The Freshwater Fishes of the Indian Region

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Nearly ten years back the first edition of this book was ably published by the present publishers. In the intervening period systematic ichthyology has advanced very rapidly new discoveries of taxa, new areas previously unexplored and new concepts of taxonomy and new classification of the existing families, genera and species were brought to light. Many foreign ichthyologists undertook surveys in difficult areas and contributed much knowledge. The all catfish species inventory was funded by the US National Science Foundation which helped in new discoveries. Several changes have been incorporated especially in Siluriforms composition. A few genera have been merged, some families reoriented. In India The Zoological Survey of India undertook preparing faunal composition of several rivers, wildlife sanctuaries and several states. In some universities fish taxonomic studies and surveys of nearby streams and water bodies yielded many new discoveries and also new records. The National Bureau of Fish Genetic resources prepared a data base of freshwater fishes. A new line of genetic studies has thrown light of new knowledge of species composition and many closely related species have been recast. The Zoo Outreach organization, Coimbatore helped in preparing an endangered species of fishes by arranging workshops involving university scholars and research scientists. Thus the interval of ten years was very productive and improved our knowledge of freshwater fish fauna not only of our country but also the neighboring countries as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The result is that 1042 species are now known as against 853 previously listed in the first edition. Most of this new knowledge may not be available to all and this second edition should prove to be useful aid. Moreover the illustrations published in 39 plates with colour photos of fish species would prove a helpful tool.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR K C Jayaram

Dr. K.C. Jayaram, former joint director, Zoological Survey of India has been active in freshwater fish taxonomy and Zoogeography since 1947. He has covered many river systems for their fish fauna such as Brahmputra, Cauvery, Krishna and Mahanadi through intensive surveys. His work on the Cauvery fish Fauna is a comprehensive first-time account of the fish fauna of the entire river system. This work served as the basis for an integrated research programme on the same river funded by the ministry of Environment and Forests. Eleven post-graduate colleges and six Universities participated in this three year programme. Dr. Jayaram was the director of this project and results are under publication under his executive editorship. He is a member of many scientific committees and his advice is sought after in biodiversity, river ecology matters specially in respect of the fish fauna. He is a D.Sc. of Madras University and a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, Allahabad, Zoological Society of India, Bhubaneshwar and Madras Science Foundation, Chennai. He was awarded the prestigious Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and is currently studying the eco-status of the Deccan Mahseer fishes. He has trained and guided a number of students who occupy important positions. He has to his credit about 120 papers including several monographs published in India and abroad. His earlier book on the same subject was universally acclaimed and ran out of print fast. He is considered on of the leading authorities on the freshwater fish fauna of the Indian region.