Fish Diversity Research Articles

An Analysis of Fish Faunal Diversity in Aquatic Resources of Dhauladhar Mountain Range of Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, India

The study conducts an extensive analysis of the fish population inhabiting the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, India. The study encompasses the accepted common names, authority names, geographical distribution and the conservation status designated by the IUCN. The fish diversity within the Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh comprises a total of 85 species, classified into 8 distinct orders, 15 families, and 37 genera. The order Cypriniformes prevails as the dominant group, encompassing 58 species, followed by Siluriformes (14 species), Channiformes (5 species), Perciformes (2 species), Osteoglossiformes (2 species), and Salmoniformes (2 species). Beloniformes and Synbranchiformes are represented by a single species each. According to the IUCN Red List, among the 85 identified fish species, 57 species are categorized under the Least Concern (LC) status, 8 species are designated as Vulnerable (VU), 4 species fall into the Data Deficient Category (DD), 3 species have not been evaluated (NE), 2 species are classified as Endangered (EN), and 1 species is deemed Critically Endangered (CR). Furthermore, the study presents an assessment detailing the impact of various anthropogenic activities on the fish fauna within the specified region of Himachal Pradesh.

Insights into the ecological impact of trout introduction in an oligotrophic lake using sedimentary environmental DNA

Introduced trout can induce trophic cascades, however, a lack of pre-introduction data limits knowledge on their impact in many lakes. Traditional paleolimnological approaches have been used to study historic species changes, but until recently these have been restricted to taxa with preservable body-parts. To explore the ecosystem effects of Salmo trutta (brown trout) introduction on an oligotrophic lake in Aotearoa-New Zealand, we used a multi-marker sedimentary environmental DNA (sedDNA) approach coupled with pigments to detect changes across multiple trophic levels. DNA was extracted from core depths capturing approximately 100 years before and after the expected arrival of S. trutta, and metabarcoding was undertaken with four primer sets targeting the 12S rRNA (fish), 18S rRNA (eukaryotes) and cytochrome c oxidase (COI; eukaryotes) genes. The earliest detection of S. trutta eDNA was 1906 (1892–1919 CE with 95% high probability density function) suggesting their introduction was shortly before this. Native fish diversity (12S and 18S rRNA) decreased after the detection of S. trutta, albeit the data was patchy. A shift in overall eukaryotic and algal communities (18S rRNA and COI) was observed around 1856 (1841–1871 CE) to 1891 (1877–1904 CE), which aligns with the expected S. trutta introduction. However, taxonomy could not be assigned to many of the 18S rRNA and COI sequences. Pigment concentrations did not change markedly after S. trutta introduction. SedDNA provides a new tool for understanding the impact of disturbances such as the introduction of non-native species; however, there are still several methodological challenges to overcome.

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF FISH SPECIES IN THE BATANG BUNGO RIVER, BUNGO DISTRICT, JAMBI PROVINCE

This research looks at the types and diversity of fish, dominance index, evenness index, and richness index of fish species found in the Batang Bungo River, Jambi Province, Indonesia. This research was conducted from March to May 2022 at III stations. Station I Dusun Buat, station II Dusun Rantau Pandan, and station III Dusun Rantau Duku. The fishing equipment used are gillnets, nets, traps, shooting, longline fishing, and fixed fishing using local fishermen. The types of fish caught were 18 species in 5 orders, 14 genera from the Cypriniformes order, one genus from the Labyrinthici order, one genus from the Perciformes order, one genus from the Siluriformes order, and one genus from the tetraodontiformes order, the total number caught was 505 fish. The fish species diversity index (Hˈ) is in the medium category with a value of 2,576, the species evenness index (E) 0.891, the dominance index (C') 0.095, and the species richness (R) 2.731

Assessment of fish diversity in the coastal waters off Nodaedo Island, Tongyeong, Korea, using an underwater visual census and environmental DNA metabarcoding

Assessment of fish diversity in the coastal waters off Nodaedo Island, Tongyeong, Korea, using an underwater visual census and environmental DNA metabarcoding

Phylogenetic relationships of graylings (Thymallus, Linck, 1790) in Mongolia based on mitochondrial DNA

