Vol. 10, Issue 4, Part E (2024)

Abstract
River Ganga is a well-known and diverse habitat for numerous fish species. It supports over 140 fish species, including some commercially important ones and even critically endangered species like the Ganges shark. The river is a significant source of food and economic activity for many communities along the Gangetic plains. The Ganga River system is home to various fishes variety of freshwater. The river supports major and minor carps, catfishes, murrels, and other commercially important fish, contributing to the livelihoods of local communities. The Critically Endangered Ganges shark and Gangetic stingray are also found in the Ganga. The river also supports a rich ecosystem, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals, highlighting the importance of its biodiversity. The Ganga River is a vital habitat for fish, it faces challenges like pollution, dams, and overfishing, which can negatively impact fish populations and the river's ecosystem it tends to inhabit areas with strong currents, rocky substrates, pools, and runs. Its diet primarily consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Fishes in the river Ganga is a positive sign that suggests an improvement in the overall health of the river ecosystem according to reports from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and other research organizations. A closer analysis of the results and findings provide some critical pointers, which are important to understand in terms of the impact of fish diversity and environmental flows releases into the riverine ecosystem of river Ganga.