Hill Stream Research Articles

A new record of Rhoenanthus (Potamanthindus) sapa Nguyen and Bae, 2004 (Ephemeroptera, Potamanthidae) from India

As part of ongoing exploration of the mayflies in the hill streams of northeast India, Rhoenanthus (Potamanthindus) sapa Nguyen and Bae 2004 was reported as a new record based on larval collections from Meghalaya, India.

Adhesion Behavior in Fish: From Structures to Applications.

In nature, some fish can adhere tightly to the surface of stones, aquatic plants, and even other fish bodies. This adhesion behavior allows these fish to fix, eat, hide, and migrate in complex and variable aquatic environments. The adhesion function is realized by the special mouth and sucker tissue of fish. Inspired by adhesion fish, extensive research has recently been carried out. Therefore, this paper presents a brief overview to better explore underwater adhesion mechanisms and provide bionic applications. Firstly, the adhesion organs and structures of biological prototypes (e.g., clingfish, remora, Garra, suckermouth catfish, hill stream loach, and goby) are presented separately, and the underwater adhesion mechanisms are analyzed. Then, based on bionics, it is explained that the adhesion structures and components are designed and created for applications (e.g., flexible gripping adhesive discs and adhesive motion devices). Furthermore, we offer our perspectives on the limitations and future directions.

DNA barcode generation and phylogenetic relationship of Schistura scaturigina (Mcclelland, 1839) species from the hill streams of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

DNA barcode generation and phylogenetic relationship of Schistura scaturigina (Mcclelland, 1839) species from the hill streams of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

The Evolution of Trout Stream Management in the Black Hills, 1883–2023, as Evidenced Through Hatchery Activities and Stocking

In this paper, we review and synthesize trout management philosophy and policies for Black Hills streams in the states of South Dakota and Wyoming through the roles of hatcheries, fish stocking, and natural production from 1883 to 2023. We identified three specific fisheries management time periods (eras) in the Black Hills: (1) the early management–fry stocking era (pre‐1950), (2) the catchable‐trout stocking era (1950s to mid‐1990s), and (3) the integrated management era (mid‐1990s to present). The first era emphasized juvenile trout stocking, with little evaluation of effectiveness in terms of return to creel. The second era was characterized by greater emphasis on stocking catchable‐sized trout and a substantial increase in hatchery rearing capabilities. In the first two eras, instead of fish stocking being one of many potentially useful tools for managers of Black Hills streams, stocking was the dominant activity—leading and directing fisheries management rather than supporting it. By the third era, trout management began to embody a more encompassing and complex national ideology and philosophy that more fully considered ecology, including habitat improvement, natural reproduction of trout, defining the role of fish stocking, and understanding the relationship of trout to the depauperate native (nongame) fish fauna. We also discuss the three eras in the Black Hills in relation to national trends in trout management. In contrast to many other localities, the lack of any native salmonids and the lack of native game fish species have facilitated the development of valuable, self‐sustaining recreational fisheries in streams that support trout, with less concern for native species than in many areas with harvestable native fish species. The cultural ideology that brought western expansion of settlers to the Black Hills in search of gold, land, freedom, and prosperity was emboldened by a science‐based belief and confidence in technology and industry to rapidly shape lands and waters to improve the human condition. In part, the sculpting and shaping of Mount Rushmore symbolize that ideology. In the context of fisheries management in the Black Hills, the introduction of trout, development of stream fisheries, and investment in hatchery technology to produce catchable trout for an expanding tourist economy also exemplify that prevailing ideology, modulated by improved ecological understanding and an accompanying shift toward a more ecological management philosophy.

Feeding Biology of Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton 1807) from the Hill Streams of Manas River, Assam, India

The present paper is concerned with the study of food and feeding habits including feeding intensity, the nature of food consumed, and the index of preponderance of food items. The gut contents of 158 specimens of Barilius bendelisis caught from the hill streams of Manas River, Assam, India revealed that the main food consists of insect larvae (48.78%) occupying the first rank in grading among all the other food items, followed by phytoplankton (22.55%), sand and mud (14.49%), others (10.45%) and debris (1.42%). The mean value of relative length of the gut (RLG) was calculated 1.271 indicates the omnivorous nature of Barilius bendelisis. Average seasonal Gastro-somatic index (GSI) ranged from 5.089 ± 1.94 to 9.344 ± 2.48 for males and that of female from 5.095 ±1.98 to 11.166 ±2.89. Moreover, instances of poor feeding and empty stomachs were rarely observed in all the four seasons. These findings suggest that the feeding intensity of Barilius bendelisis is high and it is an active feeder.

