Indian Fish Research Articles

Mystus vittatus (Hamilton, 1822)’un doğal ve kültür ortamındaki boy-ağırlık ilişkisi ve kondisyon faktörü

The Asian catfish Mystus vittatus is very popular food and ornamental fish in India. Length- weight relationships and condition factors of this fish are crucial component in fishery managements. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between the length, weight, condition factor (K), relative condition factor (Kn) and modified condition factor of Mystus vittatus (Hamilton, 1822). The study is particularly focus on analysing the sex wise variations in growth patterns, productivity, stocks, and conservation in two different habitats, natural habitat and biofloc system. The findings show that the species did not strictly follow the predicted cube law and showed allometric growth patterns in both habitats. The "b" value varies from 2.72 to 3.12, the condition factor (K) ranges from 0.587-1.50, modified condition factor ranges 0.54-2.26 and relative condition factor (Kn) ranges from 0.71-1.65. Natural habitats had the highest mean values for the regression parameter (b), condition factor (K), and relative condition factor (Kn). For male, female, and combined sexes in two different habitats, the R2 values show a statistically significant relationship between weight and length. The correlation analysis indicates some positive and negative significant relationships among sex, length, weight, condition factor, and relative condition factor. Therefore, there is significant relationship between condition factor, relative condition factor length, weight in two different habitats and it varies between male and female within same habitat. Thus, this finding will help to fishery managers for long term strategy development of Mystus vittatus in both natural as well as biofloc system.

Rapid and simultaneous detection of Salmonella Sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in seafood by Multiplex PCR (mPCR)

aims: The present study is to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus in seafood sample using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). background: The rapid detection of food borne pathogen is increasing to ensure safety to consumers as major food borne illness is caused by pathogenic bacteria. Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella sp. is one of the primary concerns in many countries. Staphylococcus aureus is capable of generating toxins which can produce food poisoning in human body. objective: The thermostable nuclease (nuc) gene of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin (stn) gene of Salmonella were used as target genes for mPCR detection. method: Totally, 10 seafood which includes fishes, crab and prawns which are generally available in Indian fish markets were selected for the present study. Samples that carried both the strains Salmonella and Staphylococcus were selected for mPCR by targeting the stn and nuc gene. result: Among 10 seafood samples collected, 7 of them carried Salmonella strain and 5 of them carried Staphylococcus strains. The results showed that 75% of the salmonella strains carried stn gene and 75% of the Staphylococcus strains carried nuc gene. conclusion: This study suggests that mPCR can be used for simultaneous detection by targeting the stn gene and nuc gene of salmonella and Staphylococcus food borne pathogens in seafood. other: Not applicable

Characterisation of phenotypic stock diversity of the crescent perch, Terapon jarbua (Forsskål, 1775) along the Indian coast using morphology and otolith shape analysis

Crescent Perch, Terapon jarbua is one of the important food cum marine ornamental fish in India. The present study deals with the delineation of T. jarbua stocks along the Indian coast using the morphology of fish and otolith shape analysis. A total of 609 fish samples were collected from six major fishing harbours representing the Indian coast from February to May 2022. The conventional morphometry, truss network analysis and otolith shape indices revealed the morphological divergence for the fish among the stocks. However, meristic traits could not show the variations among the different stocks. The morphometric and otolith shape variability for the species revealed the existence of different phenotypic stocks along the Indian coast, which might be due to the ability of the T. jarbua to adapt to different environmental conditions. The study highlights the need for separate biological and stock assessment studies for developing effective management strategies.

Social media and genetic evidence demonstrate the expansion of an invasive fish in India

Social media and genetic evidence demonstrate the expansion of an invasive fish in India

Species Composition and Conservation Status of Ornamental Fishes in Khambrenga Wetland, Kamrup District, Assam, India