Local to large-scale phylogenetic studies of freshwater fishes, especially groups with controversial within-genus diversity (e.g., Thymallus Linck, 1790), are crucial to understanding their phylogenetic statuses. We examined the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary divergence of species in the genus Thymallus (grayling) in Mongolia using mitochondrial DNA. In this study, we used 124 samples from 15 sites in rivers and lakes in the western, northern, and eastern parts of Mongolia to clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Our Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood trees support the existence of seven species of graylings in Mongolia, including Thymallus brevirostris, Thymallus nigrescens, Thymallus svetovidovi, Thymallus grubii, Thymallus arcticus, and new for the country Thymallus brevicephalus and Thymallus baicalensis. We observed relatively close sister species relationships of T. brevirostris and T. brevicephalus (p distance: 0.4%), as well as T. nigrescens and T. baicalensis (p distance: 0.5%). We also ran a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree to trace evolutionary divergence between species and found a divergence time ranging from 0.87 to 7.24 million years ago. Better knowledge of within-genus diversity of fish in the rivers of Mongolia (including the upstream portions of larger river drainages and lakes that graylings populate) is key to further conservation of these species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus

In this study, the mitochondrial genome was sequenced in a new commercial species, spotted knifejaw (O. punctatus), using next-generation sequencing and PCR-based methods. The overall length of the female O. punctatus mitochondrial genome was 16,508 bp. It contained 13 PCGs, 2 r-RNA genes, 22 t-RNA genes, and a displacement loop locus (a control region). The total nucleotide composition was 28.75% A, 25.69% T, 29.70% C, and 15.86% G, with a total A + T content of 54.44%. The results demonstrated that the mitochondrial genome of O. punctatus has a high sequence identity with that of another species of Perciformes. This finding provides a deeper understanding of mitogenomic diversity and evolution in marine fish.

Diversity, Abundance, and Local Use of Fishes in Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Philippines

Lake Danao lies within the Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines. The lake provides a habitat for various aquatic flora and faunal species. However, existing data on fish assemblage in Lake Danao is scarce and outdated. This study determined Lake Danao’s diversity, abundance, and local use of fish. With the help of local fishers, fish samples were collected from different parts of the lake twice a month for 14 months (March 2021 to June 2022). In addition, an ethnoicthyological survey was conducted to supplement the information on the provenance, endemism, and local use of the fish species in Lake Danao. This study recorded eight species of fish in Lake Danao, and only two are considered native (Anguilla marmorata and Clarias batrachus). Only five species were obtained from the fishers throughout the entire sampling period. On average, Glossogobius giuris was the most abundant species (95.96%), while Channa striata was the least (0.07%). The low Shannon-Weiner diversity index (mean = 0.19) and high Simpson’s dominance index (mean = 0.92) indicate low diversity and dominance of other species (e.g. G. giuris). No significant difference was observed in the diversity, dominance, and evenness of fishes between the sampling months. All of the fish species were used as alternative food sources. With the dominance of introduced species, local authorities are strongly encouraged to strictly regulate the entry, possession, and cultivation of exotic fish in Lake Danao and to continue the aquatic biodiversity assessment and monitoring in the area.

Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Demersal Dengan Pancing Dasar Di Teluk Nalahia, Maluku Tengah

Small scale fisheries are commonly multi-species fisheries practice which targeting on varied species and sizes that provide better income using multi-gear. Yet, tropical fisheries management more focuses on single-species management including studies to support the management. In this study, we analyzed the catch of hand line using multi-species approachment, size abundance spectrum. Hand line with hook size 13 and 15, 64 individual were collected during 10 trips of fishing at Nalahia Bay. Represented of 34 species from 15 family, the catch of hand line has ecological function from herbivores to piscivores, 2 to 4.5 of trophic level. Abundance size spectrum of hand line showed that Nalahia Bay comprehends high diversity of demersal fish and hand lines exploit proportionally to the available productivity.

Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Demersal Dengan Pancing Dasar Di Teluk Nalahia, Maluku Tengah

Small scale fisheries are commonly multi-species fisheries practice which targeting on varied species and sizes that provide better income using multi-gear. Yet, tropical fisheries management more focuses on single-species management including studies to support the management. In this study, we analyzed the catch of hand line using multi-species approachment, size abundance spectrum. Hand line with hook size 13 and 15, 64 individual were collected during 10 trips of fishing at Nalahia Bay. Represented of 34 species from 15 family, the catch of hand line has ecological function from herbivores to piscivores, 2 to 4.5 of trophic level. Abundance size spectrum of hand line showed that Nalahia Bay comprehends high diversity of demersal fish and hand lines exploit proportionally to the available productivity.

