Author(s): Ripan Chandra Dey, Mst. Jannatul Ferdous, Aruna Rani Deb and Dr. Nirmal Chandra Roy

Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the present biodiversity status of freshwater loaches for 9 months in Sylhet Sadar. Data were collected using secondary literature review, visits and interview with the fishermen and fish traders. A total of 7 species under 2 families were recorded during the study. The highest numbers of loach species (6) were found from the family Cobitidae (99%) and only 1 species from the Balitoridae (only 1%). Some are used as food fish and others as ornamental fish. Among the total, 2 species were considered as threatened. Six fishing gears used by the fishermen, mostly used Ber jal and Jhaki jal. The less and non-availability of most species indicate alarming decline of the biodiversity in the surveyed area and the interviewed stakeholders reported that is due to environmental degradation and manmade causes. Appropriate fishing laws, public awareness and further study should be carried out to conserve the biodiversity of these species.

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