Hill Stream Fish Research Articles

Adaptive Modifications in Four Fish Species of the Genus Garra (Teleostei; Cyprinidae) in Basistha River, Assam, India.

This paper deals with the study of the surface morphology of barbels, upper lips, and adhesive discs in four hill stream fish species collected from Basistha River, a torrential river in Guwahati city, Assam, India. The four species belonging to the genus Garra namely, Garra gotyla (Gray, 1830), Garra gravelyi (Annandale, 1919), Garra stenorhynchus (Jerdon, 1849), and Garra nasuta (McClelland, 1838) were collected from the same torrential habitat. These fish revealed anatomical peculiarities in their barbels, lips, and adhesive discs which are believed to help them in adapting to such habitats. Organs exhibiting adaptive modifications (barbels, lips, and adhesive discs) were studied with the scanning electron microscope. The study primarily revealed the presence of type I and type II taste buds in the barbels, lips, and adhesive discs, and numerous unculi surrounded by microridges in the upper lips and adhesive discs. A cumulative, intercalated action of these organs enables these fish to adhere and adapt to rocky, torrential streams. Special ability to adapt to these habitats was reflected from the two types of taste buds (I and II) present in the barbels, and the clustering of excrescencies bearing unculi in the lips and adhesive discs of the fish.

Ichthyo-faunal diversity of Morang district, Nepal

The present paper attempts to report a total of 118 fish species spread over 11 orders, 26 families and 64 genera inhabited indifferent water bodies viz, rivers, reservoirs, streams, ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, paddy fields of Morang district, collected during a one-year survey. The order Cypriniformes is the richest one among 11 orders that comprises 59 species followed by Siluriformes having 31 and Perciformes with 19 representatives, respectively. Orders Anguilliformes, Osteoglossiformes, Beloniformes, Cyprinodontiformes, Synbranchiformes and Tetraodontiformes have only one representative. Olyra longicaudata is the new report from Morang district and the second report from Nepal. Besides this, other hill-stream fishes viz., Pseudecheneis sulcatus, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schistura savona and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis recorded during the survey, also have not been previously reported from this district.

Comparative ultrastructural study of general body epidermis of the hill-stream fishes; Botia almorhae (Teleosti: Botiidae), Homaloptera brucei (Teleostei: Balitoridae) and Schizothorax richardsonii (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

The aim of the present study is to provide a basis for better knowledge of the surface architecture of the GBE of some hill-stream fishes. The skin of the hill- stream fishes, on the dorsal surface of the body just behind the head, is densely set with scales and composed of an epidermis and a dermis supported by a hypodermis. Noticeable differences exhibited in the patterns of microridges on epithelial cells, distribution of mucous cells and presence of tubercles on the general body epidermis of the hill-stream fishes may be considered as modifications relating to possible difference in the functional requirement at the different locations. The skin has long been recognized to protect the organisms from deleterious environmental impacts (physical, chemical, microbiological). It is also well-known to be crucial for the maintenance of temperature, electrolyte and fluid balance.

Ultrastructural studies of Puntius shalynius an endemic and threatened hill stream fish

Ultrastructural studies of Puntius shalynius an endemic and threatened hill stream fish

Impact of hydropower project (RoR) on the ichthyofaunal diversity of river Birahiganga in Central Himalaya (India)

We examined the present status of ichthyofaunal diversity of river Birahiganga in compliance to the construction of one hydropower project (HPP). The river is diverted through tunnel, leaving very less water in its fragmented course (~2.5 km). Sometime river gets almost dried in summer season. Altogether 20 fish species belonging to two orders, three families and eight genera were reported from fragmented and continuous flowing stretches of the river. Snow trout (Schizothorax and Schizothoraichthys spp.) have shown major share in total fish catch composition whereas the typical hill stream fishes (Garra and Pseudecheneis spp.) were the least contributor. Installation of HPP has effect on the fish population structure. Maximum species richness (20 species) was recorded from mainstream whereas 16 species were procured from the fragmented stretch. Relative abundance of most of the species was considerably high in the mainstream than the fragmented stretch, except Glyptothorax pectinopterus which has shown equal abundance at both the sites. Low water discharge in the fragmented stretch supports only small sized fishes. The degradation of habitat ecology and variation in physico-chemical features seems distressing the fish population structure.

Dactylogyrus barnae sp. n. (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea) infecting gills of Barilius barna Hamilton, 1822 (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from a global biodiversity hotspot - Arunachal Pradesh (India).

