The present study focuses on the status and diversity
of the freshwater fish species of the north eastern region
of India, part of the two hotspot region, viz. Indo-Burma
and Himalayan hotspots (CEPF, 2005). The study also
highlights the importance of the Indo-Burma region in its
aquatic fauna diversity, inspite of only 5% of its natural
habitat remaining and holding more people than any
other hotspot (Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, 2007).
Moreover, the unique assemblage of the aquatic biota
and threatened and endemic in this region is not only a
global priority for conservation, but also determines the
distribution of the biota.