Behera Prasad Durga
Abstract
Chilika Lagoon in the Odisha Coast of India is one of the World’s unique biodiversity hot spot having international importance. It is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine character having its socioeconomic importance. The present study highlights on diversity of ornamental fish from four sector of Chilika lagoon namely Southern, Central, Northern and outer. A total number of 20 species representing 12 families of class Actinopterygii were iden-tified from four sector of Chilika Lagoon. The order Perciformes having highest occurrence in side the lagoon followed by order Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Tetraodontiformes and Osteo-glossiforms. During study period it was observed that highest number ornamental fishes were found in Northern sector and central sector. These ornamental fishes have high economic val-ue if it is collected and maintained in aquarium then it will help the local fisher folk for their lively hood and development of their family.