Ailia Coila Research Articles

Fish community structure in relation to habitat variables in a seasonally open floodplain wetland of the Yamuna River basin of India

The study was carried out in Alwara wetland, a seasonally open floodplain wetland connected to the Yamuna River in the Kaushambi District of Uttar Pradesh, - to estimate the fish community structure in relation to habitat variables across three seasons. Altogether, 62 fish species comprising 9 orders, 23 families and 50 genera were recorded, including 5 exotic species. As per IUCN categorisation, 5 species viz., Wallago attu, Ompok bimaculatus, O. pabda, Chitala chitala and Ailia coila are near threatened and Clarias magur is endangered. Cypriniformes (40.32%) were the most dominant order, followed by Siluriformes (22.58%), Perciformes (19.35%), Synbranchiformes (4.84%), Clupeiformes and Mugiliformes (3.23%), Tetraodontiformes and Beloniformes (1.61%). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) ranged from 3.421 (post-monsoon) to 3.877 (monsoon) with an uneven abundance of fishes as indicated by the evenness index (post-monsoon = 0.6951 to monsoon = 0.8186). Water quality parameters were significantly (p<0.05) different across the seasons except specific conductivity, silicate-Si, phosphate-P, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Certain sediment quality parameters differed significantly (p<0.05) across the seasons. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to study the association of 27 commercially important fish species with 6 important water quality parameters and provided the baseline information on fish community structure. We observed growth and recruitment overfishing, which may affect fish diversity and its sustainable utilisation to support fishers’ livelihoods. Keywords: Alwara wetland, Diversity indices, Fish community, Endangered, Overfishing

Biometric indices of eight fish species from the catchment area of Kaptai lake, Bangladesh

Biometric indices viz. i) Length-weight relationships (LWRs), ii) form factor (a0.3) and iii) condition factors (relative KR and Fulton's KF) were presented for 8 fish species collected from Kaptai lake at five sampling points including Rangamati Sadar, Barkal, Naniarchar, Langadu and Kaptai upazila. A total of 3204 individuals belonging to 3 families were measured and weighed between August 2020 to April 2021 by the catch assessment survey with different types of fishing gear (seine net, current net, gill net and lift net). Calculations were made for the parameters a and b of the eq. W = aTLb. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences between stations in LWRs for all species (P < 0.01). The parameter b of the LWRs ranged from 2.34 (Parambassis lala) to 3.34 (Ailia coila) with a mean value of 2.98 (SE: 0.11) and 50% of its fall within the interval 2.9–3.2. Results showed that 3 species showed positive allometric growth (Gonialosa manminna, Ailia coila, and Eutropiichthys vacha), 3 showed negative allometric growth (Gudusia chapra, Chanda baculis, and Parambassis lala), and 2 exhibited isometric growth (Corica soborna, Chanda nama). The findings further indicated that the LWRs of 8 species were highly correlated (r2 > 0.90, P < 0.001). The a3.0 value estimated for eight species varied from 0.0043 to 0.0114. The KR value ranged from 0.26 to 4.97 and KF value ranged from 0.17 to 2.89; showed significant differences of KR and KF between stations for eight species. As per FishBase, a new record for the maximum size of C. soborna and C. baculis was documented as 7.1 cm and 8.1 cm, respectively. This research is the first to provide information on biometric indices for six species (C. soborna, C. nama, C. baculis, P. lala, A. coila and E. vacha) in Kaptai Lake, which may aid in management and conservation throughout the country, including their geographical distribution.

