A checklist of fish and shellfishes of the Poonthura estuary, southwestern coast of India

A systematic checklist of fish and shellfishes the Poonthura estuary, Kerala, India is provided including notes on their conservation status. This includes 66 finfish five shellfish, belonging to 17 orders, 35 families, 60 genera. Carangiformes richest order (11 species, eight genera, three families), representing 15.4% total diversity. Carangidae, most diverse family with nine representatives, contributing 12.6% Following IUCN Red List Categories, 69 species (excluding both exotic transplanted species), 59 belong ‘Least Concern’, while one Pampus argenteus listed as ‘Vulnerable’, four are ‘Data Deficient’ (Megalops cyprinoides, Arius maculatus, Cynoglossus semifasciatus, Epinephelus tauvina) ‘Not Evaluated’ (Nuchequula blochii, Channa pseudomarulius, Penaeus indicus, P. monodon, Scylla serrata). Around 94% recorded fauna have commercial value contribute subsistence fisheries throughout year. Taxonomy diversity least studied or isolated estuarine ecosystems should be updated proper documentation status, in design implement pragmatic management programs.