilus latius 56. Ctenopharyngodon idella
Phylum Chordata Class: Actinopterygii 1. Order: Anguilliformes Family: Angullidae 1. Anguilla bengalensis 2. Order: Beloniformes Family: Belonidae 2. Xenentodon cancila 3. Order: Clupeiformes Family: Clupeidae 3. Gudusia chapra 4. Hilsa ilisha Family: Engraulidae 5. Setipinna phasa 4. Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae 6. Aborichthys elongatus 7. Aborichthys garoensis 8. Aborichthys kempi 9. Acanthocobitis botia 10. Balitora brucei 11. Neonoemacheilus sp.1 12. Neonoemacheilus sp.2 13. Schistura beavani 14. Schistura corica 15. Schistura denisoni dayi 16. Schistura devdevi 17. Schistura elongatus 18. Schistura multifasciatus 19. Schistura papulifera 20. Schistura prasbadi 21. Schistura reticulofasciatus 22. Schistura Savona 23. Schistura scaturigina 24. Schistura sijuensis 25. Schistura sikmaiensis
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57. Cyprinus carpio 58. Danio dangila 59. Danio rerio 60. Devario aequipinnatus 61. Devario assamensis 62. Devario devario 63. Esomus danricus 64. Garra annandalei 65. Garra gotyla gotyla 66. Garra gravely 67. Garra kempi 68. Garra lamta 69. Garra lisorhynchus 70. Garra naganensis 71. Garra nasuta 72. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix 73. Labeo bata 74. Labeo boga 75. Labeo calbasu 76. Labeo dero 77. Labeo dyacheilus 78. Labeo gonius 79. Labeo nandina 80. Labeo pangusia 81. Labeo rohita 82. Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis 83. Neolissocheilus hexastichus 84. Oreichthys cosuatis 85. Osteobrama cotio 86. Parluciosoma daniconius 87. Poropuntius clavatus 88. Puntius chola 89. Puntius conchonius 90. Puntius gelius 91. Puntius gonionotus 92. Puntius guganio
93. Puntius phutunio 94. Puntius sarana 95. Puntius shalynius 96. Puntius sophore 97. Puntius terio 98. Puntius ticto 99. Raiamas bola 100. Raiamas guttatus 101. Rasbora daniconius 102. Rasbora rasbora 103. Salmophasia bacaila 104. Salmostoma phulo 105. Securicula gora 106. Tor mosal 107. Tor putitora 108. Tor tor Family: Psilorhynchidae 109. Psilorhynchus sp. 110. Psilorhynchus balitora 111. Psilorhynchus gracilis 112. Psilorhynchus homaloptera 113. Psilorhynchus sucatio 5. Order: Cyprinidontiformes Family: Aplocheilidae 114. Aplocheilus panchax Family: Poecilidae 115. Poecilia reticulata 6. Order: Mugiliformes Family: Mugilidae 116. Rhinomugil corsula 117. Sicamugil cascasia 7. Order: Osteoglossiformes Family: Notopteridae 118. Chitala chitala 119. Notopterus notopterus 8. Order: Perciformes
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147. Mystus cavasius 148. Mystus menoda 149. Mystus montanus 150. Mystus tengara 151. Mystus vittatus 152. Neotropius atherinoides 153. Olyra horae 154. Olyra longicaudata 155. Rama chandramara 156. Sperata aor Family: Chacidae 157. Chaca chaca Family: Clariidae 158. Clarius batrachus 159. Clarius gariepinus Family: Erethistidae 160. Conta conta 161. Erethistes hara 162. Erethistes jerdoni 163. Laguvia shawi Family: Heteropneustidae 164. Heteropneutes fossilis Family: Schilbeidae 165. Ailia colia 166. Clupisoma garua 167. Eutropuchthys murius 168. Eutropuchthys vacha Family: Siluridae 169. Ompok bimaculatus 170. Ompok pabo 171. Ompok pabda 1712. Wallago Attu Family: Sisoridae 173. Bagarius bagarius 174. Bagarius yarellii 175. Euchiloglanis hodgarti 176. Exostoma labiatum
Family: Anabantidae 120. Anabas testudineus Family: Belontidae 121. Colisa sota 122. Polyacanthus fasciatus 123. Polyacanthus lalius Family: Chandidae 124. Chanda Nama 125. Parambassis baculis 126. Parambassis ranga Family: Channidae 127. Channa barca 128. Channa gachua 129. Channa marulius 130. Channa orientalis 131. Channa punctatus 132. Channa stewarti 133. Channa striatus Familly: Cichlidae 134. Oreochromis mossambicus 135. Oreochromis niloticus Family: Gobiidae 136. Glossobius giuris Family: Nandidae 137. Badis badis 138. Badis badis myanmarnicus 139. Nandus nandus 9. Order: Siluriformes Family: Amblycipitidae 140. Amblyceps apangi 141. Amblyceps arunachalensis 142. Amblyceps mangois Family: Bagridae 143. Aorichthys seenghala 144. Batasio batasio 145. Batasio tengana 146. Mystus bleekeri
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177. Gagata cenia 178. Glyptothorax cavia 179. Glyptothorax striatus 180. Glyptothorax telchitta 181. Glyptothorax ventrolineatus 182. Gogangra vividescens 183. Pseudecheneis sulcatus 10. Order: Synbranchiformes Family: Chaudhuridae 184. Chaudhuria indica Family: Mastacembelidae 185. Macrognathus aral 186. Macrognathus pancalus 187. Mastacembelus armatus Family: Synbranchidae 188. Monopterus albus 189. Monopterus cuchia 11. Order: Tetraodontiformes Family: Tetraodontidae 190. Tetraodon cutcutia
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1. Anguilla bengalensis (Gray, 1831) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Anguilliformes Family: Angullidae Genus: Anguilla Species: bengalensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Robust body. 2. Tail compressed. 3. Dorsal fin inserted nearer anus than gill opening. 4. Variegated olive colour over brown body markings. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: NE India: widely distributed, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar. Status: Endangered.
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2. Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton-Buchanan) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Beloniformes Family: Belonidae Genus: Xenentodon Species: cancila
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate, subcylindrical, compressed. 2. Upper and lower jaws extended into long beaks armed with sharp teeth to their tip. 3. A silvery lateral band extending on flank of the body. 4. Dorsal fin inserted above anal fin, upper margin concave, posterior rays elongated not extending to root of caudal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu, Damalgiri, Garobadha, Phulbari, Rongram, Tura). Elsewhere: Widely distributed; Pakistan, Bangladesh, Borneo, Malaya, Nepal, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. It is distributed in both the drainages (Brahmaputra and Chindwin). Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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3. Gudusia chapra (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Clupeiformes Family: Clupeidae Genus: Gudusia Species: chapra
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 28-29 scutes along belly. 2. Hind margin of scales smooth. 3. Depth of body 28.3-30.4% SL. 4. Last branched dorsal fin ray reaching vertically through to anal fin origin. 5. Body deep, fusiform and compressed. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella, Cherrapunjee), Garo Hills (Phulbari, Baghmara, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, least concern. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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4. Hilsa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Clupeiformes Family: Clupeidae Genus: Hilsa Species: ilisha
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body compressed, oblong. 2. Abdomen serrated with 15 or 16 pre-pelvic and 11-16 post-pelvic scutes present. 3. Mouth terminal, cleft not extending to orbit. 4. Caudal fin lobes as long as head. Ditribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Dareng River, Bugai Rive), Simsang (Baghmara), Elsewhere: Bangladesh, China, Formosa, Indonesia, Malaya, Pakistan, SriLanka, Vietnam. Status: Vulnerable.
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5. Setipinna phasa (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Clupeiformes Family: Engraulidae Genus: Setipinna Species: phasa
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body compressed, oblong to elongate. 2. Abdomen edge keeled with 21-40 scutes. 3. Anal fin long, not contiguous with caudal fin. 4. First ray of pectoral fin produced into a filament. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Dalu, Tura). Elsewhere: U.P., West Bengal (Gabges system), Orissa, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar. Status: Least Concern/Data deficient. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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6. Aborichthys elongatus (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Aborichthys Species: elongates
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body marked with several broad black rings alternating with narrow yellowish bands especially in posterior part. 2. Barbels about as long as or slightly longer than eye diameter. 3. Caudal fin dusky with whitish margin and two short whitish bands in the middle. 4. Black bands broader than yellow interspace. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Damalgiri). Elsewhere: Darjeeling (West Bengal), Upper Myanmar. Status: Endangered. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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7. Aborichthys garoensis (Hora, 1925) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Aborichthys Species: garoensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with 30 to 35 black fork shaped bands. 2. Vent almost equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin or slightly nearer to tip of snout than to caudal fin base. 3. Body depth 6.4-7.1 times in standard length. 4. Eye diameter 6-7.2 in head length; 5. Caudal fin dull grey with dark black margin posteriorly. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh. Status: Critically endangered; Endemic. So far distribution restricted to Garo Hills only.
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8. Aborichthys kempi (Chaudhuri, 1913) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Aborichthys Species: kempi
Taxonomic characters: 1. Vent distinctly nearer tip of snout than caudal fin base. 2. Body with 15 to 20 black bands. 3. Body marked with oblique black stripes, black bands narrower than yellow interspace. 4. Barbels much longer than eye diameter. 5. Caudal fin banded with two broad black concentric curves. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Rongram, Thabrongiri, Chinabot). Elsewhere: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Upper Myanmar. Status: Vulnerable. Not very commonly occurring in Meghalaya. So far recorded from Garo hills only.
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9. Acanthocobitis botia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: Dario
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body oblong, short moderately deep. 2. Dorsal fin origin almost equidistant between snout tip and caudal fin base. 3. 7 distinct oblique vertical bands on body; two broad bands on head, one between orbit and another one in front of orbit between nares, the latter band extending upto tip of snout. 4. Eyes moderately large without any skin covering. 5. A bifid erectile sub orbital spine below eyes. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Dalu, Phulbari, Rongrengiri, Siju). Elsewhere: Manipur- jiri river, Jiri ( Brahmaputra Drainage), Ganga and other Brahmaputra Drainages, Assam, N. Bangal, Bihar, West Bengal, UP, Punjab, Bangladesh. Status: Vunrable. Not commonly occurring species.
35
10. Balitora brucei (Gray, 1830) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Balitora Species: brucei
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head length 19-22% SL, maximium head width 0.95 to 1.2 times in head length. 2. Caudal peduncle 3.0-4.2 times longer than deep. 3. Pectoral fin with 9-10 simple and 10-12 branched rays. 4. Caudal peduncle length 16.7-21.4% SL. 5. Body depressed.Lateral line scales more than 60. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Someshwari River). Elsewhere: Manipur (Brahmaputra drainage), Assam, Darjeeling, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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11. Neonoemacheilus mengdingensis (Zhu and Guo) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Neonoemacheilus Species: mengdingensis?
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Hypertrophied lips forming a preoral cavity. 2. Lips with transverse ridges, flat, lower lip in the form of two thick pads, interrupted in the Middle. 3. Body with 16 dark brown transverse bars. 4. Mouth ventral, placed behind tip of snout. 5. Anterior nostril opens obliquely in front side of a flaplike tube. Distribution: Meghalaya: West Khasi Hills (Maweit). Elsewhere: China Status: Not evaluated/Data deficient.
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12. Neonoemacheilus sp. Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Neonoemacheilus Species:
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dark saddles are present on the dorsal side, but they are dissociated before the origin of dorsal fin. 2. On the side of body dark band is distinct only in the caudal region, remaining part with Light spots on dark background. Distribution: Meghalaya: West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin). Elsewhere: Myanmar, Thailand. Status: Not evaluated/Data deficient.
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13. Schistura beavani (Gunther, 1868) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: beavani
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body banded and compressed posteriorly. 2. Bands anterior to dorsal fin not coalesced. 3. 6-9 broad black bands broader than interspace. 4. Dorsal fin with one and caudal fin with two bands. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills. Elsewhere: North Bengal, UP, Garhwal, Nepal. Status: Least concern.
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14. Schistura corica (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: corica
Taxonomic characters: 1. Body elongate, almost cylindrical. No adipose ridge on caudal peduncle. 2. Head slightly compressed. 3. A ray of pectoral fin greatly elongated. 4. Body without any lateral stripe, bot with spots. 5. Body with lateral stripes. 6. Caudal fin forked. Scales almost all over body.Lateral line complete. Distribution: Meghalaya: Nongstoin (West Khasi Hills), Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Assam, all along the Himalayas, Punjab, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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15. Schistura denisoni dayi (Day, 1867) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: denisoni
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate of almost uniform depth, compressed posteriorly. 2. Head either depressed or compressed. 3. Snout usually blunt. 4. Dorsal fin inserted midway or nearer caudal fin base. 5. Caudal fin slightly emarginated, forked or truncate, never rounded. 6. Body with 12 or 13 bands. Distribution: Meghalaya: Nongstoin (West Khasi Hills), Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Chota Nagpur plateau and Bastar, Madhya Pradesh, South China, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Least concern.
