Fish Biomass in Baniyapur Pond of Saran District, Bihar
Vikas Kumar
Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: sanubha330@gmail.com
Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate fish biomass, species composition, and ecological productivity of Baniyapur Pond located in Chapra (Saran district), Bihar, India. The investigation was carried out for a period of one year covering seasonal variations in fish abundance and physico-chemical characteristics of pond water. A total of 29 fish species belonging to 6 orders and 10 families were recorded during the study period. The family Cyprinidae dominated both in diversity and biomass contribution. Fish biomass showed positive correlation with dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and plankton productivity, whereas excessive turbidity and nutrient loading adversely affected fish growth and productivity. The findings indicate that Baniyapur Pond possesses considerable fishery potential and can contribute significantly to inland fisheries development in Bihar through scientific pond management and sustainable aquaculture practices.
KEYWORDS: Fish Biomass, Baniyapur Pond, Saran District
INTRODUCTION:
Freshwater ponds are important aquatic ecosystems that support fish production, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods16,17,28. In India, particularly in Bihar, perennial ponds play a significant role in inland fisheries and nutritional security10,22. The perennial ponds consists maximum perphyton activity, which play a major role in fish biomass and fish potential of pond18. Chapra district of Bihar possesses numerous perennial ponds that remain productive throughout the year and provide favorable habitats for diverse fish species.
Fish biomass represents the standing stock of fish populations in an aquatic ecosystem and is an important indicator of ecological productivity28,29. Biomass estimation helps in understanding fishery potential, trophic structure, and environmental health of freshwater ecosystems7,29. Fish biomass is influenced by several abiotic and biotic factors such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentration, plankton abundance, and habitat quality.
Baniyapur Pond is one of the important perennial ponds of Chapra district and is utilized for fish culture, irrigation, and domestic purposes9,18. Increasing anthropogenic activities, nutrient enrichment, and eutrophication may alter the fish community structure and biomass productivity of the pond23,24. Therefore, assessment of fish biomass and associated environmental parameters is essential for sustainable fisheries management.
Previous studies from Saran district reported dominance of Cyprinidae in freshwater ponds and emphasized the ecological importance of pond fisheries in Bihar. Studies conducted in wetlands and ponds of Bihar also demonstrated that fish productivity is closely associated with water quality and plankton abundance19,23.
The objectives of the present study were fish species diversity, seasonal and annual fish biomass, analysis of relation between environmental factors and evaluation about fishery potential of the pond for sustainable management:
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The present investigation was conducted at Baniyapur Pond situated in Baniyapur block of Chapra district (Saran), Bihar, India. The pond is perennial in nature and retains water throughout the year. It is used for fish culture and local domestic activities. Sampling was carried out monthly from January to December covering four major seasons as winter, Summer, Monsoon and Post-monsoon. Fish samples were collected using cast nets, gill nets and drag nets. The fishes were preserved in 10% formalin solution and identified using standard taxonomic keys10. Fish biomass was calculated from total wet body weight of fishes collected during each sampling period. Identified fish species were grouped into guilds on the basis of classification related to wetland water depth, habitat use and spawning habitat1,5 to assess the underlying causes and ecological mechanisms of the present state of ichthyofauna of Baniyapur pond. The fishes in pond were classified on the basis of thier size and spawning season.
The water quality parameters as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), free carbon dioxide, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate and turbidity were measured using standard APHA methods3.
RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:
A total of 29 fish species belonging to 10 families were recorded from Baniyapur Pond during the study period. The analysis of water quality parameters conducted as well as the distribution, composition, and seasonal variation of plankton. Prior knowledge of the physicochemical conditions of the water body and plankton production in the pond was essential for these studies. Surface water temperatures exhibited relative stability, with a minor decrease noted during the monsoon season. Chemical parameters exhibited minor fluctuations corresponding to the monsoon season. Alkalinity increased during the monsoon season, while the water exhibited slight acidity prior to the monsoon. Dissolved oxygen levels reached their maximum following the monsoon, whereas carbon dioxide levels peaked prior to the monsoon. Heavy rainfall caused surface runoff to increase nutrient concentration in the water, leading to a peak in micronutrient levels during the monsoon season (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Seasonal Variation of Fish Biomass in Baniyapur Pond.