Quantitative Assessment of Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) Fish Population in Kaptai Lake: A Length‐Based Approach

ABSTRACTThe Ailia coila, a small indigenous freshwater fish species in Kaptai Lake, plays a crucial role in providing employment, food, and financial security for the local people. With a high market demand, the average production of this species over the last 5 years reached about 112.27 metric tons. However, there has been a notable decline in Ailia coila fish production in Kaptai Lake in recent years. Therefore, to understand the current stock status of this species, this study employed a length‐based stock assessment method the “length‐based spawning potential ratio (LB‐SPR)”. Between August 2022 and March 2023, a total of 1219 individuals were collected through fortnightly sampling from two fish landing centers (BFDC fishery ghat and Kaptai boat ghat) and two local markets (Banarupa Bazar and Reserve Bazar). The maximum length of Ailia coila was recorded at 15.7 cm in total length, with an average length of 11.1 (±4) cm. The length‐weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.01084 L2.599 (R2 = 0.75). The value of shape parameter ‘b’ is smaller than three which indicate a negative allometric growth pattern. The estimated asymptotic length (L∞) and length at first maturity (L50%) were found to be 16.84 and 10.54 cm, respectively. The LB‐SPR revealed that the fishery is currently experiencing overfishing, with the spawning biomass (SPR = 32%) below the target reference point. The mean estimate of fishing mortality relative to natural mortality (F/M) was 3.07, more than three times the threshold F/M = 1, indicating extreme fishing mortality in this fishery. The estimated length at first capture (SL50%) was significantly higher than the length at first maturity (L50%), suggesting that the fishing is predominantly targeting mature fishes. To enhance the spawning biomass and ensure the sustainability of the fishery, it is imperative to reduce the current fishing pressure and implement appropriate management measures.

Some aspects of reproductive biology of gangetic ailia, \(\textit{Ailia coila}\) (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

The present study was conducted by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Floodplain Sub-station to investigate the reproductive biology of Ailia coila in the northern region of Bangladesh. A total number of 100 fish samples were collected on a monthly basis from the Atrai River and Jamuna River during the period from January 2022 to December 2022. The highest mean value of the gonado-somatic index (GSI) was recorded in July (8.78 ± 1.95%), whereas the lowest was found in December (0.15 ± 0.09%). The highest individual fecundity (2,450 ± 570) and ova diameter (0.38 ± 0.07 mm) was also observed in July. From the histological observation of the ovary, the highest percentages (75%) of mature oocytes were observed during the month of July. Based on the GSI, fecundity and gonadal histology, the breeding season of A. coila was observed from June to August with a remarkable peak in July. In the case of length weight relationship (LWR), the coefficient of determination value (r2) was found 0.96 and the slope was found b = 1.50 which indicated the pattern of negative allometric growth of this species as b &lt; 3. In contrast, an increase was recorded in the fecundity associated with the rise of total length, body weight and gonad weight showed a significant linear relationship. This study would assist in the development of induced breeding techniques and provide valuable information for the sustainable management of this population in the inland open ecosystem.

Ecology and Diversity of Small Indigenous Fishes in Four Fishing Sites of Upper Brahmaputra Basin, Assam, India

Small Indigenous fishes constitute important fishery resource of Assam, but doesn’t finds its place in capture fishery. Collection of these species is chiefly from their wild habitat and thus the study of these habitats become very important. The four sites selected for study namely Bogibeel, Madhupur, Maguri Beel and Sessa are well known fishing sites of Upper Assam known to record higher fish catch. These sites harbour variety of small indigenous fishes for both food and ornamental value. In our study we have recorded 41 different species of fishes of which 13 belonged to Family Cyprinidae. Channa bleheri and Ailia coila were the two Near Threatened (NT) fish found during the study. Systematic studies of the habitat directly or indirectly like studying the gut content of fishes will give significant information.

Life History Traits of Gangetic Ailia Ailia coila (Hamilton 1822) in the Tetulia River, Southern Bangladesh

