Fishes of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir have a vast number of freshwater lakes.
Apart from lakes, there are many major rivers that flow through Jammu and Kashmir.
These water bodies are colonised by the different types of fishes in Jammu and Kashmir.
In Jammu & Kashmir (including UT of Ladakh), there are more than 120 different species of fishes. 105 from Jammu region, 23 in Kashmir while 15 other from Ladakh region.
However, the Kashmir region accounts for 80% of the fish production of Jammu & Kashmir.
As per the J&K Fisheries Department, Baramulla followed by Bandipora in Kashmir produces the most number of fishes.
In Jammu region, warm water fishes are present while in Kashmir as well as in the Ladakh region species of cold-water fishes are present.
Types of Fishes in Jammu & Kashmir
The fishes in Jammu and Kashmir can be broadly divided into 4 categories:
- Trout Fish
- Mirror Carp
- Country Fish
- Jammu Fish
1. Trout Fish
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| Rainbow Trout |
Trouts, famous fish in Kashmir, are the cold-water fish generally flourish in water temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C.
The cold-water streams of Jammu and Kashmir which originate from snow-covered mountains and glaciers are perfect for breeding and production of the trout fish.
Trouts are not the indigenous species of fishes of Jammu & Kashmir.
Trouts was originally a European species introduced in Kashmir Valley by Biologist Frank J. Mitchell in 1899.
F. J. Mitchell brought the eggs of Brown Trout to establish Trout Fish Culture in Kashmir Valley.
However, the attempt was failed due to the high Temperature in the Indian Plains from where they had to travel.
Many more attempts were done in order to successfully establish Trout Fishes in Kashmir.
In 1905, Harwan near Srinagar, biologist Mitchell succeeded in establishing a natural habitat for Trout Fishes.
Maharaja Pratab Singh established the Fisheries Department of Jammu and Kashmir on the advice of Frank Mitchell.
From this day-to-today, Trouts are thriving in the entire Kashmir region.
Moreover, not only in the streams of Kashmir but Trouts are flourishing in many parts of Jammu Province- Kishtwar, Baderwah, Udhampur.
In your visit to Kashmir, you can enjoy fishing in various water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir.
There are two species of Trout; famous fish in Kashmir-
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta fario)
The Rainbow Trout Fish of Kashmir is widely popular among the anglers as well as among Tourists.
At Present, Trouts are present in every stream of the valley, Names of famous ones are-
- Lidder
- Kokernag
- Wangath
- Gurez
- Doodhganga
- Erin
- Tangmarg
- Aharbal
- Bringi
- Dachigam
- Nowbagh
- Naristan
- Madhumati
Fishing/Angling of Trouts in Kashmir attracts many tourists to Kashmir every year.
2. Mirror Carp
Mirror Carp is a common fish found in Kashmir's Dal Lake and in many other water bodies of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirror Carp's scientific name is Cyprinus carpo.
The fish is given the name Mirror Carp due to its unique mirror-like patterns.
Mirror Crap is also a non-indigenous species of fish found in the Kashmir region.
Mirror Carp which was originally a European fish was introduced in 1956.
Since then, the fish has shown remarkable growth pattern in the valley due to the favourable conditions.
According to a study, Mirror Carp contributes to the 75% aquatic life in Dal Lake.
Mirror Carp is also found abundantly in Khusal Sar, Anchar & Wular Lakes.
Punjabi Carp, another species of Carp also found in Jhelum, Wantinar, Naristan Streams in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Country Fish
Country Fish are the fresh-water fishes found in the Kashmir region.
Country Fishes are the native fishes of the Kashmir valley belongs to Cyprinidae family of freshwater fishes.
These include Schizothorax, Botia birdi, Schizothoracine etc.
However, unlike the Trouts, Country fishes are not usually established for commercial purposes.
Country fishes are generally small in size and larger predatory fishes like Trouts, Carps feed on them.
4. Jammu Fish
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Jammu Fish is a collective name given to the fishes that are found in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu region has various water bodies most of them in the highlands of the Jammu region.
Jammu has a unique culture of harmony and this reflects in the aquatic life also.
One such example is Mansar and Surisar Lakes in which you can see the vast amount of aquatic life- fishes, turtles, birds literally pounding on the shores of the lakes.
This is due to the fact that fishing is totally prohibited in these lakes.
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| Mahseer in Mansar Lake |
These fishes which found everywhere in the Mansar Lake are locally known as Mahseer.
Other species of fishes found in the Jammu region are:
- Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
- Ctenopharyngodon idella
- Labeo rohita
- Cirrhinus Mrigala
- Salmo Trutta
Aquariums in Jammu and Kashmir
There are 2 main Aquariums in Jammu and Kashmir:
- Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium
- Gagribal Aquarium, Srinagar
These are the Aquariums under the Department of Fisheries, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Aquarium cum Awareness Centre Bahu Fort Jammu is the first aquarium of Jammu built-in 1995.
It is situated at Bahu Fort, at the bank of River Tawi, Jammu, near Bahu Temple and Bagh-e-Bahu Garden.
Aquarium cum Awareness Centre, Gagribal, Srinagar is one of the oldest Aquarium in J&K since 1952.
The Department of Fisheries of Jammu and Kashmir also promotes recreational fishing.
Fisheries Department of Jammu and Kashmir organise workshops in order to spread awareness among the locals.
