Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part K (2016)

Abstract
The fresh water fish community of the Morna River in Washim and Akola districts of Maharashtra was studied for a period of one year (August 2012 to July 2014). A total of 30 fish species were recorded during the study belonging to 10 families and 5 orders. Among these, Ophisternon bengalense was first time reported from Maharashtra on West coast of India. Family Cyprinidae was dominant comprising 46% of species followed by Notopteridae, Balitoridae, Channidae, Bagaridae, Siluridae and Mastocembelidae (7% each), Gobidae, Ambassidae, Symbranchidae, and Claridae (3% each). This clearly illustrates the fish diversity of the Morna River. Among the reported species of fishes juvenile of Ophisternon bengalense is first time reported from Maharashtra.