Question

Which of the following is an indigenous cold water fish species found in Himalayan region?

• A. Rainbow trout
• B. Brown trout
• C. Snow trout
• D. Brook trout

Hint:

Coldwater Fish Origins:
Indigenous Himalayan Fishes = SNOW TROUT (Schizothorax) & Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora).
Exotic Salmonids = Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coldwater fisheries of India: indigenous schizothoracine cyprinids (snow trouts) vs introduced exotic salmonids.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In Indian coldwater fisheries (Himalayan upland waters):
1. Indigenous Himalayan Coldwater Fishes: Snow Trout (Schizothorax spp., e.g., Schizothorax richardsonii, Schizothoraichthys progastus) and Mahseers (Tor tor, Tor putitora) are native/indigenous to the glacier-fed fast-flowing Himalayan streams.
2. Exotic Introduced Species:
- Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario): Introduced from Europe (UK) in 1899--1901.
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Introduced from North America in 1907.
- Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis): Introduced from North America.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the indigenous cold water fish is Snow trout, corresponding to option (C).