A survey of fresh water fishes were conducted in Kerala part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve during 1993-95. Ninety-two species including two new species were recorded from the area. Seven species were new records to Kerala. Thirty-seven species are endemic to Western Ghats and 9 strictly endemic to Kerala. Estimation of abundance shows that 22,83% of the total were rare and 11.96% very rare. Major threats to the fauna are discussed.