DAM IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTIC OF SCHIZOTHORAX SPECIES IN BHAGIRATHI RIVER OF UTTARKASHI, UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

A study was conducted on the morphometric characteristics of Schizothorax species of fish on samples collected from Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Samples were taken from the study sites to measure some important parameters of water quality, which greatly influenced the morphological characteristics of the fish. Morphometric features such as total length, pectoral, pelvic, anal, dorsal, head, caudal length of eyes, caudal width and weight were recorded. Significant effects of dam on fish are observed on the morpho-metric of Schizothorax sp. There was no change in the characters but the wall of the dam put the selection pressure. The maximum length, weight of fish was observed in the study area during winter season and minimum during rainy season. The maximum length and weight were found before the dam. Changes in habitat, physico-chemical parameters, less aquatic macro-invertebrates lead to shorter lengths of fishes. Proper management techniques should be required for the production of fish. This paper will provide knowledge of the impact of dam on the morphometric character of fish along with parameters of water quality. It also gives in-depth knowledge of proper management of river fisheries.