Holding in the stream: convergent evolution of suckermouth structures in Loricariidae (Siluriformes)

Suckermouth armoured catfish (Loricariidae) are a highly speciose and diverse freshwater fish family, which bear upper and lower lips forming an oral disc. Its hierarchical organisation allows the attachment to various natural surfaces. The discs can possess papillae of different shapes, which are supplemented, in many taxa, by small horny projections, i.e. unculi. Although these attachment structures and their working mechanisms, which include adhesion and interlocking, are rather well investigated in some selected species, the loricariid oral disc is unfortunately understudied in the majority of species, especially with regard to comparative aspects of the diverse oral structures and their relationship to the ecology of different species. In the present paper, we investigated the papilla and unculi morphologies in 67 loricariid species, which inhabit different currents and substrates. We determined four papilla types and eight unculi types differing by forms and sizes. Ancestral state reconstructions strongly suggest convergent evolution of traits. There is no obvious correlation between habitat shifts and the evolution of specific character states. From handling the structures and from drying artefacts we could infer some information about their material properties. This, together with their shape, enabled us to carefully propose hypotheses about mechanisms of interactions of oral disc structures with natural substrates typical for respective fish species.

Impacts of Freshwater Fish Sanctuaries on Fish and Crustacean Diversity, Catch, and Household Income of Fisherfolk in Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines

The study was conducted from February to March 2022 to assess the impacts of fish sanctuaries on fish and crustacean diversity, catch, and income of fisherfolk in Baggao, Cagayan. Data were collected from the 59 registered fisherfolk in the study areas using a structured survey instrument and were analyzed using descriptive methods. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity and Pielou indices were computed to determine fish diversity and evenness, respectively. The results showed that the diversity indices in the three study areas were 1.91 in Duba Cave, 1.66 in Hot Spring, and 1.58 in Bluewater Falls, and the average species evenness was 0.7. Further, the major species caught include Anguillasp., Oreochromis sp., Trichopodus sp., Crenimugil sp., Macrobrachium sp., Ciprinus sp., Clarias sp., Arius sp., Chana sp., Glossogobius sp., Sundathelphusa sp., Hyphorhamphus sp., and Gambusia sp. The volume of fish catch depends on the production space in the buffer zone, the time of fishing or fishing frequency, and the fishing gears used by the respondents. The sanctuaries also served as alternative livelihood and source of income for the respondents with the development of tourism, which provided jobs (e.g., tour guides, river wardens, project monitors, and laborers) to community residents. The study's results confirmed the positive impacts of fish sanctuaries on the diversity, catch, and household income of fisherfolk.

Survey of some Fish Species from Different Localities in Baghdad

This study is concerned with a survey of seven species belonging to seven genera under two families and two orders found in some different areas of the Tigris River, especially since these areas have not been surveyed for a long time, and an attempt to identify the existing species at the present time after the recent water scarcity of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and all water bodies interior of Iraq and the impact of this scarcity on the fish diversity found in some areas of the Tigris River in Baghdad.

Multiproxy approach to reconstruct the climate and environment of a new late Middle Pleistocene vertebrate site in northwestern Italy

The Moleto site (Ottiglio, AL, Piemonte, Italy) was discovered in the 1990s in an abandoned quarry carved into a Burdigalian–Langhian carbonate succession called Pietra da Cantoni. Sediment collection in three closely spaced fissures provided a rich vertebrate association whose age can be constrained to the late Middle Pleistocene on the basis of the presence of the extinct water vole Arvicola mosbachensis and its enamel characteristics (SDQ values ranging from 100 to 130). The very similar faunal content, evidenced by the common presence of Arvicola mosbachensis and its similar SDQ values, is indicative of a coeval deposition of the fillings of the three fissures. The vertebrate assemblage is represented by 30 taxa, including amphibians, squamate reptiles, birds, and mammals. Interestingly, a diverse fish assemblage from the embedded sediments of the Miocene Pietra da Cantoni has been found in the fissure fillings. We present here a multi-method approach using the small vertebrate assemblages (rodents, insectivores, amphibians, and squamate reptiles) from Moleto to characterize the environment and climate of the site. In order to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic conditions, we applied the Mutual Ecogeographic Range using UDA-ODA technique, the Bioclimatic Model, the Habitat Weightings, and the Quantified Ecology methods. The results revealed a landscape dominated by woodland habitats with presence of open humid meadows, under temperate and moist climatic conditions, although somewhat colder and drier than today. According to all evidence, the associations from Moleto would correspond to the interglacial MIS 7.