Ornamental fish culture, also known as aquariculture, is a significant industry globally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. India, particularly the northeastern region, is endowed with diverse indigenous ornamental fish species. However, the ornamental fish trade in India remains relatively underdeveloped. This study aimed to document the ornamental fish diversity in Khambrenga Beel, a freshwater wetland located near Guwahati City, Assam, India.
 From December 2022 to April 2023, fish samples were collected and photographed in the study area. Local knowledge and identification literature were utilized to identify the fish species, while the IUCN Red List was referenced to determine their conservation status. A total of 48 species belonging to 30 genera, 20 families, and 10 orders of ornamental fishes were recorded in Khambrenga Beel. The Cypriniformes and Perciformes orders were the most diverse, comprising 16 species each.
 The majority of the recorded species were categorized as least concern (LRlc), indicating a relatively stable conservation status. However, three species were categorized as near threatened (NT), one species as vulnerable (VU), and one species as endangered (EN). The abundance of ornamental fishes varied across different sampling sites and seasons, reflecting the influence of habitat heterogeneity and seasonal dynamics.
 The findings highlight the importance of conserving Khambrenga Beel's unique ecosystem and its diverse ornamental fish species. Conservation measures such as habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of these species. This study provides valuable information for the development of conservation strategies to protect the ornamental fish populations in Khambrenga Beel, thereby contributing to the overall conservation of indigenous ornamental fishes in India.

FISH PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN INDIA

Fish production and marketing in India is vital sector that plays a significant role in the countrys economy and food security. With a vast coastline and numerous inland water bodies, India has immense potential for fish production. the sector provides employment opportunities to millions of people, particularly in coastal and rural areas. However, the sector is undergoing a transformation, with increased adoption of modern technologies and practices to improve productivity and quality. The government has also launched various schemes and initiatives to support the sector. The marketing of fish in India is primarily conducted through traditional fish market, retail shops, and online platforms. With the growth of the e-commerce industry in India, many fish producer and retailers have started using digital platforms to reach a wider audience. However, there is still a need for further investments in technology, infrastructure, and research to enhance the sectors efficiency and profitability. Effective marketing strategies that consider the diverse consumer preference and demand for fish products across different regions in India can also contribute to the sectors growth and development KEY WORDS: Aquaculture, fish farming, fish markets, fish conservation and sustainability

Diseases of freshwater fishes in India and its treatment: A review

Diseases of freshwater fishes in India and its treatment: A review

Invasive fish species and their detrimental effects on the sustainability of endemic Indian fish species

Invasive fish species and their detrimental effects on the sustainability of endemic Indian fish species

New geographical records of 15 reef fish species from Lakshadweep, India

Abstract In the present study, 15 new records from Kavaratti Atoll are added to the ichthyofaunal diversity of the Lakshadweep Archipelago and six to the Indian fish fauna based on underwater photographs and videos. Fishes were recorded from both lagoon and forereef areas off Kavaratti. The new records include Cirripectes auritus (Blackflap blenny), Cirripectes polyzona (Barred blenny), Ecsenius bicolor (Bicolor blenny), Glyptoparus delicatulus (Delicate blenny), Amblyeleotris wheeleri (Gorgeous prawn-goby), Eviota punyit (Punyit dwarfgoby), Eviota cf. teresae (Viridescent dwarfgoby), Cirrhitichthys falco (Dwarf hawkfish), Halichoeres leucoxanthus (Canarytop wrasse), Pseudocheilinus evanidus (Disappearing wrasse), Coris latifasciata (Broad banded wrasse), Pomacentrus xanthocercus (Yellowtail damsel), Plectroglyphidodon luteobrunneus (Indian gregory), Pomacentrus indicus (Indian damsel) and Synodus dermatogenys (Sand lizardfish). Six species, G. delicatulus, E. cf. teresae, E. punyit, P. xanthocercus, P. evanidus and C. latifasciata represent new records for Indian waters. The genus Amblyeleotris is recorded for the first time from Lakshadweep.

In silico study of myomere muscle proteins extracted from Indian walking catfish reveal Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity – A potential bioactive peptide

Clarias magur (Hamilton, 1822), is an endemic Asian freshwater catfish known as the walking catfish is one of the most popular fish in India and Asian subcontinents due to its nutritional value and better taste. The fish has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. The present study was undertaken to study the proteome profile through Liquid Chromatography based Mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) to elucidate the protein profile the catfish. In the present study muscle protein extract was prepared from C. magur, digested by trypsin for LC/MS analysis for peptide retrieval. Out of a total of 468 peptides retrieved from LCMS data, 23 peptides showed bioactivity for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition using bioinformatic approaches. ACE enzyme is expressed on the surface of lung cells and acts as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to gain entry into host cells. ACE inhibitors can have implication in entry of virus into host cells and reduction of hypertension by effectively reducing vasoconstriction. Traditionally synthetic compounds used for ACE inhibition pose side effects. Fish derived ACE inhibitory bioactive peptides can prove to be a natural, less toxic therapeutic sources.