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16. Schistura devdevi (Hora) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinoptergii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: devdevi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with 4-6 saddles, extending to sides up to lateral line or slightly beyond as bars. 2. Branched dorsal fin rays 8 ½. 3. Lateral line incomplete. 4. Caudal fin lunate or truncate. 5. Dorsal fin with 2 rows of black spots across its rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Tributaries of Ganol River, Simsang River (Garo Hills). Elsewhere: Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim, Darjeeling. Status: Endangered in India, Near threatened globally.
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17. Schistura elongatus (Sen and Nalbant) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: elongates
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Slender body, its depth 13.2-17.1% SL. 2. 8 branched dorsal fin rays. 3. 9-14 cross bars. 4. Lateral line incomplete, reaching up to level of dorsal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (Umiam). Elsewhere: (Brahmaputra basin). Status: Endangered
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18. Schistura multifasciatus (Day) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: multifasciatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Boby elongate of almost uniform depth, compressed posteriorly. 2. Dorsal fin branched rays 7 ½. 3. Lateral line complete; 14-16 bars on body, broader than interspace. 4. Caudal fin emarginated; bars not in pairs, dark spot at base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River, Umiam River. Elsewhere: Tista Brahmaputra drainages, Nepal. Status: vulnerable.
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19. Schistura papulifera (Kottelat, Harries & Proudlove) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: papulifera
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body colouration pale; eyes vestigial. 2. Lower half of head covered by numerous small skin projections. 3. Branched dorsal fin rays 8 ½. 4. 5 pores in the supra temporal canal of the cephalic lateral line system. 5. Lateral line incomplete, extending to level of pelvic fin origin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills (Krem Umsngat, entrance to Synrang Pamiang Cave system). Elsewhere: NIL Status: Critically endangered.
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20. Schistura prasbadi (Hora) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: prasbadi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body depth 19.5-24.0% SL; processes dentiformes present. 2. Males with a suborbital flap; complete lateral line. 3. 9 ½ branched dorsal rays. 4. A maxillary pelvic lobe present. 5. 9+8 branched caudal fin rays; black basal caudal bar complete; colour pattern consisting in bars and reticulated spots. Distribution: Meghalaya: Nongstoin (Tributaries of Wablei River) Elsewhere: Chindwin basin in Manipur, Nepal. Status: Endangered.
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21. Schistura reticulofasciata (Singh and Banarescu, 1982) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: reticulofasciata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral line incomplete, ending below dorsal fin or slightly in front of it. 2. Several irregular V or Y shaped cross bars on body. 3. Dorsal fin branched rays 8 ½. 4. 17-29 black band on body, bands in front of dorsal fin origin thinner, split and reunite to form a reticular appearance. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Lailad, Umran), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Anogiri, Rongram, Songsak, Tura). Elsewhere: Restricted so far only in Meghalaya. Status: Vulnerable. Commonly occurring in Meghalaya.
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22. Schistura Savona (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: Savona
Taxonomic characters: 1. Dorsal fin with 9 branched rays. 2. Caudal fin deeply emerginate. 3. Complete lateral line; body marked with 9 or 10 narrow yellowish bands. 4. A vertical black band at caudal fin base. 5. Dorsal and anal fin marked with black dots in middle. Caudal fin often with 1 or 2 V shaped bands. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Nongkhlaw, Nongkhyllem, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Jowai, Muktapur, Umkiang). Elsewhere: West Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh. Status: Least concern. Occuring generally at lower altitude only.
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23. Schistura scaturigina (McClelland, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: scaturigina
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin forked. 2. Lateral line complete. 3. Body marked with 11 bands across lateral line interspace with narrow short bands from above. 4. Dorsal and caudal fin spotted, pelvic fins not extending to anal opening. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Rongram, Siju, Thabrongiri). Elsewhere: Assam, Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling, UP, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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24. Schistura sijuensis (Menon, 1987) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: sijuensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral line complete. 2. Body marked with 8-10 bands across back broken up into secondary bands below lateral line. 3. Males with suborbital spine. 4. Upper and lower border of caudal fin pinkish. 5. Dorsal fin inserted ahead of origin of pelvic fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Siju). Elsewhere: Restricted within Meghalaya only. Status: Endangered; Endemic. So far recorded from Garo Hills only.
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25. Schistura sikmaiensis (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: sikmaiensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body banded with 12-13 regular bands, separated by equal numbers of slightly narrower white ones. 2. Processus dentiformes absent. 3. 17-21 bars on body. 4. Width of bars equals that of interspace; baranched dorsal fin rays 8 ½; lateral line complete. 5. Caudal fin forked. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Kyrdemkulai), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Garampani Road, Jowai, Nartiang), Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Manipur, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China. Status: Endangered in India. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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26. Schistura vinciguerrae (Hora, 1935) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Balitoridae Genus: Schistura Species: vinciguerrae
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin forked. Lateral line complete. 2. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to caudal fin base than to tip of snout. 3. Origin of darsal fin slightly ahead of origin of pelvic fin. 4. 10 vertical dark bands on body. Bands are broken in the anterior part of the body. 5. Black spot at the base of dorsal and caudal fin, dorsal fin with 2 stripes. Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River and its tributaries. Elsewhere: Manipur (Chindwin drainage), Myanmar, China. Status: Endangered.
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27. Botia Almorhae (Gray, 1831) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: almorhae
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head and body marked with reticulation. 2. 7 caudal fin bands. 3. 5 bands on pectoral fin, 3 bands on dorsal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Manda River, Simsang River). Elsewhere: Almorah-Kumaon, Srinagar-Garhwal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar. Status: Least concern.
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28. Botia dario (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: Dario
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body oblong, short moderately deep. 2. Dorsal fin origin almost equidistant between snout tip and caudal fin base. 3. 7 distinct oblique vertical bands on body; two broad bands on head, one between orbit and another one in front of orbit between nares, the latter band extending upto tip of snout. 4. Eyes moderately large without any skin covering. 5. A bifid erectile sub orbital spine below eyes. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Dalu, Phulbari, Rongrengiri, Siju). Elsewhere: Manipur- jiri river (Brahmaputra Drainage), Ganga and other Brahmaputra Drainages (Assam, N. Bangal, Bihar, West Bengal, UP, Punjab) Bangladesh, Bhutan. Status: Least concern. Not commonly occurring species in Meghalaya.
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29. Botia histrionic (Blyth, 1860) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: histrionica
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Yellowish brown body with 5 bars; 1 band on the pelvic fin; black band on dorsal fin very narrow, the smallest individuals have a few round pale spots. 2. 5 vertical cross bands on body with two oblique cross bands on each caudal lobes. 3. Dorsal fin origin nearer base of caudal fin than tip of snout. 4. Caudal fin deeply forked. 5. Lateral line present and no scales on head. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Dalu, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Chindwin basin in Manipur, Irrawady drainage, Assam, Manipur, UP, Myanmar. Status: Vunerable. Rarely occuring in Meghalaya.
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30. Botia lohachata (Chaudhuri, 1912) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: lohachata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Suborbital spine shorter, not exceeding to below posterior edge of orbit. 2. Body with a series of Y-shaped markings, irregular vertical bands on head and body. 3. Dorsal fin inserted slightly ahead of origin of pelvic fin and extending upto the origin of anal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin). Elsewhere: Ganga river system, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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31. Botia rostrata (Gunther, 1868) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Botia Species: rostrata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout considerably longer than remaining part of head. 2. Pectoral fin, pelvic fin and anal fin conspicuously striped with brownish cross bars. 3. Body with brown cross bands of irregular pattern which form rings or blotches. 4. Eyes moderately large, superior, in mid part of head without any skin covering them. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu, Rongrengiri). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Punjab, Himalayas, Ganges, Yamuna and Sone River system, Bangladesh, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable. Rarely occurring species in Meghalaya.
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32. Canthophrys gongota (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Canthophrys Species: gongota
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Predorsal scales 16. 2. Scales around caudal peduncle 40. 3. Body elongated, cylindrical. 4. Head swollen, wider than deep; snout rather long. 5. Eyes large, bulging. Mouth narrow and inferior. Upper lip thickly papilated.Dorsal inserted nearer to caudal fin base than to snout tip. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Garobadha, Phulbari, Tura, Wageasi). Elsewhere: Assam, UP, North Bengal, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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33. Lepidocephalichthys annandalei (Chaudhuri, 1912) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Lepidocephalichthys Species: annandalei
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate with a laterally compressed caudal peduncle. 2. Caudal fin notched or concavely lunate with 3 oblique faint bands on each side of midline. 3. Two very dark spots encircled in white ring on caudal fin, one above midline of base of caudal fin and second spot at notch. 4. Inner ray of pectoral fins in males ossified as a flat osseous vertical platelike structure. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu, Baghmara, Damra, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Teesta river system (North Bengal), Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risks, near threatened. Not very common.
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34. Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei (Blyth) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Lepidocephalichthys Species: berdmorei
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Very regular body depth, almost equal throughout 2. Dorsal fin origin above posterior extremity of pelvic fin base. 3. Colour pattern with a yellowish to brown body with a series of irregular spots on mid-lateral position. 4. Caudal fin with usually 3-6 series of bands, a black spot at the base of branched rays 3-6. 5. Scales between back of body and anal fin base 40. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Tista river system, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand. Status: Endangered.
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35. Lepidocephalichthys caudofurcatus (Tilak and Hussain, 1978) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Lepidocephalichthys Species: caudofurcatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin forked or deeply emarginated. 2. Lateral and ventral side of head scaled. 3. Dorsal fin equidistant between tip of snout and caudal fin base, 6 branched rays. 4. Rectangular blotches along lateral side of body. 5. Barbel long (more than 1.0 eye diameter). 6. Lobes of lower lip not fleshy. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur). Elsewhere: Assam, Brahmaputra River, UP, Doon Vallley. Status: Not evaluated. Not very common in Meghalaya
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36. Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Lepidocephalichthys Species: guntea
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 8 pectoral fin rays. 2. Depth of Body 5.8-6 times in standard length. 3. Dorsal fin inserted behind pelvic fin origin. 4. Caudal fin truncate, a dark spot at upper part of the caudal fin base. 5. Presence of a dark lateral band, it is not distinct in juvenile. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, (Barapani, Cherrapunjee, Kyrdemkulai, Mairang, Mawphlang, Nongpoh, Nongstoin, Shella, Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Jowai, Garampani Road), Garo Hills (Manda, Dalu, Damalgiri, Damra, Darugiri, Garobadha, Phulbari, Williamnagar). Elsewhere: Throughout North India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Thailand. Status: Least concern.
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37. Lepidocephalichthys irrorata (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Lepidocephalichthys Species: irrorata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Scales on the vertex of head. 2. Dorsal fin origin at vertical level behind posterior base of pelvic fin and extending beyond the vertical level of anal fin base. 3. Pectoral fin with 5 rays of which 4th and 5th are formed. 4. Alarge erectile, bifid sub orbital spine in front of eyes. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Manipur, Assam, Bangladesh. Status: Least concern, vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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38. Neoeucirrhichthys maydelli (Banarescu and Nalbant, 1968) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Neoeucirrhichthys Species: maydelli
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Below the eye bifid erectile suborbital spine. Lip is continous at the corner barbell like structure. 2. Mouth is inferior and head region is compressed. 3. Body is deeply compressed antero-posteriorly.The tip of the snout is fleshy and slightly curved. 4. First pair of nostrils in the form of a small short tube. 5. Distinct 11-14 dark band on the side.Lateral line is complete. 6. A dark dot at the base of caudal fin. 7. Dorsal fin inserts above the pelvic fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills (Maweit). Elsewhere: Brahmaputra drainage in Assam, Bangladesh. Status: Least concern.
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39. Pangio pangia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cobitidae Genus: Pangio Species: pangia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Species of Oblonga group with lower lip interrupted medially, each half with an inner thickened lobe, not ending in a barbell-like pointed tip. 2. Conspicuous adipose dorsal and ventral keels on the caudal peduncle. 3. Suborbital spine bifid and inner branched longer. 4. Dorsal fin inserted well behind pelvic fin base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella). Elsewhere: Assam, Manipur, North-East Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia. Status: Vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya
65
40. Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Amblypharyngodon Species: mola
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body depth 4.0 to 4.25 in TL; symphysial knob present. 2. Lateral line incomplete with 65 to 91 scales. 3. Fin with dark marking; a broad silvery lateral band on body. 4. Predorsal scales 33-34. 5. Scales around caudal peduncle 28-30. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Umiam, Nongpoh, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Damalgiri, Darugiri, Garobada, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, least concern.
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41. Bangana dero (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Bangana Species: dero
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Prominent snout overhanging mouth with widely distinct interrupted deep groove and tubercles on snout. 2. Lateral line scales 42. 3. Scales on body the body mostly tinged red. 4. Outer edge of dorsal fin dusky. 5. Scale row between lateral line and dorsal fin origin 8-9; circumpeduncular scales 24. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Songkhama, Siju). Elsewhere: Assam, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas including Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Status: Least concern.
