The Western Ghats along the West coast of Peninsular India are well known for
their richness of biodiversity including freshwater species. The area has vast potential
for endemic, cultivable and ornamental fish species. Indeed, it was the spices from
the hill chain of Western Ghats that brought Europeans to India, an event of much
significance in shaping the course of modern world history. Today, these Western
Ghats are recognized as one of the eighteen “biodiversity hotspots” in the world,
and are therefore a focus of great scientific interest
