Mahseer Conservation

Mahseer, one of the most iconic freshwater fishes of Asia is being imperilled by misidentification, release into the wrong waters, dam construction etc.

• Mahseer Fish:

Mahseer is a term used to refer to several species of freshwater fishes in Asia. Mahseers are fishes of the genus Tor. It is priced as a game fish and also as a food fish. Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, dam construction etc. are leading to the decline in mahseer population.

• Blind Mahseer:

The blind mahseer fish is currently the largest cave dwelling freshwater fish in the world. It was recently discovered in the caves of Meghalaya. Due to its subterranean habitat, it is in the evolutionary process of losing its eyes. Its discovery has highlighted the gaps in research on mahseer.

• Golden Mahseer:

It is an endangered mahseer fish found in the Himalayan Rivers (Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra). Golden mahseer is mainly facing threats from rampant development that is unbalanced and also by release of native and non-native fish species that increase competitive pressure on these vulnerable fishes.

• Humpback Mahseer:

Humpback mahseer is the largest mahseer fish. It is an endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats region in South India. It has been recorded in Rivers Krishna, Godavari and Cauvery. Unregulated release of other fish species and poor spawning seasons has led to the decline of this species in River Cauvery.