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42. Bangana elanga (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Bangana Species: elanga
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral line complete with 40-44 scales. 2. Predorsal scales 16, scales around caudal peduncle 14. 3. Body elongate, mouth very small. 4. Lower jaw with a prominent symphysical process. 5. A short rostral pair of barbel present. 6. Caudal fin forked; scales with peculiar striae and ridges. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, UP, Bangladesh, Myanmar to, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Least concern. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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43. Barilius barila (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: barila
Taxonomic characters: 1. Body with 14-15 black bars, pectoral fin as long as head. 2. Lateral line scales 42-44. 3. Lateral transverse scales ½ 8/1/2 /1/2. 4. Predorsal scales 21-23. 5. Pectoral fin as long as head. Usually two barbells, sometimes very short rostral pairs may be present. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Damra, Tura, Wageasi, Williamnagar, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Assam, Manipur, West Benga, Bihar, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, UP, Rajasthan, Orissa, MP, Mysore, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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44. Barilius barna (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleoste Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: barna
Taxonomic characters: 1. Moderately robust body with 10 bars extending upto lateral line. 2. Interband width twice the band width. 3. Dorsal fin inseted vertically at posterior end of ventral fin. 4. Lateral line with 37+3 scales. 5. Predorsal scales 16. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee, Shella), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Amphangiri, Baghmara, Phulbari, Rombagiri, Rongrengiri, Songsak, Damra, Tura) Elsewhere: Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh (Brahmaputra Drainage), Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, MP, Karnataka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Commonly Occuring.
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45. Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: bendelisis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Scales on body spotted black. 2. 8-12 bars on sides touching lateral line. 3. Predorsal scales 19-21. 4. Lateral line scales with two black spots at their bases. 5. Anal fin short with 9-11 rays, each scale with a black spot in adult and 8-12 dark bands in young. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat, Shella), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara, Nangalbibra, Rombagiri, Rongrengiri, Siju, Songsak, Tura, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Barak and Brahmaputra drainages, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, Himachalpradesh, Punjab, Orissa, Coimbatore, Palghat, Nilgiri, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Mettupalayam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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46. Barilius shacra (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: shacra
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body moderately elongate, compressed, sub cylindrical. 2. Lateral line scales 60-70, 12 vertical bands. 3. Predorsal scales 22-25. 4. Scales around peduncle 20. 5. Mouth anterior directed upwards obliquely, upper jaw longer than lower. 6. Dorsal fin inserted opposite interspace between pelvic and anal fins, near caudal fin base than tip of snout. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills Elsewhere: Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra river system, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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47. Barilius tileo (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: tileo
Taxonomic characters: 1. Lateral line scales small, 70-75. 2. 3 or 4 rows of alternate black blotches which descend ventrally. 3. One pair of rudimentary maxillary pair. 4. Pectoral fin as long as head excluding snout. 5. Mascular pads present in front of bases of pectoral fins. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Dalu, Damra). Elsewhere: Manipur: Jiri river (Brahmaputra basin), Eastern Himalaya, Assam, Eastern Himalayas, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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48. Barilius vagra (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Barilius Species: vagra
Taxonomic Characeters: 1. Slender body with 10-14 blue black bars on sides, first two touching and others halfway to lateral line. 2. Dorsal fin inserted vertically at half the length of ventral fin. 3. Lateral line with 41 or 42+2-3. 4. Predorsal scales 20-21. 5. Pectoral fin shorter than head. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Simsang and its tributaries). Elsewhere: Manipur: Barak River at Khunphung, Iyei River at Noney Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan rivers (All Brahmaputra Basin), Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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49. Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Catla Species: catla
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout bluntly rounded with thin skin covering; mouth wide, upper lip absent, lower lip very thick. 2. Head broad, very large. 3. Dorsal fin with 14-16 branched rays and inserted above tip of pectoral fins. 4. Anal fin short with 5 branched rays. 5. Lateral line complete with 40-43 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Throughout India upto Krishna river but introduced into Cauvery river system, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Status: Vulnerable. Not Common in Meghalaya.
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50. Chagunius chagunio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Chagunius Species: chagunio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Circumferencial scales 40-44, circumpeduncular scales 23-25. 2. Transverse scale rows 11-12/1/7. 3. Snout overhanging, divided into a central and twlateral lobes by a groove extending upward and forward from the base of each rostral barbells. 4. Eyes large, superior, not visible from below ventral surface. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi hills (Hat mawdon), Garo hills (Baghmara, Bozengdoba, Rongsangiri). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Darjeeling, Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Orissa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Least concern. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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51. Chela cachius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordate Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Chela Species: cachius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Scales in lateral line 51-58; small, much more numerous on body. 2. Predorsal scales 23-29. 3. Outer ray of pelvic fin strongly produced, filamentous, usually extends as far back as posterior third of anal fin. 4. Body silvery with brownish lateral band. 5. Body depth 4.0 to 4.25 in TL. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Garobada, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Least concern. Not Common in Meghalaya.
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52. Chela laubuca (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Chela Species: laubuca
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A conspicuous black stripe on posterior half of body. 2. 17-22 ½ branched anal fin rays. 3. Lateral line complete with 34-37 scales. 4. Abdomen keeled only in between and behind pelvic fins. 5. Body depth 3.5-4.5 in TL. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Damalgiri). Elsewhere: Barak and Brahmaputra drainage, Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaya Peninsula, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sumatra. Status: Lower risk, least concern. Not common in Meghalaya.
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53. Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Cirrhinus Species: mrigala
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout blunt. 2. Dorsal fin with 12-13 branched rays. 3. Pectoral fin with 17 branched rays. 4. Lateral line with 40 to 45 scales. 5. Scales on body rounded.
Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Mawpun), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Rongsangiri) Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Eastern and Western Himalayas, Eastern Punjab, UttarPradesh, Ahmedabad, Cutch, Mumbai, Madras, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable (VU). Not common in Meghalaya.
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54. Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Cirrhinus Species: Reba
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout slightly projecting beyond mouth. 2. Dorsal fin with 8 branched rays. 3. Pectoral fin with 15 branched rays. 4. Lateral line with 34 to 38 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara, Siju). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand. Status: Vulnerable. Found in lower altitude only (below 200 M altitude).
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55. Crossocheilus latius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Crossocheilus Species: latius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 29-30 circumferential scales; 20 circumpeduncular scales; semicircular mouth and a narrow frenulum connecting upper lip with lower lip without any suctorial disc. 2. Lateral line complete with 40-41 scales. 3. Dorsal fin with 8 branched rays 3. Lateral line scales 39-41. 4. Body yeloowish brown, irregular black markings all over. 5. A faint lateral longitudinal stripe which becomes broader nearer caudal base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, Phulbari, Simsang River, Ganol River). Elsewhere: Ganga and Brahmaputra drainages in Northern Northeastern India, Orissa, Western Ghats, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China. Status: Least concern.
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56. Ctenopharyngodon idella (Steindacher, 1866) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Ctenopharyngodon Species: idellus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body moderately elongate, sub-cylindrical anteriorly, and compressed posteriorly. 2. Head depressed and flattened. 3. A horizontal rostral fold covering base of upper lip. 4. Dorsal fin inserted slightly a head of pelvic fins nearer tip of snout than caudal fin base, with 10 rays 5. Anal fin short, with 10 rays (8 branches). 6. Lateral line continuous with 40-42 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Barapani reservoir. Elsewhere: Amur region (Siberia and Manchuria), North to South China. Status: Not evaluated.
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57. Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Cyprinus Species: carpio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Last simple anal ray bony and serrated posteriorly. 2. Four barbells. 3. 17-20 ½ branched dorsal rays. 4. 33-37+2-3 lateral line scales. 5. Body compressed, robust. Head small, snout rounded. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Garo Hills (Amphangiri, Garobadha, Williamnagar). Elsewhere: China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe. Status: Vulnerable (VU). Economically important species.
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58. Danio dangila (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Danio Species: dangila
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral complete with 36-40 scales. 2. Body with dark blue stripe which break up anteriorly to form a mottled pattern. 3. Anal fin with 2-3 blue stripes. 4. Two pairs of barbells well developed, much longer than eye-diameter. 5. Lateral line scales 36-42. Distribution: Meghalaya: East and West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas, Manipur, MP, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bihar, UP, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Least concern.
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59. Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Danio Species: rerio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Abdomen rounded, head moderate, blunt. 2. Dorsal fin inserted opposite interspace between anal pelvic fins, nearer to caudal fin base than to tip of snout, with 10 to 19 rays. 3. Caudal fin emarginated, lunate or forked. 4. Scales around caudal peduncle 10. 5. Barbels 2 pairs, four prominent golden coloured bands from head to caudal base. 6. Having dorsal fin with 6-7 branched rays and lateral line being incomplete or absent. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Jowai, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Least concern. Commonly found in Meghalaya.
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60. Devario aequipinnatus (McClelland, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Devario Species: aequipinnatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral line 33-35 scales; predorsal scales 13-16; scales on a transverse row 7-8 scales above lateral line and 2 scales below. 2. Branched dorsal fin rays 9-11; anal fin with 12-14 branched rays. 3. 4 or 5 horizontal stripes P, P+1, P-1, P-2 and P+2 present; four interstripe 1+1, 1-1, 1+2, 1-2. 4. Pectoral stripes broader and distinct than other stripes. 5. Infra-orbital process well developed. Distribution: Meghalaya: KhasiHills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Streams of North East India (Ganga-Brahmaputra basin), Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand. Status: Data deficient. Abundantly found in Meghalaya.
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61. Devario assamensis (Barman, 1984) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Devario Species: assamensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with 3 pale blue black stripes from behind operculum to caudal peduncle. 2. A dark blue black stripe in the middle along lateral line starting from the vertical level of dorsal fin origin to caudal fin. 3. Cleft of mouth shallow not protractile, directed obliquely upwards. 4. Dorsal fin inserted opposite interspace between anal and pelvic fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River and its tributaries. Elsewhere: Brahmaputra basin, Assam. Status: Vulnerable.
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62. Devario devario (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Devario Species: devario
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Complete lateral line, infraorbital process and barbells absent. 2. Dorsal fin with 16-18 and anal fin with 16-19 branched rays. 3. Four horizontal stripes P, P+1, P+2, P-1 separated by three interstripes 1+1, 1+2, 1-1; P extending to end of median caudal-fin rays. 4. Barbel absent, dorsal fin rays with 15-17 branched rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills (Umngot River), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Phulbari, Garobadha, Tura). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Eastern Himalayas,Western Himalayas, Eastern Punjab, UP, Bihar, Orissa, MP, Ahmedabad, Krishna-Gadavari river system, Deccan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Common in Meghalaya.
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63. Esomus danricus (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Esomus Species: danricus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A lateral dark band.Lateral line complete so extending to atleast the base of anal fin. 2. 29-31 scales in lateral longitudinal series. 3. Maxillary barbells 2/3 length of pectoral fin. 4. Mouth upturned. 5. Awell defined precaudal spot present.Sides without lateral bands. 14 scales around caudal peduncle. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka. Status: Lower risk, least concern.
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64. Garra annandalei (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: annandalei
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body short, sub-cylindrical, ventral surface flat, fins without any marking. 2. Distance of vent from base of anal fin 2.6 to 3.21 in that between anterior origins of Pelvic and anal fins. 3. Scales in lateral line 33-34. 4. Predorsal scales 11. 5. Caudal penduncle length 1.0 to 1.4 in head length. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Umiam River), Ribhoi (Kyrdemkulai), Jaintia Hills (Umkiang). Elsewhere: Assam, Bihar, Darjeeling, North Bengal, Bangladesh, Eastern Nepal, Himalayas. Status: Vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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65. Garra gotyla gotyla (Gray) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: gotyla
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 32-35 lateral line scales. 2. 9-11 predorsal scale. 3. Proboscis single lobed. 4. Scales present on the chest; snout length 54.6% SL. 5. Dorasl fin rays 3/7-8; body depth 23.9% SL. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (River), East Khasi Hills (Umiam River), West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin). Elsewhere: Ganga and Brahmaputra basin, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable.
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66. Garra gravely (Annandale) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: gravelyi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Asingle lobed incipient proboscis on snout; disc width 76.0% head width; disc length 30.6% of head length; an indistinct lateral band on sides of body. 2. A few incomplete narrow longitudinal stripes above and below it especially on sides on caudal peduncle. 3. A black spot at upper angle of gill-opening. 4. Lateral line 32-34; predorsal scales 8-9. 5. Proboscis incipient. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Ganol River, Simsang rier). Elsewhere: Manipur, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
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67. Garra kempi (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: kempi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A short pleated papilliferous fold lower jaw and lower lip. 2. Scales absent on chest and belly. 3. 38-40 lateral line scales. 4. 2-14 predorsal scales. 5. Proboscis absent, snout rounded. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Nongstoin, Syrkon). Elsewhere: Naga Hills, Arunachal Pradesh (Brahmaputra Basin). Status: Vulnerable. Recorded so far from Meghalaya only. Commonly occurring at higher altitude.