Epidermal modifications in a hill stream catfish, Hara hara in relation to its natural habitat: A scanning electron microscope and histochemical investigation.

In the present study, the epidermis of the hill stream fish Hara hara has been investigated employing scanning electron microscope, histology, histochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. The epidermis is characteristically differentiated into plaques separated from each other by deep furrows. In plaques, the epidermis is keratinized. In contrast, in furrows, it is mucogenic. Surface epithelial cells in plaques get modified into characteristic spine-like unculi. At the distal ends of these unculi, we find tree-like branched dendritic structures. The keratinized epithelial cells in plaques together with unculi frequently exfoliate at the surface. The epidermis in furrows is equipped with secretory glandular cells, that is, mucous goblet cells, sacciform cells and club cells; and sensory structures, that is, the taste buds. These glandular cells are involved in the elaboration of different types of carbohydrate and protein moieties. Further, in the epidermis of both, plaques and furrows, melanophores are frequently interspersed between the epithelial cells. In the plaque epidermis, in addition to melanophores, melanin granules are observed in epithelial cells undergoing keratinization as well as in those sloughing at the surface. Sloughing of keratinized epithelial cells together with spine-like unculi at the surface of the plaques; the secretions of the glandular cells, the distribution of melanophore and the taste buds interspersed between the epithelial cells and the presence of melanin granules in the keratinized epithelial cells have been associated with different functional roles. These include hydrodynamic advantage, protection from mechanical stress, pathogens, UV radiation, localization of food accurately and so on in relation to the natural habitat of the fish.

Glyptothorax viridis, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Manipur, India.

Glyptothorax viridis, new species, is described from the Dujang, a hill stream tributary of the Chakpi River, Chindwin drainage in Manipur, India. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of plicae on paired fins; thoracic adhesive apparatus with a deep, cone-shaped median depression opening caudally; a slender pelvic fin reaching the anal fin, and tuberculated skin with three stripes on the body.

On the occurrence of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Neeru stream of Chenab catchment, Jammu & Kashmir, India

This communication reports the first photographic record of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in a hill stream in Jammu & Kashmir, putting an end to doubts over its presence in the upper Chenab catchment. Three individuals were photographed during a limited camera trap survey conducted in Neeru stream, a left bank tributary of river Chenab during mid-October 2020. We argue that rapid human population influx, infrastructure expansion, and pollution have altered the hydro morphology of Neeru stream, affecting the otter population. This observation calls for more intensive otter surveys in the nearby smaller basins of Neeru, Kalnai, & Sewa and other large tributaries of Chenab River, combining occupancy surveys with camera traps for improved conservation and management of the species in the region.

Functional feeding groups of Chironomidae (Diptera: Nematocera) and their spatial variation in an intermittent hill stream (Ventana Stream, Buenos Aires, Argentina).

The feeding habits of Chironomidae in hill streams in the pampean region have not been described. In this study, we analyzed the gut contents of this insect family with an aim at establishing their diet in an intermittent stream in the Ventania-Hill system. We sampled three sites with different habitat characteristics (i. e., altitude, substrate type, and current velocity). Of the total of nine taxa were recorded, the only one present at all sites was Corynoneura sp. 1. The food items found were detritus, diatoms, filamentous chlorophytes, euglenophytes, vascular plants, fungi, and animal remains. Most of the taxa could be classified as gathering collectors, with those having a higher proportion of detritus in the gut contents although the guts of Pentaneura nr. cinerea, Cricotopus sp. 1, and Onconeura analiae included high proportions of animal remains. No differences in the feeding habits were attributable to the location in the stream. This research contributes to our understanding of the trophic habits of Chironomidae in an intermittent hill stream system of South America.

Zootherapeutic uses of hill stream fishes : An important element of the traditional knowledge of the tribals in Aravalli region of South Rajasthan, India

During present study, zootherapeutic uses of hill stream fishes by tribal inhibitants were discovered in Aravalli region of South Rajasthan. This study was based on field surveys carried out in villages and the information about medicinal uses of the fishes were collected on the basis of interview with tribal healers and experienced old persons belonging to different tribal communities. Tribals use various parts of hill stream fishes to cure many ailments, viz., Tuberculosis, joint pains, respiratory disorders, pneumonia, asthma, sexual impotency, paralysis, skin diseases, psoriasis, high B. P. and kidney ailments, etc.