Potential for aquatic cultural services in fresh water for fresh water- based ecotourism, Vawnikulam reservoir, in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka

Freshwater-based tourism comprises both tourism and an ecotourism component. The current study evaluates the diversity of freshwater fish in water resources that may suffer from freshwater-based tourism (Ecotourism) within the zone and investigates conceivable opportunities for such ecotourism in Vawnikulam major reservoir in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka. The Mullaitive district has distinctive topographical highlights that have a high potential for fresh water resources. These highlights include three major tanks, sixteen medium tanks, and more than 100 minor tanks. There are just 21,399 land-based freshwater bodies, 8% of the total land area, and no significant perennial rivers that can be used to irrigate crops. This study used a mix of primary (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary information sources. Multi-gillnet rods and hooks were chosen as the material for the particular harvest strategy, which was utilized to gather the sample. From January to December 2022, the Vawnikulam major reservoir within the Mullaitive district was considered. Fish diversity, relative abundance, and diversity indices were determined and applied to analyze the potential for ecotourism based on freshwater resources. During the study period, 28 species including 11 families were recorded. According to national conservation status (NCS) ,7 Endemic (E) species 14 Native species (NA), 6 Introduced species, and 1 species were Near threatened (NT) were identified. In order to disentangle the pathways of fresh water as aquatic cultural services and create fresh water-based ecotourism activities that can develop in Mullaitive district, Sri Lanka, this investigation distinguished the travellers within the considered area. It also analyses appropriate freshwater-based ecotourism activities.

Temporal distribution of plankton and fish species at Mithamoin Haor: Abundance, composition, biomass and ecosystem based management approach

Wetlands are the major climatically vulnerable habitat globally. In Bangladesh, Haors are the representative of wetland habitat that plays a significant role in ecology, economy, and social structure. In the present study, physicochemical and biological properties and their interaction at Mithamoin haor of Kishoreganj district of Bangladesh were depicted based on the samples collected from July 2020 to June 202. In total, 46 genera representing 4 different groups of phytoplankton were identified comprising the highest percentages of Chlorophyceae (44.52 %). Zooplankton was represented with 13 genera which was dominated by rotifer. During the study, 56 fish species of 7 orders were documented and the dominance was showed by Cypriniformes (46.84 %). Fish biomass was highest during January and the lowest during May. Planktivores were represented the predominant (55.32 %) group in the haor. Water temperature, transparency, pH and water depth were considered as the major environmental factors influencing the phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish biomass of the haor. Although some fish and plankton species have declined over time, the overall diversity of fish and plankton in the Mithamoin haor was relatively stable. Multiple strategies, including an ecologically oriented framework, might be useful for conserving the prevailing fishery resources of this wetland in future.

Effects of habitat regime type on fish diversity in a large eutrophic lake

Effects of habitat regime type on fish diversity in a large eutrophic lake

Continental fishes of Nicaragua: diversity, distribution and conservation status; with an annotated and illustrated checklist of species and an identification guide to families.

Based on a combination of intensive literature review, electronic database searches, re-identification of museum specimens, and fieldwork, we provide an updated checklist of the continental fishes of Nicaragua. This checklist, systematically arranged at the ordinal and familial level, includes nomenclatural revisions, distributional information, conservation status, and when appropriate, cross-references to previous lists and revisionary works on the fish fauna of the country and region (Central America); illustrations and descriptions to the family level and color photographs of some representative species are also included. According to our results, the native Nicaraguan continental fish fauna is composed of 244 species, divided into 111 genera, 45 families, 24 orders, and two classes; increasing by 60 (i.e., 32.6%) the number of species originally reported by Villa (1982; i.e., the most comprehensive work published to date). The majority of the Nicaraguan native continental fish species, according to their supposed tolerance to salinity, are peripheral (68.9%), followed by secondary freshwater fishes (23.8%), and primary freshwater fishes (only 7.4%). Fish diversity in the 19 major river basins ranged between 21 and 90 species (mean = 58 species, median = 60); the Escondido (Es; 87 species), in the Atlantic, and the Pacfico de Nicaragua (PN; 90), in the Pacific, presented the highest species richness. Most species (188) are restricted to elevations between 0 and 100 meters above sea level (masl); only a few species (18), in contrast, were found at elevations greater than 500 masl (up to 780 masl). Fourteen species in this revision are listed as endemic to Nicaragua. Regarding their conservation status, 22 species (9.0%) are categorized, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as Data Deficient, 186 (76.2%) as Least Concern, and seven (2.9%) as Near Threatened; while 24 species (9.8%) are listed as Threatened, thirteen (5.3%) as Vulnerable, two (0.8%) as Endangered, and nine (3.7%) as Critically Endangered. Five species (2.0%) have not yet been evaluated. Six exotic species are also reported. Our results provide a framework for future taxonomic and biogeographic works on fishes from this country and region (Central America), particularly by providing up-to-date knowledge on nomenclature and distributions. In addition, the data provided in this revision will help to monitor fish distributional changes in the future due to human introductions and global change and will aid in conservation decisions concerning Nicaraguan continental fishes.

