~ 604 ~ International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2016; 4(3): 604-610 ISSN: 2347-5129 (ICV-Poland) Impact Value: 5.62 (GIF) Impact Factor: 0.352 IJFAS 2016; 4(3): 604-610 © 2016 IJFAS www.fisheriesjournal.com Received: 26-03-2016 Accepted: 27-04-2016 Kripal Singh Vishwakarma Department of Environmental Sciences & Limnology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India. Vipin Vyas Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal- 462026, India. Correspondence Kripal Singh Vishwakarma Department of Environmental Sciences & Limnology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India. Comparative study of ichthyofaunal diversity of sip and Jamner Rivers: A tributary of river Narmada (Central India) Kripal Singh Vishwakarma and Vipin Vyas Abstract River consist of a complex mixture of distinctive habitats, which make it among the most productive and valuable ecosystem on earth. The Sip and Jamner rivers are the tributaries of the Narmada basin, which afford a lucrative field of ichthyological importance. River with its tributaries is a unique type of ecosystem which generally covers different types of climatic zones, landscapes and biogeographically regions. River is the natural drainage system of the land mass of the earth which move continuously. The findings from the study will benefit the planning and management of fish community structure and conservation of natural resources at national level. During the present investigation, rich ichthyofaunal diversity was observed in the Sip and Jamner tributary of River Narmada represented by 52 fish species, 34 genera, 12 families and 6 orders. The Cyprinidae family is dominant group. Keywords: River Narmada, Conservation, Fish diversity, Ecosystem 1. Introduction Water is a basic need of all living organisms on the earth. Lakes, Rivers and Reservoirs are most important water resource and used for several purposes. River Narmada is one of the most important natural sources of water and important ecological diversity in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Rich biodiversity of fishes present in Narmada River, therefore fishing commonly practiced in the river is responsible for the livelihood for a large number of fishermen families living in the vicinity of the river. Riverside capture of fisheries in The Narmada region is a very important source of household welfare for many of rural poor, particularly for providing nutrition (specially the much need protein), income and employment. Fish constitute almost half of the total number of vertebrates in the world 21,723 living species of fish out of 39,900 species of vertebrates are so for recorded [13] . In India, there are about 2,500 species of fishes, of which 930 freshwater and 1,570 marine, are estimated [11] . Fishes have been found to exhibit enormous diversity in their morphology, habitat and their biology. They live in almost all conceivable aquatic habitats. India is one of the mega biodiversity countries in the world and occupying ninth position in terms of freshwater biodiversity. A clear manifestation of the most well known global diversity gradient, namely species diversity increases with latitude. Narmada River has been extensively studied for its fish fauna for the past seven decade by various workers. A few recent works on different aspects of fish diversity were also confined main stream in central part of Narmada [27] . Very first record of fish diversity of Narmada was on hill stream of Satpura ranges [9] . Later Tawa and Barna tributaries were dammed to form reservoir and studies were done on these reservoirs. 52 species belonging to 28 Genera, 13 Families and 7 Orders was recorded in main tributaries of central Narmada [26] . Recently few studies on fish diversity was carried in Sip and Jamner rivers, 29 species belonging to 17 Genera, 8 Families and 3 Orders was documented in Sip River a tributary of River Narmada [24] , While Jamner River recorded 27 species belonging to 4 order, 9 families and 16 genera [25] . The comparative study of Sip and Jamner River was also carried out which documented 34 species belonging to 17 Genera, 8 Families and 3 Orders [23] . Documented 57 species, belonging to 35 genera, 13 families and 6 orders from Middle Stretch of River Tawa [5] . The Barna Stream Network in Narmada basin reported 33 fish species belonging to 5 orders, 9 families and 21 genera [22] .