Opening the floodgates for invasion-modelling the distribution dynamics of invasive alien fishes in India.

Invasive alien species have become the second major threat to biodiversity affecting all three major ecosystems (terrestrial, marine, and freshwater). Increasing drivers such as habitat destruction, expanding horticulture and aquaculture industries, and global pet and food trade have created pathways for exotic species to be introduced leading to severe impacts on recipient ecosystems. Although relatively less studied than terrestrial ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems are highly susceptible to biological invasions. In India, there has been a noticeable increase in the introduction of alien fish species in freshwater environments. In the current study, we aimed to understand how climate change can affect the dynamics of the biological invasion of invasive alien fishes in India. We also evaluated the river-linking project's impact on the homogenization of biota in Indian freshwater bodies. We used species occurrence records with selected environmental variables to assess vulnerable locations for current and future biological invasion using species distribution models. Our study has identified and mapped the vulnerable regions to invasion in India. Our research indicates that the interlinking of rivers connects susceptible regions housing endangered fish species with invasive hotspots. Invasive alien fishes from the source basin may invade vulnerable basins and compete with the native species. Based on the results, we discuss some of the key areas for the management of these invasive alien species in the freshwater ecosystems.

Assessment of imidacloprid induced genotoxicity in Pethia conchonius (Rosy barb), a common freshwater fish of India

Imidacloprid is one of the highly efficient, globally used neonicotinoid groups of insecticides. The indiscriminate use of imidacloprid is contaminating large water bodies affecting not only the target organisms but also non-target organisms including fish. The present study aimed to assess the extent of nuclear DNA damage by imidacloprid in Pethia conchonius a freshwater fish in India using comet and micronucleus assays. The LC50 value of imidacloprid was estimated to be 227.33 mg L−1. Based on the LC50-96 h value, three sub-lethal concentrations of imidacloprid, SLC I −18.94 mg L−1, SLC II −28.41 mg L−1 and SLC III −56.83 mg L−1 were used to detect its genotoxic effect at DNA and cellular level. The imidacloprid exposed fishes exhibited higher DNA damage and nuclear abnormalities (p < 0.05) than the control. The %head DNA, %tail DNA, tail length and the frequency of micronuclei with other nuclear abnormalities like blebbed and notched nuclei were significantly higher than the control in a time and concentration-dependent manner. The DNA damage parameters such as %head DNA (29.107 ± 1.843), %tail DNA (70.893 ± 1.843), tail length (361.431 ± 8.455) micronucleus (1.300 ± 0.019), notched (0.844 ± 0.011) and blebbed (0.811 ± 0.011) nuclei were found to be highest for SLC III (56.83 mg L−1) at 96 h. The findings indicate that IMI is highly genotoxic in fish and other vertebrates leading to mutagenic/clastogenic effects. The study will be helpful in optimization of the imidacloprid use.

First Record of Stripe-faced Calamiana Eugnathogobius Mindora (Herre, 1945) in India, and Distribution Range Extension of Banded Mullet goby Hemigobius hoevenii (Bleeker, 1851) and Acentrogobius viganensis (Steindachner, 1893) (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) Collected from Pazhaverkaadu Lagoon and Ennore Estuary, South India

The present work reports the occurrence of stripe-faced calamiana Eugnathogobius mindora (n = 2) for the first time in Indian waters and distribution range extension of Hemigobius hoevenii (n = 1) and Acentrogobius viganensis (n = 1) which co-occurs with E. mindora along the east coast of India. The specimens were collected from the Pazhaverkaadu lagoon and Ennore estuary, South India. E. Mindora can be readily distinguished from its closest congeners in having five prominent brown stripes in cheek and suborbital, elongations in first three dorsal spines, 33–36 lateral scales and a larger anterior nape scale. The present finding adds one more species to the Indian fish fauna by reporting the first species of the genus Eugnathogobius from Indian coastal waters. Description, meristic and morphometric characters provided for the three gobiid fish species in this study will aid to solve the ambiguity in their identities as these species have spatial synonyms in the tropical marine waters.