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68. Garra lamta (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: lamta
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Distance of vent from base of anal fin more than 4 times, but less than 5 times in that between anterior origins of pelvic and anal fins. 2. Snout rounded with a deep transverse groove. 3. Snout tip and sides with horny tubercles arranged in bilaterally symmetrical patches. 4. Predorsal scales 8-10. 5. Chest and belly scaled but those on chest sparse. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Lailad), Garo Hills (Rongram, Selbalgiri). Elsewhere: Assam, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kumaon Himalayas, Nepal, Myanmar. Status: Vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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69. Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland, 1842) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: lissorhynchus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. No scales on chest and belly, back and postpelvic regions scaled. 2. No transverse groove and proboscis on snout. 3. Distance between vent and anal fin origin 42.0-50.0% distance between ventral and anal fin origins. 4. Lateral line complete with 34-35 scales. 5. 6 Branched dorsal fin rays and dorsal fin with a broad transverse black bar near free margin; a minute black spot behind the upper angle of gill opening. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Shillong, Mawkdok), Jaintia Hills. Elsewhere: Manipur-Barak Leimatak and Iyei river (Brahmaputra drainage), Assam, Nagaland, Himalayas, Brahmaputra river system. Status: Vulnerable. Commonly available in Meghalaya.
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70. Garra naganensis (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: naganensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Vent situated not midway between origin of anal and pelvic fins. 2. No transverse groove and proboscis on snout. 3. Scales on chest reduced. 4. 38-39 lateral line scales. 5. 8 branched dorsal fin rays. 6. Distance between vent and anal origin 32.2-43.5% distance between ventral and anal fin origins. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Umran, Mairang), Jaintia Hills (Garampani Road, Jowai), Garo Hills (Rongrengiri, Rongsangiri). Elsewhere: Assam, Brahmaputra basin in Manipur, Nagaland. Status: Vulnerable. Commonly available.
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71. Garra nasuta (McClelland, 1838) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Garra Species: nasuta
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A prominent trilobed proboscis on snout, lobed being smaller and provided with tubercle. 2. 32-34 lateral line scales; 9-10 predorsal scales. 3. Distance between vent and anal fin origin 22.4-31.6% of distance between ventral and anal fin origins. 4. About six longitudinal light grey bands along the sides of the caudal peduncle. 5. Ablack spot behind the upper angle of the gill opening and a row of dark spots along the base of the dorsal fin present. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Ganol River, Rongrengiri, Siju). Elsewhere: Brahmaputra basin in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar, Thailand, South-China, Vietnam. Status: Least concern. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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72. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Hypophthalmichthys Species: molitrix
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body compressed with abdomen keeled from throat to vent. 2. Dorsal fin short inserted slightly behind pelvic fins. 3. Lateral line with 110-115 scales. 4. Silvery with red spots on body. 5. Upper jaw a little protruded upward, a little longer than the lower; lower jaw with a tubercle. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Ganol and Dareng rivers), Umtru River. Elsewhere: Originally from China and eastern Siberia, introduced throughout the world. Status: Not evaluated.
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73. Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: bata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 9-11 dorsal fin rays. 2. Lateral line scales 37-40. 3. Horny covering inside the lower jaw. 4. Lips very thin; lower lip fringed and with inner cartilaginous covering. 5. Black blotch on 5th and 6th scales on the shoulder. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Least concern, near threatened.
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74. Labeo boga (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: boga
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Moderately projecting beyond jaw. 2. A thin layer of cartilaginous covering to inner surface of lower jaw. 3. Lower lip plain. 4. Scales between lateral line and pelvic fin base 5-5 ½. 5. Body silvery. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Umsot), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Songkhama, Wageasi). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, North Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Deccan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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75. Labeo calbasu (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: calbasu
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 15-18 dorsal fin rays. Pectoral fin as long as head length, mouth wide, inferior. 2. Lateral line scales 40-44. 3. Snout edge fimbriated and both lips highly fringed and protruding. 4. Unusual charcoal black color throughout the body. 5. Two fleshy black pairs of barbells. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Rongsangiri), Galwang River (Moronggiri). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, South China, Thailand. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Rare in Meghalaya.
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76. Labeo dero (Hamilton 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: dero
Taxonomic characters: 1. Body elongate, its dorsal profile more convex than the ventral. 2. Head rather small, its length 4.5 times in standard length. 3. Snout very prominent, overhanging mouth, without any lateral lobe but with a distinct groove across it and generally covered with pores. 4. Mouth inferior, rather narrow; lips thick and continous; lower lip closely papillated internally, joined to isthmus by a narrow bridge. 5. Lateral line complete, L.tr. 7/7 Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River, Ganol River. Elsewhere: All along Himalayan foot hills, Darjeeling, West Bengal. Status: Vulnerable.
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77. Labeo dyocheilus (McClelland) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: dyocheilus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin inserted above anterior to origin of pelvic fin, with11-13 fin rays. 2. 40-43 scales on lateral line. 3. Snout blunt with groove in adult. 4. Rostral fold thick, often with a depression arising from below eyes and joining at middle of snout. 5. Snout often coarse with horny tubercles in both male and female. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Simsang River). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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78. Labeo gonius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: gonius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 16-18 dorsal fin rays. 2. 65-84 scales on lateral line. 3. Preanal scales 44-57. 4. Scales are small and darkest at their margins. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Umiam), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Ganol, Baghmara). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Found at lower altitude only (below 200 M alt.).
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79. Labeo nandina (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: nandina
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin rays 24-27, upper edge of dorsal fin convex. 2. Dark green above, lighter on flanks. 3. A few diffused blotches on flanks. 4. Several scales reddish. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills. Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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80. Labeo Pangusia (Hamilton-Buchanan) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: pangusia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 11-13 dorsal fin rays. 2. Lateral line scales 40-42. 3. Snout without a groove but with lateral lobes. 4. Scales between lateral line and pelvic fin 6-6 ½ 5. Mouth narrow, lips thick, slightly fimbriated. 6. Post labial groove generally uninterrupted, sometimes a muscle flap over isthmus. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Ganol river, Simsang, Galwang, William nagar, Simsang), Khasi Hills (Umiam River, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Umngot river). Elsewhere: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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81. Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Labeo Species: rohita
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body oblong, mouth terminal, narrow. 2. Isthmus rounded; a depression towards the post labial groove. 3. Dorsal fin rays 14-16. 4. Paired barbells, in young specimen’s rostral barbells absent. 5. Pectoral fin shorter than head length. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara, Garobadha). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Terai region of Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not common in Meghalaya.
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82. Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Neolissocheilus Species: hexagonolepis
Taxonomic characters: 1. Lateral line complete, 27-30 lateral line scales; 3 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin. 2. 8-11 predorsal scales. 3. Mouth smoothly rounded, sharp truncate lower jaw edge, 2 pairs of barbells. 4. Lower labial fold interrupted. 5. Chocolate colour on the scales in the flank region, scales large hexagonal in shape. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Jakrem, Kyrdemkulai, Lailad, Mawpat, Mawsmai, Nongpoh, Nongkhyllem, Nayabunglaw, Sumer, Umsning, Umran, Upper Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Garampani Road, Jowai, Nartiang, Thadlaskein), GaroHills (Amphangiri, Anogiri, Baghmara, Darugiri, Ganol River, Rongram, Rombagiri, Rongrengiri, Rongsangiri, Selbalbiri, Siju, Tikrikilla, Williamnaga). Elsewhere: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Eastern Himalayas, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Malaysia, Nepal, Sumatra, Thailand. Status: Endangered.
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83. Neolissocheilus hexastichus (McClelland, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Neolissocheilus Species: hexastichus
Taxonomic characters: 1. Body deep anteriorly, trunk and peduncle tapering smoothly from anterior to posterior. 2. Lower labial fold continous by a very narrow post labial groove. 3. Insertion of dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than to caudal fin base. 4. Inter-scale areas from lateral line scale row up to mid-dorsum spotted with somewhat rounded. 5. Dark brown blotch which are distinct on lateral line scale row. 6. Mouth subterminal, lower jaw blunt. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Umiam), Garo Hills (Siju), Jaintia Hills (Umngot). Elsewhere: Manipur (Barak River), Vanchengphai (Brahmaputra Basin), Rivers along the Himalayan foothills, Myanmar. Status: Near threatened. Rarely found in Meghalaya.
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84. Oreichthys cosuatis (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Oreichthys Species: cosuatis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head with numerous fine parallel sensory folds on sides. 2. Barbels absent. 3. Dorsal fin fairly high, inserted slightly nearer to snout tip than to anterior four or five scales. 4. Predorsal scales 8 or 9. 5. A dusky spot on caudal fin base; a faint spot on anal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Assam (Kaziranga National Park), Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, West Bengal, Bangladeesh, Thailand, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
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85. Osteobrama cotio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Osteobrama Species: cotio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 58-70 lateral line scales. 2. Anal fin with 33-38 branched rays. 3. 14 scale rows between dorsal fin base and lateral line. 4. Scale rows between the lateral line and pelvic fin base 10 ½ to 13. 5. Scales small and irregularly arranged. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Cherrapunjee, Nongpoh, Shella), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Dalu, Darugiri, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable. Rarely found in Meghalaya.
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86. Parluciosoma daniconius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Parluciosoma Species: daniconius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Predorsal scales 14. 2. Scales around caudal peduncle 12-14. 3. Body oblong, compressed. 4. Barbels absent. 5. Mouth small, lips simple. 6. Pectoral fin shorter than head; lateral line nearly complete with 31-34 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Umtham, R.Umsot), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Damalgiri, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Zangiber. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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87. Poropuntius clavatus (Mcclelland, 1845) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Poropuntius Species: clavatus
Taxonomic characters: 1. Dorsal fin simple ray strongly serrated inside; Transverse scales rows 78/1/3-4. 2. Upper and lower caudal fins lobes with submarginal black stripes. 3. Lateral line scales 41-42, lateral line complete and curve. 4. Predorsal scales 14-15. 5. Body depth 29.5-32.9% of SL; and dorsal fin height 28.9-31.4 % SL. 6. Separation of the rostral cap from the first infraorbital or lacrimal bone by a deep groove. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Rongrengiri). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, North Bengal below the Himalayan foothill, Sikkim, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Endangered.
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88. Puntius chola (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: chola
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A black blotch between 21st and 23rd scales of lateral line row, another at base of 1. Anterior dorsal fin ray. 2. Dorsal fin spine smooth. 3. Lateral line complete with 24-28 scales in the row. 4. Barbels 1 pair, body marked with 2 conspicuous dark blotches, 1st behind operculum and 2nd near base of caudal fin. 5. Predorsal scales 10-12. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee, Shella, Umran, Nongpoh), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Dalu, Damalgiri, Garobadha, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Throughout India: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Status: Vulnerable.
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89. Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: conchonius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Predorsal scales 11. 2. Scales around caudal peduncle 11-12. 3. Barbel’s absent.Incomplete lateral line with 24-26 scales. 4. A dark blotch at the caudal peduncle, last simple dorsal ray serrated. 5. Dorsal fin tipped black. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Umkiang), Garo Hills (Garobada). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Orissa, Eastern and Western Himalayas, Darjeeling, Deccan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable.
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90. Puntius gelius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: gelius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A small elongated fish with 2 vertical bands on caudal peduncle. 2. Barbels absent. 3. Dorsal fin spine osseous, strong, serrated and longer than body depth and head length. 4. Lateral line incomplete with 23 or 24 scales. 5. Red golden and coppery longitudinal bands on flanks. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Nongstoin, Manai), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur). Elsewhere: Assam, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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91. Puntius gonionotus Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: gonionotus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin inserted midway between tip of snout and base of caudal fin.Anal fin when laid flat not reaching root of caudal fin. 2. Lips thin, plain. No barbels 3. An elongated fish without any bands, no barbells, dorsal ray strong, osseous, serrated. 4. Lateral line incomplete ceasing after 5 or 6 scales. 5. Body diaphnous. Distribution: Meghalaya: Umngot River (Dawki). Elsewhere: Brahmaputra, Ganga, Yamuna river systems in Gangetic provinces, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Bangladesh, Malayasia. Status: Least concern.
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92. Puntius guganio (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: guganio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with no bands. 2. Barbels absent. 3. Dorsal fin spine strong, osseous and serrated. 4. Lateral line incomplete ceasing after 5 or 6 scales. 5. Body diaphanous with a small black spot at caudal base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, Assam, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Bangladesh. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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93. Puntius phutunio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: phutunio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Deep bodied without barbels. 2. Head length 25-31.82 % SL; body depth 34.21-45.45 % SL. 3. Four vertical, dark brown colour bands on body. 4. Dorsal fin ray osseous, spine serrated. 5. Lateral line incomplete, ceasing after 3 or 4 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills. Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Goa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, least concern.