Aim:This study was a part of an ongoing parasitological survey to investigate the health status of hill stream fish in river systems of Arunachal Pradesh - A global biodiversity hotspot.Materials and Methods:During the 2013/2015, 18 live specimens of Barilius barna (Cyprinidae) were captured from the local rivers of Arunachal Pradesh and examined for parasitic monogenoids. These fish, with their flatworms, were immediately fixed in hot (60°C) 4% formalin for later examination. Identification and morphometric description used in this study followed Gussev (1976). Type specimens were deposited in the British Natural History Museum, UK.Results:Dactylogyrus barnae sp. n. is described and illustrated from specimens of B. barna (Hamilton, 1822) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is characterized by a combination of the following characters: Copulatory tube coiled in 1½ counterclockwise rings, vagina consisting of a vaginal tube and vaginal pore, a complex sclerotized plate of unknown function in between male copulatory organ and vagina, and an anteromedial knob-like process on the dorsal bar.Conclusion:D. barnae sp. n. is the fourth species of Dactylogyrus described from the Northeast India and brings the total number of species of Dactylogyrus in Indian waters to 56. B. barna represents a new host record for Dactylogyrus spp., and possibly the first report for any parasite.

Climbing upstream: Multi-scale structural characterization and underwater adhesion of the Pulin river loach (Sinogastromyzon puliensis)

Hillstream fishes live in the current with high flow velocity and strong water impact. To survive in such environments, they evolved various adhesive apparatus and attachment mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the Pulin river loach (Sinogatromyzon puliensis) known for its ability to climb vertically against rapid torrent. The whole body forms a suction system, consisting of lips, overlapped pectoral and fused pelvic fins. The hierarchical structure of lips and fins was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Polygonal pad-like protrusions, called unculi, were found on the lips and micro-sized, needle-like unculi (setae) covered both pectoral and pelvic fin rays. Pull-off stress was measured to evaluate the adhesion capability of dead river loach to substrates with varying surface roughness and compared with commercial suction cups. Results showed that river loaches can adhere equally well to surfaces with varying roughness while suction cups fail to adhere to rough surfaces. Underwater adhesion was accomplished by three possible mechanisms: (1) unculi enhance friction force on substrates, (2) setae interlock with irregularities, and (3) setae seal the edge and prevent leakage. The specialized adhesion apparatus and capability of Pulin river loach could provide inspirations and design strategies for novel underwater adhesives and devices.

Length-weight relationships ofBarilius bendelisis(Hamilton, 1807), Barilius shacra(Hamilton, 1822) andBarilius barna(Hamilton, 1822) from Manas River in Assam, India

The present study describes the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for three ornamental hill stream fish species from the Manas River in Assam, India, namely, Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807), Barilius shacra (Hamilton, 1822), and Barilius barna (Hamilton, 1822). Fishes were collected on a monthly basis from March 2015 to February 2016 with cast nets (270 cm, 1.2 cm) and gillnets (7,500 × 130 cm, 5 cm). This is the first information on LWR data for two of the species.

Morphometric, Meristic studies and Conservation of the Vulnerable fish, Puntius shalynius Yazdani and Talukdar (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes) in the Umiam river, North-East India

Pethia shalynius is an important hill stream fish having both food and ornamental value. A total of 209 samples ranging from 4.20 - 6.90 cm total length, collected during 2010 - 2011 were used for the morphometric and meristic studies. Most of the morphometric characters of the species were found to be genetically controlled, rather than environmentally controlled, indicating restricted distribution of the species. Information collected from local fishermen and traders indicated that the population of this indigenous fish is fast declining. The species is categorised as ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red list of threatened taxa. A number of factors like indiscriminate exploitation, destruction and pollution of natural habitats act as major threats for the decline in population of the species. Human settlements, shifting agriculture, deforestation and other anthropogenic activities have led to degradation of the habitats of P. shalynius in the Umaim River system in Meghalaya.

Impact of Parasitic Diseases on Fishes of North West Himalayan Streams

Pathological disorders caused due to metazoan parasitic infestation were studied in the hill stream fishes of northwest Himalayan region. Host specificity was found to be one of the fundamental features of metazoan parasites which belonged to the class Cestoda, Nematoda, Trematoda and phylum Acanthocephala. The study indicates that a successful co-evolution of the host and its parasite has caused the adaptation of the later by developing evading mechanisms in order to avoid extinction. Besides this it was also observed that some parasites have even understood to benefit from the well developed antiparasitic armament in fish intestinal epithelia. Thus, parasites are exploiting the antiparasitic response mechanism of the host to optimize, host finding, invasion and survival in the host. Such interaction between host and parasites are considered phylogenetically old. Some monogeneans, cestodes, digeneans and acanthocephalans were found to resist pronounced cellular and host reactions which even improved the attachment of parasite into the host predilection site. Scanning Electron Microscopy and hitstopathological examination was conducted on parasites recovered from fishes in order to understand the host parasite interaction and the damage inflicted by parasite on hill stream fish species.