Fecundity of Glyptothorax telchitta (Hamilton, 1822) from Tamor River, Nepal

The present study assesses the fecundity of Glyptothorax telchitta, a hill stream fish from the Tamor River, Nepal. A total of 60 specimens were collected from the Tamor River, with the help of local fishermen between March 2019 and February 2020. The absolute fecundity ranged from 3385 to 14298 eggs with the mean absolute fecundity of 9448.469 ± 607.783. The fish was found to be a medium fecund fish. Relative fecundity ranged from 151 to 529 eggs per gram body weight with mean relative fecundity of 371.38 ± 15.72. Fecundity showed significant positive correlations with ovary weight (r = 0.858) total length (r = 0.844) and total weight (r = 0.825). This indicated that fecundity dependent is mostly on ovary weight. Gonado-somatic index scored the peak values during March (15.15%) and May (15.01%), indicating the fish’s spawning period during the spring season. Egg sizes varied from 0.382 mm to 1.149 mm. The appearance of various sizes of eggs in a single ovary indicated that the fish was a fractional spawner. The ovaries occupied maximum space in the abdomen during the breeding season.

HILL STREAM ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF BAKSA DISTRICT ALONG THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER BETWEEN INDIA AND BHUTAN: ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE AND ANTHROPOGENIC THREATS

North-Eastern states are leaders in the diversity of indigenous species of economically important fish. Hill streams of this region inhabit ichthyofauna of broad importance. However, increased anthropogenic activity possess deleterious consequence. The goal of the study conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 was to document and report the ichthyofaunal diversity of the hill streams in the Baksa district of Assam, India, its economic importance as well as potential threats associated with it. A total of 3182 fishes classified into 39 species, 13 families, and 5 orders were documented. Cypriniformes is the dominant order (71.24%), followed by Perciformes (17.76%), Siluriformes (5.97%), Symbranchiformes (3.65%), and Beloniformes (1.38%). These hill streams inhabit endangered, vulnerable, near-threatened, lower-risk-near-threatened species (IUCN, CAMP, and ICAR). Diversity indices indicate that these streams are rich in evenly distributed ichthyofauna. However, the recent spike in riparian deforestation, illegal fishing, and tourism-related plastic garbage possess a serious threat to these hill-stream ecosystems and inhabiting fish fauna. The consequences of riparian deforestation are looming as a severe future issue. Conservation of this ecosystem has become an important call to take on.

Analysis of Proximate Composition and Heavy Metals Contamination of Three Hill Stream Fishes from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Analysis of Proximate Composition and Heavy Metals Contamination of Three Hill Stream Fishes from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Haor-Based Floodplain-Rich Freshwater Ichthyofauna in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh: Species Availability, Diversity, and Conservation Perspectives

Biodiversity assessment is important for evaluating community conservation status. The haor basin in Sylhet Division represents a transitional zone with high species availability, rare occurrences and endemism. As a result, this study aims to describe the haor-based freshwater fish composition, including habitat, trophic ecology, availability and conservation status. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on fish samples through focus group discussions, field surveys, and interviews with fisheries stakeholders on a monthly basis. We identified 188 morpho-species, of which 176 were finfish and 12 shellfish, distributed into 15 orders and 42 families where 29%, 42%, 15%, and 14% species were commonly available, moderately available, abundantly available, and rarely available, respectively. Cypriniformes was the dominant order in both total species and small indigenous species identified. Approximately 45.34% of species were riverine, 31.58% floodplain residents, 12.55% estuarine, 2.83% migratory, and 7.69% were exclusively hill stream residents. Carnivores and omnivores were the most dominant trophic groups. A total of 87.76% species were used as food, 12.23% as ornamental and 6.91% as sport fish. Approximately 50 species were threatened (7 critically endangered, 23 endangered and 20 vulnerable) at the national level, most of them belonging to Cypriniformes and Siluriformes. Based on endemism, 16 species were endemic of which Sygnathidae, Cobitidae, Olyridae, Cyprinidae and Balitoridae fell under the threatened category. Minimizing intense fishing efforts, banning indiscriminate fishing and destructive fishing gear, initiating fish sanctuaries and beel nurseries, and implementing eco-friendly modern fishing technology are suggested to conserve the threatened species. This study represents a guideline for assessing the availability and conservation of freshwater fish in the Sylhet belt and serves as a reference for decision-makers in order to allow for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources within an ecosystem-based framework.