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94. Puntius sarana (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: sarana
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A moderately deep bodied fish, with two pairs of barbells. 2. Dorsal ray osseous, spine finely serrated with 12-14 teeth. 3. 5 scales from dorsal fin origin to lateral line and from lateral line to pelvic fin base 4. 4. Predorsal scales 10-11, circumpendicular scales 7 or 8. 5. Lateral line complete with 30-33 scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat, Hatmawdon), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara, Phulbari, Siju). Elsewhere: Sikkim, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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95. Puntius shalynius (Yazdani and Talukdar, 1975) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: shalynius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Barbels absent; dorsal fin spine serrated, dorsal fin inserted nearer caudal base. 2. Lateral line incomplete with 6 or 7 pored scales. 3. A horizontal blue streak on body and two dark spots on caudal base. 4. Scales edge black. 5. Least depth of caudal peduncle 61.53-88.88 % TL. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Cherrapunjee, Decama, Jakrem, Kyrdemkulai, Mairang, Mawkdod, Mawsmai, Mawryngkneng, Mawpat, Mawphlang, Mawkynrew, Mylliem, Kyllang, Nayabunglow, Nongstoin, Nongkhlaw, Sumer, Syrkon, Shillong, Sonapahar, Sohiong, Uppershillong, Umshning, Umtham,Ummir, Ummulong, Umran, Umshing, Umroi, Umtyngar, Weiloi), Jaintia Hills (Garampani Road, Jowai, Jarain, Khandulai, Nartiang, Shangpung, Thadlaskein). Elsewhere: Brahmaputra basin in the North East, Assam. Status: Vulnerable. Restricted so far within Meghalaya and border areas of Assam.
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96. Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: sophore
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A round black blotch at caudal fin base and other at dorsal fin base. 2. Dorsal fin ray osseous and smooth, it inserted nearly midway between tip of snout and caudal base. 3. Head length 26.92-44.44 % SL; body depth 28.90-51.02 % SL. 4. Lateral line complete and barbell absent. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Cherrapunjee, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Bozengdoba, Damra, Damalgiri, Garobada, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Yunan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not Common in Meghalaya.
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97. Puntius terio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: terio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Incomplete lateral line with 22-24 scales. 2. Barbels absent. 3. Dorsal fin spine smooth and osseous; a black blotch at the base of caudal fin. 4. Predorsal scales 9. 5. Scales around caudal peduncle 10. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Dalu). Elsewhere: Assam, Manipur (Barak Drainage), West Bengal to Punjab, Orissa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not Common in Meghalaya.
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98. Puntius ticto (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Puntius Species: ticto
Taxonomic characters: 1. Body depth 36.8-45.0% SL, head length 23.25-34.60 % SL. 2. Last simple ray of dorsal fin long, spiny and serrated posteriorly with 15-17 serrae. 3. Lateral line incomplete with 22-26 scales in the row, ceasing after 6-11 scales. 4. A black blotches on 3th, 4th or 5th lateral line scale and another distinct one between 16-20th scales. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Cherapunjee, Shella, Mylliem), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Damalgiri, Garobada, Damra, Mahadev, Remgiri, Songsak, Tura, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Ganges, Brahmaputra Basin, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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99. Raiamas bola (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Raiamas Species: bola
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Many oblong diffuse spots on body. 2. Lower jaw longer than combined length of snout and eye. 3. Lateral line scales 85-95. 4. Pectoral axillary scale elongate without a fleshy border. 5. Dorsal fin inserted behind pelvic fin origin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Garobadha, Baghmara). Elsewhere: Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, orissa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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100. Raiamas guttatus (Day) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Raiamas Species: guttatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Black longitudinal band on upper edge of caudal fin. 2. Lateral line with 44-48 scales. Lateral line complete with 85-95 small scales. 3. Scales between dorsal fin base and lateral line ½ 8 and that between lateral line and pelvic fin base 3 ½; dorsal fin with ablack stripe. 4. Upper margin of lower lobe of caudal fin black. 5. Boby slender, greatly compressed. Barbels absent in adults; a rudimentary maxillary pairs in juveniles. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu, Baghmara, Williamnagar). Elsewhere: Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, U.P., Punjab, Rajasthan, Orissa, Manipur, Malay Peninsula. Status: Endangered.
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101. Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Rasbora Species: daniconius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate, compressed. Abdomen rounded. Head large, pointed and snout slightly pointed 2. Lateral line with 30 to 34 scales. 3. A black lateral stripe along centre of the body. 4. Predorsal scales 14. 5. Symphysis of lower jaw at the level of middle of pupil. Distribution: Meghalaya: Tributaries of Simsang (Garo Hills). Elsewhere: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malay Archipelago. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Endemic to Meghalaya.
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102. Rasbora rasbora (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Rasbora Species: rasbora
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Lateral line concave, complete, with 28-31 pored scales. 2. Predorsal scales 12. 3. Caudal fin forked and with well defined black border. 4. Dorsal fin inserted behind origin of pelvic fins, with 8(7 branched) rays and no spine. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, Damalgiri). Elsewhere: Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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103. Salmophasia bacaila (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Salmophasia Species: bacaila
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Scales between lateral line and pelvic fin base 4-6. 2. 21 gill rakers on first arch. 3. Anal fin with 13 branched rays; a broad, gleaming white green band along flank. 4. Dorsal fin inserted well in advance of anal fin. 5. Predorsal scales 67, scales around caudal peduncle 24. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Bozengdoba, Dalu, Damalgiri, Damra, Garobada). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Afganistan. Status: Lower risk, least concern.
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104. Salmostoma phulo (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Salmophasia Species: phulo
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Predorsal scales 52-57. 2. Lateral line scales 89-98. 3. Interorbital width equal to eye diameter. 4. Lower jaw with a distinct symphysial process. 5. Anal fin with 17-19 branched rays; gill rakers on first arch 13; a bright silvery lateral band on sides. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha, Tura). Elsewhere: Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Central India, Deccan, Ganga and Brahmaputra river system, Bangladesh. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely occurring in Meghalaya.
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105. Securicula gora (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinoptergii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Securicula Species: gora
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Keel is supported anteriorly by an extension of the pectoral girdle. 2. A muscular mass covered by skin and scales extends on the dorsal face of head to nostrils. 3. Mouth oblique, almost vertical, cleft reaching anterior border of orbit. 4. A small symphaseal knob on lower jaw with a corresponding notch on upper. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee and Shella), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, North India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated. Very rare in Meghalaya.
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106. Tor mosal (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Tor Species: mosal
Taxonomic characters: 1. Pre-dorsal scale 8, 24-26 lateral line scales. 2. Head longer than body depth at dorsal fin origin. 3. 13 gill rakers on the lower arm of first arch. 4. Eye diameter 18.3-21.9% and interorbital space 30.1-37.5% of head length. 5. Dorsal fin inserted nearer tip of snout than caudal fin base. 6. Dorsal profile more arched than ventral. Distribution: Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills (Umiam), West Khasi Hills (Maweit), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Rongram, Baghmara). Elsewhere: Assam,North Bengal, Bihar, U.P., West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh,Narmada River system, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Manipur, rivers of the Himalayas, Myanmar. Status: Endangered.
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107. Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Tor Species: putitora
Taxonomic characters: 1. Lateral line is complete with 29-30 scales, golden colouration on scales and dark stripe on lateral is not seen in juveniles. 2. Dorsal fin inserted mid way between tip of snout and caudal fin base, dorsal spine length equal to body depth. 3. 12-13 gill rakers on the lower arm of first arch. 4. Body depth 72.1-88.OR of head length. 5. Dorsal and ventral profiles greatly arched. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Lailad, Pynursla), Jaintia Hills (Dawki), Garo Hills (Rongram). Elsewhere: Barak Manipur-Brahmaputra drainage (Barak River); Chindwin drainage, Nagaland and along the Himalayan foothills, Himalayas including Kashmir, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Endangered. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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108. Tor tor (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Genus: Tor Species: tor
Taxonomic characters: 1. Posterior lip with a median lobe and the postlabial groove continuous, 26 lateral line scales; predorsal scales 6. 2. Length of head equal to or shorter than body depth. 3. 11-12 gill rakers on the lower arm of first arch. 4. 2.5 rows of scales between lateral line and pelvic fin base. 5. Dorsal profile more arched than ventral. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Rongram, Baghmara). Elsewhere: Assam, Ganga-Brahmaputra drainage in north and North East India, North Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, all along the Himalayas, Narbada river system, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China. Status: Endangered.
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109. Psilorhynchus species Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Psilorhynchidae Genus: Psilorynchus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body cylindrical, depressed anteriorly, compressed posteriorly, flattened ventrally. 2. Mouth inferior, small, transverse with a projecting snout. 3. Barbels absent. 4. Lateral line scales 40-43. Pharyngeal teeth uniserial. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Manipur, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
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110. Psilorrhynchus balitora (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Psilorhynchidae Genus: Psilorynchus Species: balitora
Taxonomic characters: 1. Dorsal fin with 8 branched rays 2. 30-34 scales along lateral line 3. Simple pectoral fin rays 6-7 4. Circumferencial scales 18 5. Air bladder naked with anterior and posterior chamber. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: North Bengal, Assam (All Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin), Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
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111. Psilorhynchus gracilis (Rainboth, 1983) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Psilorhynchidae Genus: Psilorynchus Species: gracilis
Taxonomic characters: 1. Lateral line scales 33-36. 2. Simple pectorial fin rays 4-5. 3. Branched dorsal fin rays 8. 4. Air bladder partly enclosed in bony capsule. 5. 7-10 blotches on sides. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Dalu, Manda). Elsewhere: Ganges, Brahmputra, Tributaries of Barak in Manipur, Bangladesh (Brahmaputra Basins). Status: Vulnerable/Endangered.
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112. Psilorynchus homaloptera (Hora and Mukherji, 1935) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Psilorhynchidae Genus: Psilorynchus Species: homaloptera
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 8 simple pectoral fin rays. 2. Predorsal scales 16. 3. Body depth 16.9% of SL. 4. Head width 91.3-100% of HL; 42-43 scales along lateral line. 5. Unbranched pectoral finray 7 or 8; total lateral line scales 42-44, abdomen smooth. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Garo Hills (Williamnagar, Tura). Elsewhere: Assam, North East Bengal, Nagaland, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet. Status: Vulnerable. Commonly occurring in Meghalaya.
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113. Psilorynchus sucatio (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cypriniformes Family: Psilorhynchidae Genus: Psilorynchus Species: sucatio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Branched dorsal fin rays 7. 2. Abdomen fully scaled. 3. Simple pectoral rays 4. 4. Snout spatulate; lateral line scales 34-35+1. 5. Body spindal shaped, eyes large, lateral in position. 6. Caudal fin deeply forked. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, tributaries of Simsang). Elsewhere: Assam, Eastern Himalayas, Ganga River System in UP and Bihar, Darjeeling, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Endangered.
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114. Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Cyprinidontiformes Family: Aplocheilidae. Genus: Aplocheilus Species: panchax
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Eye diameter equal to inter-orbital space. 2. Pelvic fin without a prolonged ray. 3. Dorsal fin with 4 branched rays and a large black ocellus at its base. 4. Lateral line absent. 5. Found as pores in the head region. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur). Elsewhere: Manipur-jiri river, Loktak lake, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, East Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Andaman, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand to Malaya Archipelago, Pakistan, Siam, Srilanka. Status: Vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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115. Poecilia reticulata Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinoterygii Division: Teleostei Family: Poecilidae Order: Cyprinodontiformes Genus: Poecilia Species: reticulata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body cylindrical, compressed. Abdomen rounded. 2. Mouth oblique, small, cleft not extending to orbit having movable spatuliform teeth. 3. Anal fin with 8-10 rays which is more or less equal to length of gonopodium. 4. Eyes big and situated on the dorsal profile of head. 5. Black spots and brilliant colourations present in male, in female no spot and bright colouration. Distribution: Meghalaya: Barapani (Umiam River), NEHU campus. Elsewhere: Tropical America, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Malabar, Madras, Rameswaram, Salem, Thanjavur, Kulbhor River near Loni (Maharashtra), Venezuela, Barbados, Trinidad, Northern Brazil, Guyanas. Status: Not evaluated.
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116. Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Mugiliformes Family: Mugilidae. Genus: Rhinomugil Species: corsula
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body rather stout. 2. Head moderate, concave between eyes, latter projecting above this level. 3. Mouth ventral, protrusible. 4. Scales in lateral series 48-52. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Introduced into Cauveri river system, Gangetic provinces of N.E. India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely occuring in Meghalaya, recorded so far from lower altitude of Garo Hills only (below 200 M).
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117. Sicamugil cascasia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Mugilidae. Genus: Sicamugil Species: cascasia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Two dorsal fins which are widely separated, interdorsal 15.5-15.8% SL, first dorsal Spiny and second dorsal soft. 2. Dorsal fin inserted conspicuously nearer tip of snout than to caudal fin base. 3. Anal fin origin opposite to second dorsal fin origin. 4. Lateral line absent. 5. Caudal fin forked. Distribution: Meghalaya: Lower altitude of Garo Hills (Dalu, Siju). Elsewhere: Introduced in Cauveri river systems, upper reaches of Ganges, Yamuna and Brahmaputra river systems, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Srilanka. Status: Vulnerable.