Analysis of length-weight relationship of sympatric hill stream teleosts Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807) and Barilius vagra (Hamilton, 1822) from Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study describes the length–weight relationships (LWRs) of two important ornamental hill stream fishes, Barilius bendelisis and Barilius vagra (Hamilton), of northern India. A total of 630 specimens were collected from January to June 2011 in a spring-fed stream in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Information regarding LWRs of these species was not yet available in FishBase.

General biology and status of Schizothorax richardsonii in Nepal

Schizothorax richardsonii, commonly called as spotted snow trout, is a coldwater hillstream fish. It is a delicious fish and is important from sportive and commercial point of view. The hillstream modifications comprise presence of irregular folds of skin acting as papillated suckers on the ventral side of the head, closely situated smaller eyes, small gill openings, reduced air bladder and short-stumpy barbells. Body is spotted, slender and sub-cylindrical. It is a phytophagous fish with an adaptation in its mouth to scrap algae from the submerged rocks. Spotted snow trout can spawn naturally as well as artificially by stripping. Sexual dimorphism is vivid during breeding season. It starts spawning after second year. Spawning takes place twice in a year- October/November and March/April. Eggs are of sticky nature. Relative and absolute fecundities have been found about 12,000 and 30,000 eggs/kg respectively. Optimum temperature for incubation is 15-20°C and it takes about 11-18 days for hatching. S. richardsonii has low to moderate vulnerability in Nepal. The population of the fish is decreasing rapidly due to heavy fishing pressure, natural calamity and human disturbances.

Microscopical and Other Evidences on Possible Involvement of Liquid Crystals in Molecular Adaptation Against Environmental Acid Stress in a Hill Stream Fish

Electron Microscope Laboratory, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility,North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, IndiaThe fish, Devario aequipinnatus, inhabiting the hill streams of Shillong in the north eastern part ofIndia, is found to experience tremendous environmental acid stress affecting its physiology. Despitethe stress, the fish is found to grow and reproduce, although with difficulty. It appears that it mighthave developed some kind of adaptations, especially at the molecular level as no such adaptivefeatures were observed in its gross morphology and anatomy. The possible development of liquidcrystallinity and its role in molecular adaptation against environmental acid stress is discussed inthe light of available literature.

Nutritional Assessment of Some Traditionally Processed Hill-Stream Fishes of Manipur with Special Reference to n-3 Fatty Acids

Traditionally, smoke-dried hill-stream fishes are an important part of the diet of the people of Manipur, India. The nutritional values of the processed fishes were studied. The proximate composition, protein digestibility, and fatty acid composition of hill-stream fishes Neolissochilus stracheyi, Labeo pangusia, Semiplotus manipurensis, Schizothorax sp., and Ompok sp. were determined. The mean values of protein, lipid, ash, and moisture ranged from 31.20 to 72.58%, 6.36 to 18.73%, 4.32 to 5.33%, and 10.14 to 16.25%, respectively. The protein digestibilities were high (75.56–97.65%), and alpha amino nitrogen liberated during in vitro tests was highest (19.34 mg/g) in L. pangusia in pepsin and trypsin phase. The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were highest in L. pangusia, followed by S. manipurensis. The study shows that the processed hill-stream fishes have different food values, and some are a good source of highly digestible protein and also contain a good amount of essential fatty acids that may be beneficial for brain development and optimal health.

Biodiversity of hillstream fishes in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a country of 1,47,570 km2 of mostly flat topography, but about 12 percent is hilly. The hilly areas are confined to the northeast and the southeastern parts of the country bordering India and Myanmar. Hill streams are highly variable and very important for the study and understanding of the aquatic biodiversity of Bangladesh. Hillstream ecosystems include a variety of habitats including those with sand, clay, cobble, gravel, mud, and rock substrates. In a recent field survey, 82 species of fishes have been identified from those habitats. The ichthyofauna belongs to the following families (numbers of species in parentheses) Notopteridae (1), Engraulidae (1), Cyprinidae (32), Psilorhynchidae (3), Nemacheilidae (2), Cobitidae (6), Bagridae (6), Schilbeidae (5), Amblycipitidae (1), Akysidae (1), Sisoridae (4), Erethistidae (1), Clariidae (1), Olyridae (1), Aplocheilidae (1), Ambassidae (2), Badidae (1), Mugilidae (1), Gobiidae (2), Osphronemidae (2), Channidae (3), Mastacembelidae (3), Belonidae (1) and Tetraodontidae (1). This paper provides a checklist of the hillstream fish species with their habitat preferences and associated fauna.