Abstract The near-threatened Ailia coila, commonly referred to as Gangetic ailia, is a catfish species in the Ailiidae family that is indigenous to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and India. This study describes the comprehensive explanation of life-history traits of Ailia coila, including length-frequency distribution (LFD), growth pattern (length-weight relationships, LWRs and length-length relationship, LLR), form factor (a 3.0 ), condition factors (allometric, K A ; Fulton’s, K F ; relative, K R and relative weight, W R ), size at first sexual maturity (L m ), optimum catchable length (L opt ) and natural mortality (M w ) from the Tetulia River in southern Bangladesh. Additionally, L α , a 3.0 , L m , M w and L opt from various water bodies worldwide using the existing literature were calculated in this study. A total of 316 samples were randomly collected occasionally using traditional gear for a year from July 2021 to June 2022. With an accuracy of 0.01 cm and 0.01 g, each fish’s total length (TL), standard length (SL), and body weight (BW) were measured. The group from 10.00 to 10.99 cm TL was numerically leading and the b values of LWRs indicate positive allometric growth. The a 3.0 was 0.005 and K F was the best for assessing the well-being of A. coila. Additionally, W R indicates that the habitat was imbalanced with higher predators. The calculated L m , L opt and M w were 9.19 (~ 9.2 cm TL), 10.7 cm TL and 1.37 year−1 for A. coila in the Tetulia River, respectively. These insights are vital for future research and recommending suitable management strategies for A. coila in the Tetulia River and neighboring basins.

Diet Composition of Cat Fish Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) from a Large Himalayan River Brahmaputra, Assam, India

Diet Composition of Cat Fish Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) from a Large Himalayan River Brahmaputra, Assam, India

First report on length-weight relationships of commercially important fishes in potamon zone of the river Kosi, Supaul, Bihar, India

The length-weight relationships of five fishes: Mystus tengara, Mystus bleekeri, Ailia coila, Aspidoparia jaya, and Cabdio morar of Koshi River, Bihar, India, were estimated. The study is the first report on the LWR of these five species from Koshi River, Bihar. The relationships were calculated using the formula: Log W = Log a + b Log L and length-weight parameters (“a” and “b”), and coefficients of determination (r2) were determined. The regression coefficient (b) values are 2.51, 3.38, 1.93, 2.62, and 2.63 for Mystus tengara, Mystus bleekeri, Ailia coila, Aspidoparia jaya, and Cabdio morar specimens, respectively.

Fish diversity of the Beki River, Assam, India: Present status and conservation needs

The state of Assam in India is recognized as one of the hotspots of freshwater fish diversity. Beki River is an important tributary of the Brahmaputra River. A significant decrease in freshwater fish in this region has been a major source of concern in recent years. The fish diversity of this region has encountered various anthropogenic threats that have led to the loss of biodiversity. In this study, fish diversity was studied in six fish landing zone of Beki River and 31 species of fish were recorded. The ichthyofaunal diversity of the Beki River belongs to the following families - Bagridae (9.67 %), Balitoridae (3.22 %), Belonidae (3.22 %), Claridae (3.22 %), Cyprinidae (64.51 %), Mastacembelidae (3.22 %), Osphronemidae (3.22 %), Schilbeidae (6.45 %) Siluridae (3.22 %). The study recorded Cypriniformes as the most dominant group and Cyprinidae as the most species-rich family.The rich diversity of fish like Ailia coila, Tor putitora, Cirrhinus mrigala, Puntius conchonius, Puntius gelius, and Puntius terio was recorded in the Beki River. Exotic species like Clarias gariepinnus, which was reported in the present study, are of major concern as they may be a threat to the indigenous species in near future. Species like Puntius phutunio, Systomus sarana, and Clupisoma garua are now facing population depletion. Shannon index of 3.33 at L5 (Uttarganakguri), 3.21 at L4 (Nizdamaka), and 3.11 at L1 (Gobardhana) indicate good diversity while 2.98 at L2 (Safakama), 2.97 at L3 (Dumnighat) and 2.88 at L6 (Madulijar) sampling sites indicates moderately polluted water. There are some serious threats in Beki River regarding fish conservation and management, which includes sand mining, use of fertilizers and extensive fishing, and non-regulation of the mesh size of fish nets. Raising awareness among the fisherman and strict laws implementation can help to regulate the water quality of the river and also restore the fish diversity.