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118. Chitala chitala (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Osteoglossiformes Family: Notopteridae Genus: Chitala Species: chitala
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Craniodorsal profile concave; preopercular scale rows more than 10. 2. A Species of Chitala with maxilla extending considerably beyond posterior edge of eye. 3. Preorbital smooth. 4. A row of about 15 transverse silvery bars on back; 3 or 4 dark rounded blotches on anal and caudal fin confluence region. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Ribhoi district, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Indus, Ganges-Brahmaputra and Mahanadi river basins in India. Status: Endangered.
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119. Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Osteoglossiformes Family: Notopteridae Genus: Notopterus Species: notopterus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Craniodorsal profile straight; preopercular scale rows 6-8. 2. Straight or slightly concave cranio-dorsal profile. 3. Maxilla extending to middle of eye and no transverse bars on back. 4. Pre-orbital bone serrated. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Siju, Garobada, Dallu). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand. Stautus: Lower risk, near threatened.
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120. Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Anabantidae. Genus: Anabas Species: testudineus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body depth 28.6-33.0% SL. 2. Snout length 5.1-8.1% SL. 3. Mouth fairly large; teeth villiform on jaws. 4. Scales large, 21-29 in lateral line series. 5. Pectoral fin long with 13-15 rays; dorsal fin with 8-10 soft rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Garo Hills (Amphangiri, Damalgiri, Darugiri, Garobadha). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indo- China, China, Malaya, Malaya Archipelago, Nepal, Pakistan, Phillippines, Polynesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Status: Vulnerable. Not common in Meghalaya.
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121. Colisa sota (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Belontidae Genus: Colisa Species: sota
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head sharp and unarmed; eyes small but protuberant. 2. Lateral line absent. 3. Pectoral fins low and each contains nine rays. 4. Ventral fin extends to end of anal fin; anal fin with 19 spines; 11 soft rays. 5. Caudal fin with 16 rays and its hinder edge forms a slight concavity. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Gangetic provinces in Assam, Manipur, Bangladesh. Status: Not evaluated.
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122. Polyacanthus fasciatus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Belontiidae Genus: Polyacanthus Species: fasciatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body ovate with several oblique dark-blue bands across flanks. 2. Lips simple and non-papillated but highly protrusible. 3. Tip of dorsal and anal fins rounded not produced up to dorsal and ventral base of caudal fin respectively. 4. A green spot on the distal part of opercle. Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River, Ganol River, Manda River. Elsewhere: Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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123. Polyacanthus lalius (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Belontiidae Genus: Polyacanthus Species: lalius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body compressed. 2. Mouth superior and highly protractile. 3. Paired ventral fins modified into long thread like structure and extend to end of anal fin. 4. Anal fin with 19 spines, 11 soft rays. 5. Caudal fin with 16 rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Assam, Arunachal, Mizoram, Manipur, Bangladesh, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated (least concern).
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124. Chanda Nama (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Chandidae Genus: Chanda Species: Nama
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Monotypic species with 110 or 114 scales in longitudinal series 2. Mouth particularly large with prominent lower jaws. 3. Sparsely scattered minute black dots on body. 4. Upper part of first dorsal fin deep black. 5. Caudal fin dusky. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi hills, Jaintia hills (Dawki), Garo hills (Baghmara, Dalu, Garobadha, Phulbari, Rongrastream). Elsewhere: Manipur, Tamenglong (Brahmaputra Basin), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated.
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125. Parambassis baculis (Hamilton 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Chandidae Genus: Parambassis Species: baculis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head moderate size, narrower than the body oval and sharp. 2. Mouth small and high. 3. Two dorsal fin united: body short, transparent and devoid of scales and with a narrow mark on the nape 4. Finshyaline. 5. Body yellowish green on back, silvery on flanks and belly, with a sivery lateral band on flank. 6. Lower gill rakers about 11. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills (Umngot River) Garo Hills (Baghmara, Mahadev). Elsewhere: West Bengal, Orissa, North India, Kalimpong, Duars, Siliguri, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, least concern. Not very common in Meghalaya
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126. Parambassis ranga (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Chandidae Genus: Parambassis Species: ranga
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head oval and small. 2. Mouth small and descends obliquely. 3. Jaws when protruded forms a short trunk, both jaws have minute teeth; each nostril has two circular apertures in middle between eyes and nose. 4. Eyes large and high, two back fins united. 5. Preopercular hind edge smooth, often with few serrations. 6. Lower gill rakers 15 or 16. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, RI-Bhoi, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand. Status: Least concern. Commonly found at lower altitude of Meghalaya.
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127. Channa barca (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Channidae. Genus: Channa Species: burca
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Predorsal scales 15-16, Scales around caudal peduncle 16-18. 2. Lateral line scales 60-64; dorsal fin with 49-52 rays; anal fin with 32-36 rays; pelvic fin about 40% of pectoral fin length. 3. Mouth large; eyes moderate; dorsal anal and caudal fins with black blotches. 4. Caudal fin rounded. 5. Lateral line scales 60 to 65. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Nongstoin, Nongkhlaw). Elsewhere: Assam, West Bengal, Bangladesh. Status: Endangered/Data deficient.
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128. Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Channidae Genus: Channa Species: gachua
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin with 32-37 rays. 2. Lateral line scales 39-48. 3. Pelvic fin shorter than half the pectoral fin length; anal fin with 21-23 rays. 4. Caudal fin rays 12; in young often a large ocellus with a light edge on last five dorsal rays. 5. Five scale rows between pre-opercular angle and hind border of orbit. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia hills, Garo Hills (Garobadha, Phulbari). Elsewhere: South East Asia, Soth Asia, Central Asia. Status: Least concern.
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129. Channa marulius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Channidae. Genus: Channa Species: marulius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A large black ocellus on upper caudal fin base. 2. 3 white spots on body. 3. Dorsal fin rays 50-55; anal fin rays 31-35. 4. Sides of lower jaw with no scales. 5. Lateral line scales 60-70, 4-5 ocelli; juveniles with an orange band running from eye to middle of caudal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Manipur (Brahmaputra drainage), Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Pakistan, Thailand. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Rarely found in Meghalaya.
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130. Channa orientalis (Schneider, 1801) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Channidae. Genus: Channa Species: orientalis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Gular part of head without patch of scales, pelvic fins absent. 2. Predorsal scales 6-7; scales from posterior border of orbit to posterior edge of preopercle 5-6. 3. Lateral line scales 36-42. Anal fin rays 20-22; dorsal fin rays 30-34. 4. Pectoral fins with 13-15 rays. 5. Lower jaw with 10-20 canines behind single row of villiform teeth, the latter expanding to about 7 rows at jaw symphysis. 6. Prevomer and palatines with caninelike teeth. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills. Elsewhere: Afganistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia Status: Not evaluated.
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131. Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Channidae. Genus: Channa Species: punctatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Scales on cheek 4-6. 2. Upper jaw length 45% HL. 3. Pelvic fin longer than half of pectoral fin length. 4. Pectoral fin with no bars; lateral line scales 35-40; dorsal fin rays 29-32. 5. Lower jaw with 3-6 canines behind a single row of villiform teeth. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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132. Channa stewartii (Playfair) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Channidae Genus: Channa Species: stewartii
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Small black spots scattered on sides of body. 2. Dorsal fin rays 38-41. 3. Anal fin rays 24-27; lateral line scales 45-49. 4. Eyes moderate, mouth large. 5. Pelvic fin about 1/3 as long as pectoral fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur (Brahmaputra drainage), Nepal. Status: Least concern. Commonly found in Meghalaya
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133. Channa striatus (Bloch, 1793) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinoptergii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Channidae Genus: Channa Species: striatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin rays 42-45. 2. Anal fin rays 25-29. 3. Lateral line scales 50-57. 4. Mouth large. 5. Lower 4-7 canines behind a single row of villiform teeth; dorsal and anal fins slightly darker in colour than body. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Honolulu, Malaya, Malaya Archipelago, Nepal, Pakistan, Phillipines, SriLanka, South China, Thailand. Status: Lower risk, least concern.
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134. Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Cichlidae Genus: Oreochromis Species: mossambicus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body more or less elongate. Abdomen rounded. Head compressed, with concave upper profile. 2. Caudal fin truncate; dorsal fin with XV-XVI 10-12 rays; anal fin with III, 10-11 rays. 3. Pectoral fin 14-15 rays; pelvic fin with 1, 5; jaws with 3-5 rows of teeth. 4. Spinous part of dorsal fin longer than soft part. 5. Lateral line scales 30-32. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Ganol River). Elsewhere: Introduced species in India (1952), East Africa to Natal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Status: Near threatened.
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135. Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Cichlidae Genus: Oreochromis Species: niloticus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Mouth terminal, large, atleast ¾ width of head or often nearly as wide as head, cleft extending to below anterior border of eyes, or not quite so far. 2. Snout rounded. 3. Dorsal fin inserted above base of pectoral fins with 15 or 16 spines and 10 or 12 rays. 4. Caudal fin rounded, may be truncate in the young. 5. Scales cycloid. Lateral line incomplete, with 30 to 32 cycloid scales. Air bladder large and simple. Distribution: Meghalaya: Umium, Umtru River. Elsewhere: Bandladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Status: Not evaluated.
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136. Glossobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Gobiidae Genus: Glossobius Species: giuris
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Branchiostegal membranes attached to side of isthmus; body pale without longitudinal line. 2. Iris without a lappet. 3. Body elongated, rounded anteriorly and compressed posteriorly. 4. Head depressed, two dorsal fin separated by a short interspace. 5. Gill openings extend in advance of orbit below. Pelvic fins oblong united midventrally. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Garobadha, Mahadev, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Manipur (Brahmaputra Drainage), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, East Coast of Africa, Japan, Australia, South Pacific. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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137. Badis badis (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Nandidae Genus: Badis Species: badis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dark blotch covering superficial part of cleithrum above pectoral fin base 2. Prominent dark blotches along dorsal fin base 3. Indistinct bars on sides. 4. Ablack spot behind gill opening and a series of dark spots along base of dorsal fin. 5. Fins yellowish green, bluish or dark blue. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi hills (Barapani, Byrnihat, Lailad, Mylliem, Nongpoh, Nongkhyllem, Pynursla, Shella, Sonapahar, Umtham), Jaintia hills (Badarpur road, Dawki, Muktapur, Umkiang stream, Shangpung), Garo hills (Baghmara, Damra, Darugiri, Rongrengiri, Siju, Songsak, Williamnagar, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Ganga basin in Himachal Pradesh to Brahmaputra basin in lowlands of Assam, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated.
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138. Badis badis myanmarnicus Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei` Order: Perciformes Family: Nandidae Genus: Badis Species: badis Myanmarnicus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body moderately elongated, compressed. 2. Mouth relatively small, slightly upturned, terminal, slightly protractile, cleft not extending to anterior margin of eye. 3. A single dorsal fin, inserted above base of pectoral fins, the spinous portion longer than soft portion; with 16 to 18 spines and seven to ten rays. 4. Scales of moderate size, ctenoid. 5. Air bladder large and simple. Distribution: Meghalaya: Ganol and Simsang River (Garo Hills). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated.
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139. Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes. Family: Nandidae. Genus: Nandus Species: nandus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body fairly deep, compressed, head large and compressed. 2. Dorsal spine rather strong; anal spine moderately strong, second spine longest. 3. Operculum triangular with a single prominent spine; preopercle serrated in a continuous band near its angles. 4. Lateral line interrupted.Narrow bands of spot across soft portions of dorsal, anal and caudal fin. 5. 46-57 scales in longitudinal series, 8 rows of scales between lateral line and origine of Spinous dorsal. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee, Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Damra, Garobadha, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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140. Amblyceps apangi (Nath and Dey, 1989) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Amblycipitidae Genus: Amblyceps Species: apangi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Jaws equal, rectal fold large very well developed. 2. Skin smooth, pinnate like rays on outer margin of principal ray of caudal fin absent. 3. Adipose fin not confluent with caudal fin but very closely placed appearing to be confluent, caudal truncate. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Dikrong River, (Brahmaputra river drainage system, Arunachal Pradesh). Status: Vulnerable.
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141. Amblyceps arunachalensis (Nath and Dey) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Amblycipitidae. Genus: Amblyceps Species: arunachalensis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongated, sub-cylindrical; head almost round 2. Nostril close together, separated by nasal barbell. 3. Four pairs of barbells, 1 each of nasal and maxillary and 2 of mandibular. 4. Jaws unequal - lower longer than upper, rectal fold reduced. 5. Caudal fin with upper lobe longer. Distribution: Meghalaya: East Garo Hills (Manda River). Elsewhere: Arunachal Pradesh (Dikrong River, Subansiri River). Status: Endangered.