Implications of utilization shifts of marine fish in India: a macro-level empirical analysis

Implications of utilization shifts of marine fish in India: a macro-level empirical analysis

PROFITABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND MARKETING OF FISH IN DANG DISTRICT OF LUMBINI PROVINCE, NEPAL

Fish is the rich source of various essential nutrients for wellbeing of human physical and mental health. Production of fish is one of the major enterprises preferred by farmers in Dang valley due to its suitability, profitability and higher market demand. Both of the lower and upper valleys of Dang district are considered to be feasible for high scale fish production. But due to lack of research works on production, productivity, profitability and marketing channels the potentiality is not explored at its utmost level. So, this research was aimed to assess the production, productivity and profitability in a comparative way using independent t test. For this study, two municipalities of each domain i.e., Lamahi municipality and Gadawa rural municipality of lower and Tulsipur and Ghorahi sub-metropolitan municipalities of upper dang valley were selected purposively. Pre tested semi-structured questionnaires were used for face-to-face interview with 27 and 23 randomly selected households (total samples n=50) of lower and upper valley respectively. Collected data was coded and required results such as socio-economic and demographic characteristics, profitability, BC ratio, production function analysis and problem indexing were obtained with the help of statistical software SPSS version 26 and MS-Excel. The average productivity and BC ratio of farms was estimated to be 10.65 tons-1 ha and 2.12 in the study area. The cost of production per Kg of fish was found to be NRs 244.78 with average selling price of NRs 300.06. Increase in fingerling and feed expenditure each by 1% would significantly increase the income by 0.830% and 0.329% respectively. Similarly, expenditure on organic manure, chemical fertilizers and medicine when increased by unit percentage would increase the income by 0.084%, 0.015% and 0.011% respectively. The return of scale was found to be 0.028 representing decreasing rate of return. The lower productivity of farms is due to incidences of diseases and parasites, lack of technical know-how, lack of quality fingerlings, inadequate availability of manures and fertilizers and seasonal labor force. Lower farmgate price, unhealthy competition with Indian fish products, higher price gap between producers and consumers, long and lack of safe transportation are the issues causing detrimental effects during marketing of the fresh fishes in the study area.

Extensive study and data collection on the pituitary gland: A promising prospect revealed by surveying the fish market during the monsoon season

Because of India's large population, the fish supply demand is increasing daily. Among all fishes, the Indian major carp (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, etc.) is one of the most demanded fishes in India. Indian major carps breed once a year during the early monsoon season (June and July). At that time, the collection of spawns from natural sources is insufficient for our population. To overcome this situation, induced breeding is the most effective process to increase carp culture. IMC bred twice in a season using this method. The first step in this process is collecting and preserving pituitary glands from donor fish. This gland-pituitary extract is later produced and injected into spawn to facilitate spawning. So, in our survey, we know how many pituitary glands are collected daily as well as weekly averages from the survey site and where they are transferred.

Economics of production and marketing of fish in Dang district of Nepal

A study was carried out to analyze the economics of fish production and marketing in Dang district of Nepal. Structured survey was done with 75 respondents (45 producers, 5 wholesalers, 10 retailers, and 15 consumers) in three different sites of Dang district (viz: Lamahi Municipality, Rapti Rural Municipality and Gadhawa Rural Municipality). The initial investment, cost of production and returns, production function, price spread,and marketing margin, and ranking of production and marketing problems of fish were done by index ranking techniques. Financial analysis showed that the total initial investment per hectare of fishpond was found to be NRs. 9, 68,394 with the annual production cost of NRs. 6, 93,483. The total return was found to be NRs. 932,088 and net profit realized per hectare was NRs. 238,604. Out of total cost, about 73.70% was variable cost and the remaining 26.30% was fixed cost. Of the total variable cost, the cost of feed (58.63%) was significantly higher followed by the cost of fingerlings (12.94%), labor (11.37%), manure and fertilizer cost (8.33%) fuel/ energy (4.46%) and maintenance cost (4.27%) respectively. The benefit cost ratio (B/C ratio) was found to be 1.82 which implies that the fish enterprise was found to be profitable in the study area. The research also revealed that the producer’s share was 78.17% with price spread of 71.57 and marketing efficiency of 90.81%. The value sum of the estimated parameters associated with all the inputs is 0.52 which indicates the decreasing return to scale. Lack of technological know-how and unavailability of inputs on time are the major production problems. Inefficient price information system and competition with the Indian fish are the major marketing problems. Thus, for sustainable production and marketing of fish government should focus primarily on technological dissemination and better pricing policy.