Creation of Species-specific Molecular Signatures of Schilbeid Fishes from River Ganga by Integrative Taxonomy

The phylogenetic analysis of Asian schilbeids could not be clearly defined due to lack of data, so the present study generated morphological and DNA barcode data for five commercially important schielbid species namely Clupisoma garua, Eutropiichthys murius, E. vacha, Ailia coila and Silonia silondia from the River Ganga, India. Additionally, 31 sequences of Schielbid species available in GenBank were also included in analysis to present a clear picture of the phylogenetic relationship among Schilbeids. The evolutionary history was inferred by using the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano model with Gamma distribution. The average Kimura two parameter (K2P) distance between the species and within the species, show the sufficient separation of species. The neighbour-joining tree revealed distinct clusters in concurrence with the taxonomic status of the species. Our study established sister group relationship between genera of Asian schilbeids as Clupisoma,Laides, Eutropiicthys, Silonia, Ailia, Horabagrus, Pseudeutropius, Neotropius or Pachypterus and also suggest placement of C. sinensis to the genus Laides.

Growth, mortality and stock status of three commercially important catfishes from the River Ganga, India

A study was undertaken to determine population parameters and stock status of three commercially important catfishes viz. Eutropiicthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822), Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) and Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) from middle and lower stretch of the River Ganga. Monthly length and weight data of three species from Patna, Buxar and Bhagalpur was collected for determining population parameters and stock status using standard procedures. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters (VBGF) parameters including the total mortaliy (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) rates for all three catfishes were analysed and compared with past studies. The calculated E value of the three catfishes was above the level of optimum exploitation (0.5) but was below 0.7 indicating that caution need to be excercised in order to avoid overexploitaton of the fish stocks. Management measures such as reduction of fishing pressure either by limiting number of boats or fishing hours, imposing mesh size regulation to avoid growth overfishing, minimum legal size, declaring closed season or closed area throughout the breeding season of the catfish can be suggested for revival of the fish stocks. Further, studies on the reproductive biology, identification of spawning season and spawning grounds is suggested which will play apivotal role in the management of stocks of these fishes in the River Ganga. Keywords: Exploitation rate, FiSAT II, Length frequency, Population dynamics (Hamilton, 1822)

The relationship between fish length and otolith size and weight of the two nearly threatened siluriformes species Ailia coila (Ailiidae) and Ompok pabda (Siluridae) collected from the Ganga River at Narora, India

Relationships between fish length and otolith length, width and mass were investigated in the two nearly threatened silurid species (Siluriformes) Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) and Ompok pabda Hamilton, 1822) collected from the Ganga River at Narora, India. The relationships between otolith length (OL) and fish total length (TL), otolith width (OWd) and TL, and otolith weight (OWe) and TL are expressed by linear regression models; for A. coila, OL = 0.0291 TL + 0.8541, OWd = 0.0306 TL + 0.2241, OWe = 0.0246 TL + 0.8595, and for O. pabda, OL=0.0643 TL + 1.3848, OWd = 0.0377 TL + 0.7358, OWe = 0.0461 TL + 0.6761. This study symbolizes the first reference available on the relationship of fish size and otolith size and weight for A. coila and O. pabda in the Ganga River at Narora, India. The data obtained are useful for studying the feeding ecology of these fish, whose numbers are declining due to overfishing.

Investigations on age, growth and mortality parameters of Ailia coila (Hamilton 1822) (Siluriformes: Ailiidae) from Brahmaputra River system of Assam, India

The present study deals with the detailed investigation on population dynamics of the near-threatened catfish Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822), which inhabits the Brahmaputra River of India and forms an important component of freshwater inland fishery, providing nutritional and financial security to the local community. A total of 1034 individuals were collected by weekly sampling from the Uzanbazar and Dhubri landing centres of this river system from September 2013 to April 2014. The estimated asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and age at zero length (t0) of A. coila were 268 mm, 0.87 yr-1 and t0 = 0.000028 years respectively. Estimated total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality coefficient (F) were 5.76, 1.63 and 4.13 yr-1 respectively. Using von Bertalanffy growth formula (VBGF) the length attained at the end of first, second and third years of life were estimated at 156, 221 and 248 mm, respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth equation of this fish can be written as Lt = 268 {1-e-0.87(t+0.000027866)}. The exploitation ratio (U) and exploitation rate (E) and M/K ratio were estimated at 0.71, 0.72 and 1.87, respectively. Keywords: Ailia coila, Asymptotic length, Fishing mortality, Growth co-efficient, M/K ratio

