Assessing fish diversity in the Ujani reservoir: an updated overview after one decade

The freshwater fish diversity of Ujani Reservoir, Pune District, Maharashtra, India, was assessed from April 2021–March 2023. A total of 56 freshwater fish species belonging to 39 genera and 18 families were documented. Comparative analysis with previous literature suggests a historical record of approximately 60 species in the reservoir. Of the 56 species recorded, 41 are endemic to the Oriental zoogeographical realm, while eight are endemic to the Krishna River system. Notably, two species, Parambassis lala, native to the Ganga, and Brahmaputra river basins, and Nandus nandus the Gangetic Leaffish, were recorded for the first time in Ujani Reservoir. The ichthyofauna of the reservoir faces significant threats from invasive alien species, industrial, and agricultural pollution, expanding human settlements, and overfishing. Given the presence of eight endemic and six threatened species, conservation measures are imperative to mitigate anthropogenic pressures, and preserve biodiversity. This study provides an updated account of fish diversity and distribution in Ujani Reservoir, serving as a crucial baseline for future conservation, and management initiatives.