Icthyofaunal study of river Basantar, an important tributary of river Ravi in Samba district, Jammu (J&K) has revealed the existence of 35 fish species belonging to 5 orders, 10 families and 25 genera. There is dominance of Cypriniformes (18 spp.) followed by Siluriformes (10 spp.), Perciformes (4 spp.), Synbrachiformes (2 spp.) and Osteoglossiformes (1 sps.). Present record of 35 fish species when compared with the earlier report of 59 fish species reveals a decline in fish diversity and is caused by environmental factors and anthropogenic pressure.

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Four adult deformed specimens of Mystus bleekeri showing caudal fin deformities viz complete degenerated caudal fin, degenerated upper caudal fin lobe, degenerated lower caudal fin lobe and truncated caudal peduncle and bulbous caudal fin base and one specimen of Labeo bata with a blunt head and terminal mouth were observedamong the fish collections from the river Chenab in Pragwal wetland area and have been described. Deformities in M. bleekeri are most probably caused by Myxobolus infection and in L. bata it is the result of injury.

Ichthtyofaunistic survey in perennial Wajoo nullah,an important tribitry of river Ravi in Kathua District, has shown the existence of 64 fish species belonging to 7 orders, 17 families and 42genera. Gudusia chapra and Parambassis bacails are the new records for Jammu and Kashmir State. Fish fauna is dominated by Cyprinifonnes (37 species), followed by Siluriformes (12 species), Perciformes (9 species), Synbranchiformes and Osteoglossiformes (2 species each) and Clupeiformes and Beloniformes (1 species each). Overexploitation, illegal fishing and fishing during breeding season are serious threats to fish resources in Wajoo nullah.

Ichthyofaunistic survey in lotic and lentic water bodies of erstwhile Udhampur District, Jammu region, has revealed the presence of 76 fish species belonging to 6 orders. 14 families and 45 genera. Glyptothorax punjabensis Mirza and Kashmiri is the new record for country. Barilius radiolatus Gunther, Botia lohachata Chaudhari Botia dario (Ham. Buch.) are the new records for the state The list also includes Catla catla, Laheo rohita, Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypothalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio communis, Cyprinus carpio specularis and Salmo trutta fario stocked by the state fishery department in the district. There is dominance of Cypriniformes (51 species), followed by Siluriformes (18 species), Perciformes (3 species) Synbranchiformes (2 species), and Beloniformes and Salmoniformes (1 species each). Fishing methods commonly employed are enlisted. Various causes of fish decline and their conservation measures in the district have also been described.