Status of fish diversity in Surha Taal, a natural lake in the floodplains of river Ganga, in Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh, India

The study presents the status of fish diversity, abundance and habitat structure of Surha Lake, which is a perennial and natural lake fed by the river Ganga. The study was conducted between 2011 to 2013 covering pre and post-monsoon seasons. In total, 4,852 individual fish specimens were collected representing 66 fish species belonging to 23 families. The species diversity comprised 65 species in pre-monsoon and 60 species in post-monsoon season (p&lt;0.05). The highest species diversity was recorded for the family Cyprinidae (22), followed by Bagridae (7). An assessment of conservation status of 66 fish species as per IUCN Red List 2019 criteria listed 6 species under near threatened (NT), 54 under least concern (LC) and two species under vulnerable (VU) category. The study reports several commercially important species under near threatened (Chitala chitala, Labeo pangusia, Ompok bimaculatus, Ompok pabda, , Ailia coila and Bagarius bagarius), which makes Surha Taal an important natural lake from fishery management point of view. The study also prioritised different habitat types important for different species. The slow water in the mid-channel areas of the lake were categorised as important habitats for near threatened and vulnerable fish species like C. chitala, B. bagarius and Wallago attu, which can be prioritised for population level management.

The olfactory organ in the Gangetic catfish Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822): structural and functional aspects

A study of the olfactory organ, with marked observation on cellular morphology of neuroepithelium was carried out in riverine catfish Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated olfactory rosette within olfactory chamber was made up of 16 ± 2 leaf lets, the lamellae which connected laterally on the longitudinal central axis. The lamella consisted of two layers of epithelium enclosing the central core which contained connective tissue stroma along with blood vessels and nerve fibres. The epithelial lining displayed unequal compactness, was comprised of sensory receptor cells, undifferentiated basal cells, secretory mucous cells and two types of supporting cells differentiated as ciliated columnar or nonciliated oval type. Olfactory cells were identified by their staining emphasis, architecture, surface feature and distribution pattern in the mucosa. The surface of sensory epithelium was embossed with structurally distinct ciliated, microvillous and rod receptor cells for procuring olfactory stimuli from aquatic surroundings. The structural composition of the olfactory organ was dissertated with chemosensory system of the fish involved.

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS OF EIGHTEEN SPECIES OF FRESHWATER FISHES FROM PANCHET RESERVOIR IN GANGES BASIN, JHARKHAND, INDIA

The present study describes the length-weight relationships (LWRs) of 18 fish species from a large tropical reservoir, Panchet, in the Damodar River basin, one of the main tributary of the largest river Ganga in India. A total of 2419 individuals represented by 18 species belonging to 9 families were sampled between November 2014 and June 2016. The b values ranged from 2.469 for Trichogaster chuna to 3.428 for Ailia coila. All the regressions were highly significant (p&lt;0.001). The results revealed positive allometric growth for seven species (b&gt;3, p&lt;0.05), negative allometric growth for seven species (b&lt;3, p&lt;0.05) and isometric growth for four species (b=3, p&gt;0.05). This study represents the first reference on the length-weight relationship of Trichogaster chuna from a reservoir ecosystem. This is the first report on LWRs of five fish species viz., Puntius terio, Pethia conchonius, Sperata seenghala, Ailia coila and Trichogaster chuna from an Indian reservoir. This study provides basic data for future stock assessment studies and management programmes from Panchet Reservoir as well as for complementing the comparisons of LWRs from other ecosystems.