Aquaculture in Algeria: Current Status, Analysis, and Considerations for Commercial Development

Aquaculture in Algeria has developed significantly since the 1920s, primarily focusing on oyster and mussel farming. Establishing the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MPRH) in 1999 marked a crucial milestone for the industry. Despite challenges in data collection, Algerian aquaculture production reached only 4,779.29 tonnes in 2021, showing a mere 0.2% of African production and 0.0044% of world aquaculture production. More than half of production comes from marine fish cultured in private-sector sea cages. However, shrimp production is almost null. The taxonomic composition of Algerian aquaculture is diverse, with marine and freshwater fish species playing prominent roles. Despite these challenges, the aquaculture field in Algeria has demonstrated an impressive annual growth rate of 12.49% and receives continuous government support. Nevertheless, limited infrastructure, a shortage of expertise, and the need for further research pose significant obstacles. Efforts are underway to integrate aquaculture with agriculture in Saharan zones, further facilitated by governmental support. Overcoming challenges and promoting sustainability through strengthening research capacities, fostering collaboration, and providing financial support is crucial for the advancement of industry. By addressing challenges and embracing sustainability, the aquaculture sector in Algeria can unlock its full potential, ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Molecular interactions in an holobiont-pathogen model: Integromics in gilthead seabream infected with Sparicotyle chrysophrii

The gill ectoparasite Sparicotyle chrysophrii is the major parasitic pathogen in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) aquaculture with limited management and treatment strategies. In this work, we assessed the modulation of gilthead seabream gill microbiota during sparicotylosis by sequencing the complete 16S rRNA gene, and the host's molecular pathways occurring at local and systemic levels performing RNA sequencing of gill, spleen and liver. The results obtained and other available data from the same animals were integrated to unveil routes and interactions in this host-microbiota-parasite system. Sparicotylosis significantly modulated gill microbiota decreasing diversity in fish with high infection intensity (H). LEfSe analysis revealed nine microbial biomarkers, highlighting 2013Ark19i (Candidatus Ichthyocystis sparus), already present in control fish, but dramatically increasing in H fish. This bacterium, proposed as the causing agent of epitheliocystis, correlated with the bacterial cysts observed in histopathology, revealing a secondary bacterial infection in these animals. In the RNA sequencing study, 759, 337, and 603 differentially expressed transcripts (DET) were found in gills, spleen and liver, respectively, with 16 commonly regulated transcripts, including genes related to the parasite pathogenesis, such as haemoglobin subunits or hypoxia-inducible factors. Relevant regulated pathways in infected fish were immune system; response to stress, starvation and hypoxia; apoptosis; and haemostasis. Several DET and enriched pathways were shared with a previous plasma proteomics study, particularly in liver. The integrative analysis separated genes and pathways specifically affected by the primary (parasite) and secondary (bacterium) infections. These results show how sparicotylosis changes the gill microbiota, facilitating the growth of pathogenic bacteria and development of secondary infections aggravating the disease outcome. They also evidence host molecular pathways involved in sparicotylosis pathogenesis. Key genes and interactions identified using this integrative approach contribute to the understanding of the disease and can constitute targets for further research pointing to solutions for this infection.

Impaired intestinal immunity and microbial diversity in common carp exposed to cadmium

Waterborne cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the fish intestine and causes irreversible toxicity by disrupting intestinal immunity and microbial diversity. To explore the toxicity of environmentally available high Cd concentration on intestinal immunity and microbial diversity of fish, we selected the widely used bioindicator model species, Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Literature review and Cd pollution data supported sequential doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mg/L Cd for 30 days. Based on intestinal tissue Cd accumulation, previous studies, and environmentally available Cd data, 0.4 and 1.6 mg/L Cd were selected for further studies. Intestinal Cd bioaccumulation increased significantly to ~100 times in fish exposed to 1.6 mg/L Cd. We observed villous atrophy, increased goblet cells with mucus production, muscularis erosion, and thickened lamina propria due to intense inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestine at this Cd concentration. Cd-induced immunosuppression occurred with increased lysozyme, alkaline phosphate (AKP), and acid phosphate (ACP). High levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) suggested induced oxidative stress and poor metabolism by α-amylase and lipase suppression for Cd toxicity. Proteobacteria (41.2 %), Firmicutes (21.8 %), and Bacteroidetes (17.5 %) were the dominant bacterial phyla in the common carp intestine. Additionally, potential pathogenic Cyanobacteria increased in Cd-treated fish. The decrease of beneficiary bacteria like Aeromonas, and Cetobacterium indicated Cd toxicity. Overall, these findings indicate harmful consequences of high Cd concentration in the intestinal homeostasis and health status of fish.