Various Aquariums has been built over the past years in order to preserve and promote the fish culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
At Present, there is a vast scope of aquarium fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir.
Fish Reservoirs
Fish Reservoir has been established by the government of Jammu and Kashmir in order to preserve the endangered fish species.
These reservoirs are:
- Ranjit Sagar Dam (Kathua)
- Silal Dam (Reasi)
- Baglihar Dam (Ramban)
Also, Mansar and Surisar Lakes in the Jammu region, as I said earlier, are the important reservoirs, there is no fishing activities at all in these lakes and biodiversity is conserved.
Angling/Fishing in Kashmir
Chilled Streams and perennial rivers of Jammu and Kashmir makes it a perfect destination for anglers.
Kashmir attracts many tourists all over the world for popular angling sport.
Kashmir is Angler's Paradise.
The Trout Angling season from April-October attracts many Anglers every year in the valley for fishing.
Angling in Kashmir is not allowed without a valid license/permit issued by the Department of fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir.
Rules for Angling
- The permit is given on the basis of availability and first-come-first-serve basis.
- It is not allowed to transfer or share your permit with any other individual. With one permit only one fishing rod is allowed.
- Angling is allowed with the bag limit of 6 Fishes per angler.
- You have to carry the License/Permit with yourself while fishing.
- The angling method allowed is Artificial Fly Fishing.
License Fee
Anglers can book their permit/License online at JK Fisheries official Website.
The License fee charged by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir varies as per the individual and the respective division- Jammu or Kashmir.
Also-Read:
Artificial Fish Farms in Jammu and Kashmir
Various Fish farms have been established by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in order to meet the growing demand of fish among public.
These farms are owned by the Department of Fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir.
However, in some parts of Jammu as well as in the Kashmir region artificial fishing ponds have been built by the common residents of the respective areas.
Major Fish Farms of the State are:
Jammu region:
- Fish Farm Nowabad (Jammu)
- Fish farm Dhoomi (Jammu)
- Fish Farm Ghomanhasan (Jammu)
- National Fish Seed Farm (Kathua)
- Fish Farm Muradpur (Rajouri)
- Fish Farm Poonch (Poonch)
- Fish Farm Anji (Reasi)
- Fish Farm Thanpal (Reasi)
- Fish Farm Banihal (Ramban)
- Fish Farm Sungwal (Samba)
Kashmir region:
- Fish Farm Pandach (Srinagar)
- Fish Farm Narbal (Budgam)
- Fish Farm Chatlam (Pulwama)
- Trout Rearing Unit Kopernag (Anantnag)
- Fish Farm Trigam (Bandipora)
- National Fish Seed Farm Manasbal (Baramulla)
- Fish Farm Kurhoo (Kupwara)
- Fish Farm Dewar (Kupwara)
Conclusion
I have explained the major Types of Fishes in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is rich in natural beauty, having one of the purest streams of India.
The major Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir- Chenab, Jhelum, Tawi, Indus in their purest form is no doubt a breeding cradle for the aquatic life.
Apart from the rivers, there are many other water bodies, majorly lakes of Jammu and Kashmir which are also a suitable place for the growth of fishes.
I hope you enjoyed this post and this helps you to know more about divine Jammu and Kahsmir If you have any further queries you can comment down below.
Also tell us what are the fishes common to J&K found in your region?
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the List of fishes in Kashmir?
A. List of fishes in Kashmir:
- Rainbow Trouts
- Brown Trouts
- Mirror Carps
- Punjabi Carp
- Mahseer
- Schizothorax
- Botia birdi
- Schizothoracine
Q. What is the State Fish of Jammu and Kashmir?
A. There is no official State fish of Jammu and Kashmir, however, Rainbow Trout is the most famous fish in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. What is the famous fish in Kashmir?
A. Kashmir has a Trout Culture. Kashmiri Fish Name- Rainbow Trouts and Brown Trouts are the most famous fish in Kashmir.
Q. What is the scope of aquarium fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir?
A. There is a vast scope of aquarium fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir as fisheries contribute around 17% of the GDP of J&K. Also, aquariums for educational as well as commercial purposes are needed to establish.
Q. Can I found Salmon fish in Kashmir?
A. Salmons are not founded in Jammu and Kashmir, however, in India, Indian Salmons known as Rawas are found in the Western coast of India.
Q. What are the various fish species found in Kashmir?
A. Fish Species found in Kashmir are:
- Salmo Trutta
- Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Glyptothorax Kashmirensis
- Glyptothorax pectinopterus
- Labeo rohita
- Cirhinnus Mrigala
- Ctenopharyngodon idella
- Schizothorax esocinus
- Schizothorax labiatus
- Schizothorax niger
- Triplophysa marmorata
- Triplophysa Kashmirensis
Q. Name College of fisheries Jammu and Kashmir.
A. SKUAST-Kashmir, GGM Science College Jammu, Govt. Degree College Srinagar, Govt. Degree College Boys Baramulla etc are the Top Colleges of fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. Who establish Fisheries Department of Jammu and Kashmir?
A. Maharaja Pratap Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir established the fisheries department, Jammu and Kashmir on the advice of British Biologist Frank Mitchell.
Q. What are Kashmiri Fish name?
A. Mahseer, Trouts, Carps are the common Kashmiri Fish name used in Jammu and Kashmir. Mahseer is common in Jammu region while Trouts and Carps are widely available in the Kashmir region.
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