Quantitative osteological study of a bottom feeder hillstream cyprinoid fish Crossocheilus latius latius (Hamilton- Buchanan)

The quantitative osteological study has been conducted on a Hillstream bottom feeder fish Crossocheilus latius latius. C. latius latius is a common hillstream fish of Snowfed Rivers of Alaknanda. The bones have been taken from different sized fishes ranged from 13 to 27 Cm in length and 39 to 132 gm in weight. The correlation is applied between Body Weight and the Weight of different disarticulated bones of C. latius latius. The correlation (r) is highly significant among the different parameter of body in relation to osteology which ranged from r = 0.952; P<0.1 to r = 0.999; P< 0.1.

Oxygen uptake in relation to body weight in a Hillstream fish Glyptothorax telchitta (Ham.)

Oxygen uptake (VO2) through the gills of a hill-stream fish Glyptothorax telchitta from the Saptakoshi river (Nepal) has been studied in relation to different body weights. The oxygen uptake was determined at 24.0±1°C using a cylindrical glass respirometer with continuous water flow system. The aquatic oxygen uptake through the gills increased from 1.048 to 8.115 mlO2 kg-1.h-1 within the body weight range of 3.215 to 31.355 g. A fish of 17.052 g average body weight consumes 4.461 mlO2-1.h-1. The relation between oxygen uptake (VO2) and body weight was determined by performing regression analysis using logarithmic transformation. It has been found that with a unit increase in body weight, the oxygen uptake per unit time (mlO2h-1) increases by a power of 0.930 showing significant positive correlation whereas, the weight specific oxygen uptake decreases by a power of 0.070 showing significant but negative correlation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njbs.v1i0.7464 Nepalese Journal of Biosciences 1: 11-18 (2011)

Adaptive modification of lip and its associated structures of Hillstream fish Schizothorax richardsonii (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

The lips and associated structures, in different groups of fishes, are greatly modified in relation to the characteristic mode of feeding, food preference and the mode of life exhibited by the fish. The successful maintenance of fish populations in challenging environments requires responsive adjustments in their behaviour, morphology and physiology and these have been reflected by modifications at the level of their organ systems, organs and tissues. The lips are no exception to this. The importance of food in daily life of a fish is obvious and is reflected in the form of the mouth, lips, jaw and so on. These structures present more diverse modifications than any other organ of the body. The functional aspects of the lips and associated structures in family Gobiidae, Cobitidae, Belontiidae and few species of Cyprinidae show considerable variation and exhibit unique morphological modifications associated with their lips and other structures around the mouth regarding information on the level of surface architecture as seen under SEM in relation to various food and feeding

Sex related haematological variations in hill stream fish Garra gotyla, from Jhajjar stream of Jammu region, India

Sex related haematological variations in hill stream fish Garra gotyla, from Jhajjar stream of Jammu region, India

Documentation of fishes and physico-chemical characters of a stream Indrawati- a spring fed tributary of River Bhagirathi at Uttarkashi (Central Himalaya, Garhwal) India

Most of the riverine resources in Garhwal region are mountainous and perennial either snow fed or spring originated. All these mountainous streams provide a good natural habitat for survival of hill stream fishes. Present communication deals with documentation of Ichthyofauna along with physico-chemical properties of a similar perennial spring fed stream Indrawati- a left side tributary of river Bhagirathi. It comes down from the hills of Baragari and through Joshiyara debouches into the river Bhagirathi at Uttarkashi (elevation 1128 masl). Major part of stream water is mainly abstracted for the irrigation purpose in the side lying fields all along its length. There is heterogeneity in the stream bed characteristics which results into the existence of varied fish fauna. Study reports eleven fish species from the stream belonging to two orders, three families and six genera. Fishes belonging to cyprinidae family are found more commonly than the cobitidae and sisoridae family. Fishery of the stream is of subsistence nature and is under intense pressure of anthropogenic activities. Fishes captured are of generally small sized. The physico-chemical characteristics recorded during the study period in the different seasons are water temperature (9.0-16.0 0C), velocity (.50 m-s-1.46 m-s), TDS (49 mg-l – 65 mg-l), pH (8.0 - 8.3), DO (7.3 mg-l – 10.5 mg-l), Free CO2 (0.10 mg-l – 0.30 mg-l) and turbidity (06-30 NTU).