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142. Amblyceps mangois (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Amblycipitidae. Genus: Amblyceps Species: mangois
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Jaws equal. 2. Lateral line absent. 3. Caudal fin deeply forked. 4. Adipose fin not confluent with caudal fin and with rounded posterior margin. 5. Number of vertebrae 34-36. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Damra, Rongram, Tura). Elsewhere: Ganges and Brahmaputra river drainages, Nepal, Bangladesh. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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143. Aorichthys seenghala (Sykeys, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Aorichthys Species: seenghala
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout spatulate. 2. Maxillary barbells much shorter, extend no further than pelvic fins. 3. Width of mouth 1/3 of head length. 4. Caudal fin 19-21 rays. 5. A distinct interneural shield in between basal bone of dorsal fin and occipital process. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Nongstoin), Garo Hills (Baghmara), Jaintia Hills (Dawki). Elsewhere: Ganges and Brahmaputra river drainages, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, China. Status: Not evaluated. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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144. Batasio batasio (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Batasio Species: batasio
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with a longitudinal band on upper side of lateral line and on lateral line. 2. The mid lateral stripe expanded to form an elliptical dark brown spot immediately below the dorsal fin base. 3. Snout length 43.9-46.2% HL. 4. Body with two longitudinal bands one on the lateral line another above it. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki) Garo Hills (Garobadha, Baghmara). Elsewhere: Teesta river system, Eastern Himalayas, North Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan. Status: Not evaluated.
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145. Batasio tengana (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Batasio Species: tengana
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Adipose fin base 14.5-17.5% SL. 2. Presence of dark mid-dorsal stripe. 3. Pectoral fin rays not reaching the pelvic origin. 4. Caudal peduncle depth 6.7-8.2% SL; more rounded, bulbous snout when viewed laterally. 5. Body with faint band below the dorsal, no lateral stripe and caudal spot. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella). Elsewhere: Ganges and the Brahmaputra river drainages, Assam, North Bengal, Punjab, Eastern Himalayas, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand. Status: Not evaluated. Recorded so far from lower altitude of Khasi Hills only.
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146. Mystus bleekeri (Day, 1877) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: bleekeri
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A large tympanic spot. 2. Maxillary barbell reaching as far as anal origin. 3. Gill rakers on first gill arch 11-15. 4. Body with three broad dark stripes separated by two narrow pale lines well above and below lateral line. 5. Vertebrae 37-40. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee, Shella), Garo Hills (Bozengdoba, Damalgiri, Tura, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Assam, Darjeeling, West Bengal, North India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan. Status: Vulnearble.
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147. Mystus cavasius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: cavasius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Long adipose fin base. 2. A faint black spot at the origin of dorsal fin; a dark humeral spot. 3. Body without distinctly midlateral stripes. 4. Dorsal spine short and feebly serrated. 5. Dorsal fin high; 13-22 gill rakers. Distribution; Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hils (Baghmara, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Ganga-Brahmaputra basin in the North and NE India and rivers of South India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia. Status: Lower risk, near threatened. Not common in Meghalaya.
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148. Mystus menoda (Hamilton-Buchanan) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: menoda
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Several blotches along anterior half of lateral line. 2. Body depth 4.4 to 5.0 in SL. 3. Body moderately elongated, abdomen rounded. 4. Head of moderate size, compressed; 4 pairs of barbels. 5. Teeth uniformly villiform in bands on jaws and palate. Distribution: Meghalaya: Simsang River (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi and Godavari drainages, Northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Not evaluated.
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149. Mystus montanus (Jerdon, 1849) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: montanus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Pectoral fin with 6 soft rays. 2. Body with a bluish shoulder spot and silvery line along the side ending in a dark spot at caudal base. 3. One or two light bands along sides above lateral line. 4. Eye diameter 3.5 to 4.0 in head length. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella). Elsewhere: Assam, Kerala, MP, Karnataka, Maharashtra. Status: Vulnerable.
175
150. Mystus tengara (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: tengara
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate and somewhat compressed, its depth 2.5 to 3.3 times in standard length. 2. Head depressed and its length not more than 4 time in TL, drawn out to a rounded point. 3. Occipital process about 3 times as long as broad, extending to basal bone of dorsal fin; median longitudinal groove on head reaching base of occipital process. 4. Eye diameter 4 to 4.5 times in head, 1.5 to 2 times in interorbital. 5. Maxillary barbells reach base of pelvic fins. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo hills (Simsang, Ganol and Umngot rivers). Elsewhere: Throughout North India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afganistan, and Pakistan. Status: Not evaluated.
176
151. Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Mystus Species: vittatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Short posterior fontanel, its posterior tip touching anterior edge of suraoccipital, comparatively shorter adipose fin length. 2. Adipose fin short. 3. Pectoral fin with 9 soft rays. 4. Body with 3 or 4 longitudinal coloured band above and below lateral line. 5. A dark shoulder spot. No spot at base of caudal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Dalu, Damalgiri, Garobadha, Phulbari, Damra, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Malaysia. Status: Vulnerable.
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152. Neotropius atherinoides (Bloch, 1794) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Neotropius Species: atherinoides
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with 3-4 stripes formed by black spots. 2. Snout tapering, but not produced. 3. Eyes large, inferior, visible from below ventral side. 4. Jaws unequal, upper jaw extending over the entire under surface of snout. 5. Pectoral fins extending beyond pelvic fins. 6. Anal fin with 33-41 rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garobadha, Ganong River. Elsewhere: Throughout India (except west coast), Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
178
153. Olyra horae (Prasad and Mukerji, 1929) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes. Family: Bagridae Genus: Olyra Species: horae
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Anal fin with 10-11 branched rays. 2. Rayed dorsal fin with 6-8 rays and without spine. 3. Adipose fin low, long and continous with caudal fin. 4. Caudal fin deeply forked, upper lobe slightly longer than lower lobe. 5. Pectoral fin with 7 soft ray. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Garo Hills (Damra, Darugiri). Elsewhere: Manipur, Myanmar, Burma. Status: Not evaluated. Rarely found in Meghalaya.
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154. Olyra longicaudata (McClelland) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Olyridae Genus: Olyra Species: longicaudata
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body depth 9-11 times in SL, anal fin rays 18-23. 2. Posterior end of adipose fin base at vertical level of posterior end of anal fin base. 3. Pelvic fin not reaching half length of distance between pelvic and anal fins. 4. Pectoral fin with 4-6 soft ray. 5. Upper lobe of caudal fin about twice as long as lower lobe. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Myntang River), Garo Hills (Damra, Darugiri). Elsewhere: Assam, Darjeeling Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh (Brahmaputra Basins) Myanmar. Status: Least concern.
180
155. Rama chandramara (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Rama Species: chandramara
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body short, compressed, abdomen rounded. 2. Head small, compressed; Yellowish translucent body. 3. Snout obtusely rounded, short barbels 4. Mouth subterminal, moderately wide. 5. Eyes large, inferior (visible from from below ventral surface of the head). 6. Caudal fin forked, lobes equal. Lateral line complete, with a few pores above pectoral fin base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur). Elsewhere: Assam, North Bengal, UP, Bangladesh. Status: Least concern.
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156. Sperata aor (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Bagridae Genus: Sperata Species: aor
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Nuchal plate of supra-neural (Inter-neural shield) short, ovoid and rugose; a distinct interneural shield (between basal bone of dorsal fin and occipital process. 2. Body elongate and compressed, abdomen rounded. 3. Mouth terminal, snout spatulate. 4. Barbels 4 pairs, one each of maxillary, nasal and 2 mandibulars. 5. Gill membranes free from each other and also from isthmus. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsewhere: Barak River, Northern India up to the Krishna river system in the South, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Upper Myanmar. Status: Least concern.
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157. Chaca chaca (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes. Family: Chacidae. Genus: Chaca Species: chaca
Taxonomic Characters: 1. A stumpy body with a flat, broad head. 2. A small dorsal fin with 2 spines and 4 soft rays. 3. Anal fin long with 1 spine and 8-10 branched rays. 4. Body brown with irregular dark spots all over and pale ventrally. 5. Chacids are smaller in colour to the bottom substrate. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki). Elsewhere: Manipur-jiri, Assam, Ganga-Brahmaputra drainages, Bihar, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal. Status: Endangered.
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158. Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus) Phylum: Chordata Calss: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Clariidae Genus: Clarias Species: batrachus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Occipital process more or less triangular, its length about 2 times in its width. 2. Distance between dorsal and occipital process 4.0-5.5 times in distance from tip of snout to end of occipital process. 3. Pectoral spine strong, finely serrated on both edges, often rough externally. 4. Dorsal fin inserted at a considerable of distance from end of head.
Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shillong, Umsning), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Khanduli, Ratachara), Garo Hills (Darugiri, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, South China, Indo-China, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Phillipines, Singapore, Sumatra, Thailand. Status: Least concern.
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159. Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Clariidae Genus: Clarias Species: gariepinus
Taxonomic Characters; 1. Body elongate, compressed. Abdomen rounded. 2. Anterior edge of pectoral spine serrated. 3. Head length 2.9-3.8 times in SL. 4. Two color forms: a uniform dark grayish-greenish black form and a marmorated one; size upto 1500 mm SL. 5. Length of occipital process equals its width at base. Distribution: Meghalaya: Umium Reservoir (Barapani). Elsewhere: Widely distributed in South East Asia, Africa. Introduced species in India. Status: Least concern.
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160. Conta conta (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Erethistidae Genus: Conta Species: conta
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head length 4.5-5.5 in standard length. 2. Mouth small. 3. Lips thick, fleshy and papillated. 4. Maxillary barbells much shorter than head. 5. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of pelvic fins. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Rongram). Elsewhere: Ganges-Brahmaputra drainages, Assam, Darjeeling Himalayas, North Bengal, Bangladesh. Status: Not evaluated/Data deficient.
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161. Erethistes hara (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Erethistidae Genus: Erethistes Species: hara
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Pectoral fin short, does not extend to pelvic fin which inserted below anterior to last ray of dorsal fin. 2. Upper lobed of caudal fin simple. 3. Occipital process not reaching basal bone of dorsal fin. 4. Adipose dorsal fin extends about one eye diameter behind vertical from end of anal fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Assam, Nagaland, North Bengal, Terai, Duars, UP, Orissa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal. Status: Least concern.
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162. Erethistes jerdoni (Day) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Erethistidae Genus: Erethistes Species: jerdoni
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate, rounded. 2. Head anteriorly depressed. 3. Mouth subinferior. 4. Lips fleshy, papillated. 5. Pectoral fin with an internally serrated spine Gill opening extending dorsally well above pectoral fin base. Distribution: Meghalay: Garo Hills (Dalu). Elsewhere: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, North Bengal, Bangladesh. Status: Not evaluated.
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163. Laguvia shawi (Hora, 1921) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Erethistidae Genus: Laguvia Species: shawi
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Origin of pelvic fin distinctly nearer base of caudal fin than tip of snout. 2. Dorsal fin spine smooth. 3. Body depth 4.5-5.0 in standard length. 4. Inter orbital width 3.2-3.5, snout 2.0-2.2 in head length. 5. Body with two bands; posterior band below entire width of adipose dorsal. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (R. Ronga). Elsewhere: Northern India, Bengal, Darjeeling Himalayas, Bangladesh. Status: Not evaluated. Not common in Meghalaya.
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164. Heteropneutes fossilis (Bloch) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Heteropneustidae Genus: Heteropneutes Species: fossilis
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Anal fin separated from the caudal fin by a deep notch. 2. Rayed dorsal fin inserted in anterior third of body. 3. Pectoral fin small, spine strong, serrated internally with a few outward serrations anteriorly. 4. Pelvic fin reaching anal fin, caudal fin rounded. 5. Occipital process not reaching base of dorsal fin, skin smooth. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi hills (Barapani, Cherrapunjee, Mawpat, Shella, Shillong, Umran, Umsning), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Jowai, Garrampani road), Garo Hills (Garobadha, Baghmara, Damra, Darugiri, Phulbari, Songsak, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Indo-China, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable.
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165. Ailia colia (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Schilbeidae Genus: Ailia Species: colia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Dorsal fin absent, adipose dorsal fin small, short, posteriorly free. 2. Anal fin with 72-73 rays. 3. Mouth sub-terminal, crescentic, moderate wide. 4. Pelvic fin with 13-16 rays and a spine. 5. Four pairs of prominent barbels. 6. Caudal fin often edged black. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, Garobadha), Jaintia Hills (Dawki). Elsewhere: Manipur-Jiri River (Brahmaputra basin); Confined to the Jamuna, Ganga, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi River, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable.
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166. Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Schilbeidae Genus: Clupisoma Species: garua
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Abdominal edge keeled between pelvic fin and vent. 2. Maxillary bearbell extending upto pelvin origin. 3. Anal fin with 29 to 36 branched rays. 4. Pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Assam, Darjeeling, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Vulnerable. Not very common in Meghalaya.
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167. Eutropichthys murius (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Schilbeidae Genus: Eutropuchthys Species: murius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Cleft of mouth extending to anterior rim of orbit. 2. Vomero-palatine band of teeth narrower than maxillary band. 3. Pectoral fin with 11-12 rays. 4. Dorsal fin base 37.5-45.0% HL. 5. Dorsal, pectoral and caudal fins with dusky tips. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Pynursla). Elsewhere: Manipur-Jiri river (Brahmaputra basin) Assam, West Bengal, Northern India, Bihar, Orissa, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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168. Eutropuchthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Schilbeidae Genus: Eutropuchthys Species: vacha
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Cleft of mouth reaching up to posterior edge of orbit. 2. Vomero-palatine band of teeth wider than maxillary band. 3. Pectoral fin with 15 rays. 4. Dorsal fin base 30.1-30.2% HL. 5. Nasal barbell as lond as head. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu). Elsewhere: Bengal, Bihar, Darjeeling, Orissa, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Northern India upto Mahananda. Status: Endangered. Not common in Meghalaya.
