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This study examines skeletal deformities in Labeo catla(Hamilton, 1822) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) collected from Wainganga River near Pauni city, District Bhandara, Maharashtra. Morphological features of abnormal fish specimens were compared with those of normal fish from the same location. While no marked differences were observed in meristic characters, minor changes were noted in morphometric characters, particularly in the caudal peduncle region. Specifically, the distance between the post-anal fin and the base of the caudal peduncle was shorter in the abnormal specimen (15.4 mm, 4.78% of standard length) compared to the normal specimen (48.37 mm, 11.80% of standard length). Radiographic examinations were conducted to further analyze the deformities. Potential factors contributing to the deformities include insufficient essential nutrients, variations in water quality or chemical contaminants, and genetic mutations during larval development. The study discusses these potential causes and emphasizes the importance of such research in environmental monitoring. This study presents the first documented report of skeletal abnormalities in Labeo catlafrom the Wainganga River in Maharashtra, India.

This study documents the presence of an exotic loricariid catfish species, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus(Weber, 1991), in the Wainganga River of Maharashtra, India. Originally native to South America, sailfin catfish are now commonly used as ornamental fish beyond their natural habitat. The species was observed near Gosikhurd Dam (20°52'15"N and 79°37'00"E) along the Wainganga River. Two individual specimens were collected during the study, with average total length (320.31-338.63 mm) and weight (500.21-540.31 g). The rapid expansion of these species and its potential impact on local fish populations and inland fishing resources have raised concerns. Immediate preventive measures are necessary to control the establishment and subsequent uncontrolled spread of P. disjunctivus, may be imminent which would be pose a threat to the freshwater biodiversity of the River Wainganga. Effective management strategies should be implemented to preserve the natural habitat of these species. This study provides the first documented occurrence of P. disjunctivus, a member of the Loricariidae, near the Gosikhurd dam on the Wainganga River in Maharashtra, India.