Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha states in central India are enriched with a vast expanse of freshwater resources in the form of streams, rivers, riverine wetlands, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, barrages and tanks. The major and minor rivers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha and their tributaries traverse through different types of topographical, agroclimatic and hydrodynamical conditions within the state boundaries. Freshwater resources of Central India are distinct habitats harbouring animals exhibiting different tolerance limits to the physical and chemical features characterising these environments. The information on freshwater fishes of Central India is scattered in published literature and considering the urgent need of an elaborate account on this subject, an attempt was made to document freshwater fish species found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha based on the published literature. The systematic position, common names, local names, environment, endemic or exotic status, global distribution, locality in these states, biological information, trophic level, maximum size, fishery status and conservation status has been provided in present communication. Certain fishes of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have been listed under threatened category now either due to attempts to promote aquaculture practices using exotic species, over exploitation, or construction of dams, canals or barrages across the rivers.