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169. Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Siluridae Genus: Ompok Species: bimaculatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Brown, usually marmorated body with conspicuous round black blotch above pectoral base. 2. 59-74 anal rays. 3. Maxillary barbells longer than head. 4. Pelvic fins not reaching anal fin origin and bearing 8 rays. 5. Anal fin insertion 2.0 to 4.0 times eye diameter behind last dorsal fin ray. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Pynusla, Byrnihat), Garo Hills (Dalu, Garobadha, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Borneo, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Malaya, epal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Thailand. Status: Endangered.
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170. Ompok pabo (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Siluridae Genus: Ompok Species: pabo
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin lobed pointed. 2. Lower border of eye below level of the cleft of mouth. 3. Maxillary barbells shorter than head length. 4. Pelvic fin rays 9 or 10. 5. Anal fin rays 66 to 70. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi hills (Barapani), Garo Hills. Elsewhere: Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra river systems, South Central Asia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Near threatened.
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171. Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Siluridae Genus: Ompok Species: pabda
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Maxillary barbells longer than head. 2. Pelvic fins reaching anal fin origin bearing 8 rays. 3. Anal fin insertion opposite to or one eye diameter distance behind last dorsal fin ray and bears 50-70 rays. 4. Maxillary barbells short, extending only upto middle or tip of pectoral fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Dalu). Elsewhere: South Central Asia, Orissa, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, Darjeeling, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan. Status: Near threatened/Endangered.
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172. Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Siluridae Genus: Wallago Species: attu
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Eye in front of vertical level of corner of mouth. 2. Anal fin with 95 rays. 3. Barbel’s two pairs.Maxillary pairs of barbells long, extend posteriorly to well beyond origin of anal fin. 4. Dorsal fin short inserted slightly in advance of pelvic fin. 5. Weak pectoral fin spine often poorly serrated on its inner edge.Upper lobe of caudal fin longer. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara). Elsaewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Indo- China, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Status: Near threatened. Not common in Meghalaya.
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173. Bagarius bagarius (Hamilton-Buchanan) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teteostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Amblycipitidae Genus: Bagarius Species: bagarius
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body and abdomen elongate, flattened up to pelvics. 2. Head broad and body entirely or almost entirely covered by heavily keratinized skin, superficially differentiated into unculiferous plaques or tubercles. 3. Mouth terminal, wide, slightly inferior. 4. Pelvic fin origin anterior to a vertical line through base of last dorsal fin ray. 5. Pectoral fin rays 9 to 12. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, Garobadha). Elsewhere: Ganga-Brahmaputra drainages, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal. Status: Near threatened.
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174. Bagarius yarellii (Sykes, 1839) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teteostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Bagarius Species: yarellii
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin deeply forked, upper lobe longer. 2. Body depth 10.4-14.3 % SL. 3. Pectoral fin 11-14 rays. 4. Pelvic fin origin at the level posterior to a vertical line through base of last dorsal fin ray. 5. Adipose origin at the level behind anal fin origin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Baghmara, Garobadha). Elsewhere: Indus and Ganges drainages, South India, Western Ghats, Bangladesh, Myanmar, East Indies, Indo-China, Malaya Archipelago, Nepal. Status: Near Threatened.
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175. Euchiloglanis hodgarti (Hora) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Family: Sisoridae Order: Siluriformes Genus: Euchiloglanis Species: hodgarti
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate. Abdomen flattened up to pelvic base. 2. Caudal fin emarginated and with a round black spot at base; pelvic fin origin at vertical level of anterior base of dorsal fin. 3. Nostrils close to each other, separated by a flap-bearing nasal barbel. 4. Four pairs of barbells, one pair each of maxillary, nasal and two of mandibular, maxillary with broad bases, their ventral surface of outer halves with striated pads of adhesive skin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Myntang and its tributaries (Jaintia Hills). Elsewhere: Abor Hills, Darjeeling, Kali River, U.P., Kuseong, Teesta Valley, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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176. Exostoma labiatum (McClelland, 1842) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopteygii Division: Teleostei Family: Sisoridae Order: Siluriformes Genus: Exostoma Species: labiatum
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate. 2. Abdomen flattened up to pelvic fin base. 3. Head and anterior part of body depressed and tail compressed from side to side. 4. Pectoral fins with 11 or 12 branched rays. Gill opening wide, extending to opposite base of pectoral spine. 5. Nostrils close together separated by a flap-bearing nasal barbel. Distribution: Meghalaya: Upper stream of Kynsi river, Umium River, Mishmi River. Elsewhere: Brahmaputra drainage, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar. Status: Not evaluated.
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177. Gagata cenia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Gagata Species: cenia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Caudal fin with square or round spot on each lobe. 2. Head and Body with five saddles, snout tip acutely pointed in lateral profile with distinct notch anteriorly. 3. Median longitudinal groove on head extends only to base of occipital process. 4. Macillary barbells shorter than head. 5. Pectoral fin without any filamentous prolongation. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Ganga and Brahmaputra Basin and Mahanadi, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand. Status: Least concern.
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178. Glyptothorax cavia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinoterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Glyptothorax Species: cavia
Taxonomic Character: 1. Head high, its depth at nape 68.3-69.5% HL. 2. Skin sparsely granulated with dark brown spots. 3. Thoracic adhesive apparatus with a deep pit, its length 47.1-48.5% HL. 4. Lateral extent of upper jaw tooth band 47.5-48.0% head width; lateral extent of lower jaw tooth band 27.5-29.6% head width. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Ranikor), Garo Hills (Bozengdoba, Remgiri, Siju). Elsewhere: North West, North and North East (Ganga and Brahmaputra Basin), Assam, Eastern Himalayas, North Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan. Status: Endangered. Rarely found in Meghalaya.
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179. Glyptothorax striatus (McClelland, 1842) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Glyptothorax Species: striatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Paired fin striated, modified into adhesive devices. 2. Anterior end of thoracic adhesive apparatus blunt. 3. Skin granulated. 4. Occipital process not reaching basal bone of dorsal fin. 5. Ventral surface of paired fins plaited. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Sumer), Garo Hills (Bozengdoba, Remgiri). Elsewhere: Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim below Gangtok. Status: Near Threatened. Commonly found in Meghalaya.
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180. Glyptothorax telchitta (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Glyptothorax Species: telchitta
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Thoracic adhesive apparatus with narrow folds of skin. 2. More triangular snout when viewed laterally. 3. Body with no dark saddles. 4. Occipital process not reaching basal bone of dorsal fin. 5. Anal fin inserted opposite or anterior to origin of adipose fin. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Garo Hills (Garobadha, Williamnagar, Baghmara, Phulbari). Elsewhere: Ganga and Brahmaputra Basins in North and North East India, Bihar, North Bengal, Utter Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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181. Glyptothorax Ventrolineatus (Vishwanath and Linthoingambi, 2006) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Glyptothorax Species: ventrolineatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body with longitudinal creamish yellow band on midventral line. 2. Dorsal, adipose and caudal fin bases plain; dorsal spine smooth posteriorly. 3. Thoracic adhesive apparatus longer than broad, open caudally, with no central pit. 4. No band on mid ventral line. 5. Pectoral spine serrated inside. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Simsang River, Ganol River, Manda River). Elsewhere: Manipur (Chindwin basin). Status: Not evaluated.
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182. Gogangra viridescens (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Gogangra Species: viridescens
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Head and body short and compressed. 2. Outer and inner mental barbells widely separated. 3. Origin of inner mental barbels anterior to origin of outer mental barbells. 4. Lateral cranial fontanel absent. 5. Pectoral girdle with rugose coracoids process covered with thin skin. 6. Caudal fin deeply fork and lateral line complete. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Manda River). Elsewhere: Northern India, Ganga and Brahmaputra river system, Assam, Barak River in Manipur, Nepal, Bangladesh. Status: Least concern.
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183. Pseudecheneis sulcatus (McClelland) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Siluriformes Family: Sisoridae Genus: Pseudecheneis Species: sulcatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body elongate, abdomen flat upto pelvic fin base. 2. Head moderate anteriorly depressed with numerous rough ridges, cover by very thin skin. 3. Teeth absent, 6 pairs of barbells, 1 pair maxillary, 5 pairs short mandibular. 4. Rayed dorsal fin inserted behind pectoral fin half, ahead of pelvic fins, with 6 rays and a weak spine serrated anteriorly. 5. Pectoral fins with 8 rays and a spine, compressed, serrated along both edge. Distribution: Meghalaya: West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin). Elsewhere: North Bengal, Doon valley, U.P. Bangladesh, Nepal. Status: Vulnerable.
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184. Pillaia indica (Yazdani, 1972) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Chaudhuridae Genus: Pillaia Species: indica
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body much elongated, cylindrical, eel-like, compressed. Head conical, compressed. 2. Mouth small, horizontal non-protractile. 3. Pectoral fin with 7-9 rays. 4. Caudal fin with 8 or 10 rays. 5. Head rather depressed. 6. Dorsal soft rays 34-36; anal soft rays 34-36; vertebrae 66; unpaired fins continuous. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Lailad, Kyrdemkulai, Nongpoh, Nongkhyllem, Patharkhama, Umsning, Sumer), Garo Hills (Darugiri). Elsewhere: Myanmar, Thailand. Status: Endangered.
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185. Macrognathus aral (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Perciformes Family: Mastacembelidae Genus: Macrognathas Species: aral
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Rostral tooth plates 16-23. 2. No black ocellus at base of caudal fin. 3. Snout long anal fin with three spines. 4. Caudal fin rounded; body elongated elel like. 5. Lateral line present; depressible dorsal fin spines; pre-orbital and preoperculum smooth. Distribution: Meghalaya: Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Dalu, Garobadha, Phulbari, Tura). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Burneo, Indo-China, China, Java, Malaya Peninsula, Moluccas, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Siam, Srilanka, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam. Status: Lower risk, near threatend.
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186. Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Synbranchiformes Family: Mastacembelidae Genus: Macrognathus Species: pancalus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Rostral tooth plates absent. 2. Dorsal fin origin opposite to anal fin origin. 3. A distinct streak of longitudinal spots run along lateral line from eye to caudal fin base with 65-66 vertebrae. 4. Anal fin with three spines. 5. Greenish olive on dorsal side, yellowish on ventrally; with dark brown vertical stripes. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Barapani, Balat), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Dalu, Garobadha, Phulbari, Tura, Damra). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Pakistan. Status: Least concern.
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187. Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Synbranchiformes Family: Mastacembelidae Genus: Mastacembelus Species: armatus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Snout long, conical without transversely striated tooth plates on the under surface. 2. Anal and dorsal fins confluent with caudal fin. 3. Gap of mouth extending to below posterior nostrils. 4. Eel like body; 35-36 dorsal spines. 5. 14-15 caudal fin rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Balat), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Garobadha, Baghmara, Rombagre, Bozengdoba, Damra, Phulbari, Rongrengiri). Elsewhere: Throughout India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand. Status: Least concern.
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188. Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Synbranchiformes Family: Synbranchidae Genus: Monopterus Species: albus
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Body much elongated, head conspicuous, short, with a dome shaped muscular occipital region. 2. Gill openings crescentic without lateral folds and internally attached to isthmus. 3. Minute scales embedded in skin; Synbranchial pouch for accessory respiration. 4. Dorsal and anal fins in the form of ridges, caudal fin absent. Distribution: Meghalaya: Garo Hills (Garobadha). Elsewhere: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Japan. Status: Least concern.
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189. Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Synbranchiformes Family: Synbranchidae Genus: Monopterus Species: cuchia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. Gill opening triangular; scales absent in skin; palatine teeth biserial. 2. Suprabranchial pouch absent. Suprabranchial pouch as accessory respiration. 3. Body elongated, eel like; head conspicuous; mouth wide. 4. Eyes superior; scales absent or minute, embedded in skin. 5. Lateral line present. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills (Baghmara, Garobadha). Elsewhere: North and North East, Orissa, Bangladesh, Chusan, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar. Status: Lower rik, near threatened.
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190. Tetraodon cutcutia (Hamilton, 1822) Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Division: Teleostei Order: Tetraodontiformes Family: Tetraodontidae Genus: Tetraodon Species: cutcutia
Taxonomic Characters: 1. 7 branched dorsal fin rays. 2. Lower border of eye above level of mouth. 3. A prominent dark ocellus on sides. 4. Body compressed laterally, dorsal profile rising nearly rectilinear to midst of back, than sloping gradually to caudal fin. Dorsal fin with 10-13 rays, anal fin with 10-12 rays. Distribution: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills (Shella), Jaintia Hills (Dawki, Muktapur), Garo Hills (Baghmara, Phulbari, Mahadev, Tura). Elsewhere: Manipur: Barak River and its tributaries, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Myanmar, Malay Archipelago, Bangladesh. Status: Lower risk, near threatened.
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