An update of the species of Myxosporea (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) described from Indian fish.

A synopsis of Myxosporea (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) species described in about the last 14years in Indian fish is provided. The synopsis include a total of 97 new species, and 18 species redescribed including significant new data, namely molecular characterization, distributed by 19 genera. For each species are indicated, in tabulated format, the morphological characteristics and the Gen Bank Accession Number whenever possible. Data about the type host and type locality are included also, and a complete list of references is provided. The information presented, combined with former synopsis, allow an update general view about these parasites infecting Indian fish hosts.

Description of Pseudocapillaria (Discocapillaria) trilobularis n. sp. (Capillariidae) and redescription of Heliconema alatum (Majumdar, 1965) (Physalopteridae), two nematodes parasitising synbranchiform fishes in India

One new and one already known species of nematodes are described based on specimens collected from synbranchiform fishes of the River Ganga, India, in 2021 and 2022. Pseudocapillaria (Discocapillaria) trilobularis n. sp. (Capillariidae) from the intestine of cuchia Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) (Synbranchidae) is mainly characterised by the presence of the large ventral postcloacal lobe in the male, the spicule length 351 µm, eggs size 60-69 × 30-36 µm (with protruding polar plugs) and by the body length (male 10.50 mm, females 11.02-12.44 mm). It is the fourth species of this genus recorded from fishes in India. The species Heliconema alatum (Majumdar, 1965) (Physalopteridae) is resurrected. This nematode is redescribed from specimens collected from the intestine of zig-zag eel Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède) (Mastacembelidae). The examination by SEM revealed some previously not reported morphological features in this nematode species, e.g., the presence of cephalic papillae or a lateroterminal depression and two inner flat dorsoventral teeth on each pseudolabium. Based on these findings, H. monopteri Moravec, Chaudhary & Singh, 2019 is considered a junior synonym of H. alatum.

Molecular identification, whole-cell protein profiling, antibiotics sensitivity and pathogenicity of Chryseobacterium gleum recovered from diseased fishes of freshwater wetlands in India

Globally, bacterial gill disease is one of the most prominent bacterial diseases affecting both marine and freshwater fishes. This study aimed to investigate diseased Labeo rohita, Labeo catla and Oreochromis niloticus with gill discoloration, tail rot and skin ulcer that resembles the typical sign of bacterial gill disease from East Kolkata Wetlands, India. The results revealed that four isolates of Chryseobacterium gleum were the responsible pathogens. The isolates CIFRI-RRM3, CIFRI-BFG2, CIFRI-SRM4 and CIFRI-TRM5 were identified using bacterial colony morphology, biochemical test, whole-cell protein profiling, 16S rRNA gene amplification and nucleotide sequence analysis. The antibiotic susceptibility assay showed that all the isolates were completely resistant to ampicillin, amoxyclav, cefalexin, cephalothin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, netilmicin, penicillin-G, ticarcillin, tobramycin, erythromycin and tetracycline. A challenge experiment was also conducted for four isolates with intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 2.5 × 1010 CFU mL−1 to 4.2 × 1010 CFU mL−1in respective fish hosts. Only three isolates (CIFRI-BFG2, CIFRI-RRM3 and CIFRI-TRM5) proved their virulence by producing diseases with mild symptoms of skin lesions, gill disease and cumulative mortality of 10–20%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the phenotypic, molecular and whole-cell protein profiling of C. gleum derived from freshwater fishes in India.