Cyprinidae represented the highest diversity and biomass contribution. Major commercially important fishes observed during the study included: Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cyprinus carpio, Clarias batrachus, Channa punctatus and other small fishes (Table 1).
|
Fish Group |
Contribution (%) |
|
Major Carps |
46 |
|
Cat Fishes |
22 |
|
Murrels |
14 |
|
Minor Carps |
11 |
|
Miscellaneous |
7 |
Seasonal Variation in Fish Biomass:
Fish biomass showed marked seasonal fluctuations throughout the study period (Table 2).
|
Season |
Biomass (kg ha⁻Ή) |
|
Winter |
1920 |
|
Summer |
1580 |
|
Monsoon |
2140 |
|
Post-monsoon |
2380 |
Maximum biomass was recorded during post-monsoon season due to increased nutrient availability and higher plankton productivity, whereas minimum biomass occurred during summer because of reduced water depth and lower dissolved oxygen concentration. The average values of important physico-chemical parameters were (Table 3):-
|
Parameter |
Mean Value |
|
Temperature (°C) |
27.4 |
|
pH |
7.3 |
|
DO (mg/L) |
6.2 |
|
Alkalinity (mg/L) |
118.0 |
|
Nitrate (mg/L) |
1.2 |
|
Phosphate (mg/L) |
0.42 |
|
Turbidity (NTU) |
28.0 |
The observed values indicated moderately productive conditions favorable for fish growth (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Physico-chemical Characteristics of Baniyapur Pond
Fish biomass exhibited positive correlation with: Dissolved oxygen, Alkalinity, Zooplankton abundance and Primary productivity. Negative correlations were observed with excess turbidity, high nutrient loading and elevated summer temperature. These findings indicate that environmental conditions strongly influence fish productivity in Baniyapur Pond.
DISCUSSION:
The present investigation revealed that Baniyapur Pond supports substantial fish diversity and biomass production13. In ecological studies, fish species sharing more or less the same niche are often grouped into guilds (functional groups) of species that exploit a resource (food or habitat) in a similar fashion4. Distributions of guilds were studied in space to give distinctly different information in prospect of the wetland Continuum Concept25.
The dominance of Cyprinidae observed during the study agrees with earlier reports from ponds and wetlands of Bihar. Higher fish biomass during post-monsoon season may be attributed to enhanced plankton production, nutrient enrichment, and improved feeding conditions14,15. Seasonal reduction in biomass during summer may result from elevated temperature and reduced dissolved oxygen levels. Fish populations are declining, a situation that negatively affects aquatic ecosystems and significantly impacts human populations, as fish serve as a primary source of food. Human activities, such as environmental changes, cultivation practices, harvesting methods, and the effects of modernization, have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems that provide critical habitat for fish26.
The fish species exhibited significant dietary overlap, suggesting considerable competition for resources among them. The monsoon season exhibited the greatest frequency of overlaps, presumably attributable to a deficiency of favored food sources. Research on diet breadth indicated that most fish species were generalist feeders, exhibiting elevated diet breadth values. Carnivorous fish exhibit a restricted dietary range and special feeding behaviors. The dietary breadths of the fish species exhibited minimal seasonal variation. The temporal and spatial fluctuations in the species composition of the fish fauna examined, as well as the potential causes for these fluctuations.
Low-level species groups go through regular cycles and always add to the population. This means that the stock at middle part of pond, which regularly refilled because they are microhabitats. Bottom characteristics, hiding places, and sediment characteristics differ by site. Earlier studies20 have documented comparable findings regarding shifts in dominance associated with microhabitats. Rodriguez and Lewis (20) assert that water temperature significantly influences the pressure and prevalence of key fish species across various regions of the lake. In certain ponds, suspended materials in turbid waters contain microorganisms that reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Fish unable to withstand low dissolved oxygen concentrations may evade these regions2. Environmental variables in that area may account for the variations in fish presence and absence across specific seasons.
This study identified a correlation between the structure of the local assemblage and abiotic environmental variables. Higher amounts of phytoplankton, probably because of nutrients being added by water drainage in the wetland, were linked to higher levels of turbidity in the aquatic habitats at this pond. The shallow part of pond is characterized by dense vegetation may have induced fish to migrate to open-water areas, where wind action promotes greater water-column mixing. The fishes use various habitats, ranging from specialists to generalists, aligning with findings from Everglades fish studies8, 11.
Water quality parameters recorded during the study were within productive ranges for freshwater fish culture7, 12. Dissolved oxygen and alkalinity showed positive influence on fish biomass, indicating their importance in regulating fish growth and metabolism.
The present findings also suggest that proper pond management practices such as desiltation, controlled fertilization, scientific stocking, and water quality monitoring can substantially improve fish productivity in perennial ponds of Bihar21, 27.
CONCLUSION:
Baniyapur Pond of Chapra district possesses rich fish diversity and considerable fish biomass potential. Seasonal variations indicated highest productivity during post-monsoon season. Water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and alkalinity positively influenced fish biomass, whereas turbidity and nutrient enrichment negatively affected productivity.
Scientific fisheries management practices including regular water quality monitoring, proper stocking, supplementary feeding, and habitat conservation are recommended to enhance fish biomass and sustainable fish production in Baniyapur Pond.
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Received on 13.04.2026 Revised on 14.05.2026 Accepted on 06.06.2026 Published on 14.07.2026 Available online from July 25, 2026 Research J. Science and Tech. 2026; 18(3):269-273. DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2026.00037
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