Biometric studies of Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) from river Brahmaputra, Assam, India

For the study of length-weight relationship, morphometric and meristic characters, a total of 711 specimens (196 male and 515 female) of the Gangetic ailia, Ailia coila (Hamilton, 1822) were collected from Uzanbazar and Dhubri landing centres of river Brahmaputra, Assam during September 2013 to April 2014. The length and weight of males ranged from 66 to 154 mm and 1.218 to 20.5309 grespectively and that of females ranged from 66 to 161 mm and 1.4344 to18.2907 g respectively. The length-weight relationship was established as W = 0.002773 L 3.189306 and W = 0.005794 2.86234 for male and female, respectively. The analysis of covariance showed significant difference in ‘b’ values between sexes and student ‘t’ test indicated positive allometric growth for male and isometric growth for female. The morphometric characters were compared; showed maximum co-efficient of correlation (r) in standard and pre-dorsal length (0.98) while lowest was observed in mandibular barbel length (0.69) against the total length. Based on the study of meristic traits, the fin formula can be written as B6, P12-15, V5-6, C14-18, A61-75, GR17-24. The minor variations in meristic and morphometric characters could be attributed to genetic components and difference in geographical and environmental parameters like temperature and food availability. The study will helpful in identification of stock and stock-specific management strategies of this species in river Brahmaputra, Assam.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Gangetic ailia, Ailia coila (Siluriformes: Ailiidae)

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Ailia coila from Bangladesh was determined by the bioinformatic assembly of the next generation sequencing (NGS) reads. The constructed circular mitogenome for A. coila was 16,565 bp in length which harbored the canonical 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs. Two non-coding regions, control region, D-loop (927 bp), and origin of light strand replication, OL (30 bp) were also well conserved in the mitogenome. Among the currently reported mitochondrial genomes in the order Siluriformes, A. coila was most closely related to Eutropiichthys vacha (AB919123) with 85.63% sequence identity.

Study of indigenous freshwater fish diversity of Bankura (West Bengal), India with special reference to Clarias batrachus

A study was conducted to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity in Bankura district of West Bengal. The area is traversed by major and minor rivers, feeder channels, numerous ponds, bills, reservoirs which have made this drought-trodden district as the highest producer of aquatic products within the state. Field survey was conducted in randomly selected local markets covering twenty-two blocks of Bankura. Fish sampling was carried out using various conventional fishing gears. The entire region harbours a wide variety of aquatic fishes. A total number of 92 indigenous fish species belonging to 30 families were identified during this study. The Cyprinidae family dominated the population with its 36 varieties followed by Channidae, Siluridae and Bagridae. Sonamukhi block situated in Shali basin; Sarenga and Raipur of Kangsabati basin; Dwarkeshwar and seven bundhs- enriched Bishnupur were the major habitats of small indigenous fishes. This paper also denotes presence of 12 globally endemic freshwater fish species viz. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo nandina, Tor khudree, Chitala chitala, Bagarius bagarius, Wallago attu, Ompok pabda, Ailia coila, Anguilla bengalensis, Parambassis lala, Oreochromis mossambicus. The substitution of native Clarias batrachus with invasive African catfish C. gariepinus was observed in various local markets. Some traders even promote illicit farming of this banned species for their own profit. As a consequence, the indigenous, nutritionally-enriched C. batrachus is becoming more endangered.

Checklist of fishes of the Bakhira Tal and their conservation status

The present study was carried out to assess the ichthyofaunal diversity of Bakhira Tal, a natural wetland in the district Sant Kabir Nagar of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 31 species belonging to 23 genera, 9 orders and 21 families were recorded. Maximum number of species recorded was from the Order Cypriniformes (32.25%), which was followed by Perciformes (25.80%), Siluriformes (16.12%), Ophiocephaliformes (9.67%), Beloniformes (3.22%), Cyprinidontiformes (3.22%), Symbranchiformes (3.22%), Mastacembeleformes (3.22%) and Tetraodontiformes (3.22%). Most of the species recorded in the present study were under Least Concern (29) and two species namely &lt;em&gt;Wallago attu&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Ailia coila&lt;/em&gt; were found to be under Near Threatened Category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).