Environmental DNA analysis reveals the distribution pattern of a Himalayan hill stream fish

Environmental DNA analysis reveals the distribution pattern of a Himalayan hill stream fish

Spatial water quality assessment of a mountain stream in northwestern India using multivariate statistical techniques.

The water quality of Himalayan rivers and streams is deteriorating due to multitude of anthropogenic and natural influences and the changes are more pronounced in smaller hill basins with high human influx. Inadequate data and lack of monitoring further exacerbate the situation. The surface water quality of one such hill stream, Neeru was evaluated for potability and irrigation quality. The water quality parameters were analysed at 25 sampling stations over a stretch of 30km across four seasons during a 2-year study from January 2014 to December 2015. The CCME Water Quality Index (WQI) indicated excellent water quality in upstream stations, while the midstream and a few downstream stations revealed varying degrees of impaired water quality. Although the irrigation quality of the stream was excellent, pollution levels near urban areas were rather high, necessitating considerable treatment for human consumption. The factor analysis yielded seven components with Eigenvalues greater than one that accounted for 83.656% of the variance and enabled the grouping of selected parameters based on comparable characteristics. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the water samples indicated that they lie within the zone of rock dominance, while the trilinear diagram depicted the Ca-bicarbonaterich stream water. The study concluded that the upstream stations revealed pristine water quality, which significantly degraded towards human settlements. It thus calls for regular and long-term monitoring of the surface water quality to ensure the continuous and sustainable use of this important water body.

Ichthyofaunal diversity of Senkhi stream, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: a comparative status between 2004–05 and 2018–19

An investigation was conducted during 2018–19 after a time span of 13 years in the Senkhi stream, an important hill stream that flows through western corner of the capital city, Itanagar. The present study aims to compare decadal changes in ichthyofaunal diversity, status, and abundance with reference to the impact of increasing urbanization in the capital city. The ichthyofaunal diversity assessed presently is restricted to 37 species spreading over 30 genera under 13 families which include four species more, not reported in the past. Thus, of the 37 species recorded, 33 species only could be compared, and noticeably resulted ultimate reduction of 14 species belonging to 11 genera under 10 families from the study area. It indicated that nearly 64% decline in fish abundance within stream zone under urban area and about 46% reduction in undisturbed area. The present study hitherto revealed the alarming rate of decline in fish diversity and also unfolded key factors responsible for crucial decline of fish diversity along with the possible mitigation measures.

Composition and structure of the Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) assemblage of Ventania hill system streams (Argentina) along an altitudinal gradient

A two-year study was conducted in a conservation area of the Ventania hill system where the Pampean grassy steppes and their headwater springs maintain conditions close to natural ones. The composition and the structure of Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) along two short hill pristine streams and their relationship with the physicochemical variables were analyzed. A total of 15444 individuals belonging to 37 species of four subfamilies were identified. An assemblage structure more similar to those described for Andean or Argentine extra-Andean hill streams than to those of the surrounding Pampas was observed. Orthocladiinae showed the highest and Podonominae the lowest taxonomic richness and density. Chironominae was best represented downstream by genera with wide distribution. From the five Podonominae genera reported in the Andean-Patagonic region, three of them (Podonomus Philippi, Parochlus Enderlein and Podonomopsis Brundin) were collected. The presence of Podonomus and Podonomopsis represent the reports at lower altitudes for both genera. The physicochemical variables differed between seasons, and only water conductivity showed an altitudinal gradient. Those species prevailing in piedmont sites correlated positively with conductivity. With few exceptions, the species collected were recorded in both seasons. In Toro stream, density was significantly highest in Spring of the second year. This study provides the ecological and systematic baseline knowledge of an insect group widely used in biomonitoring of aquatic environments, to provide biological information that supports the importance of preserving this area.

Baseline information and physiological modification of hill-stream fishes of Mahakali River, Nepal

This study was carried on the Mahakali River from October 2007 to October 2008, which flows in western region of Kanchanpur district of Mahakali zone of Nepal. The purpose of this study to provide baseline information of the hill-stream fishes of Mahakali River and physiological modification. The sampling stations were established along the 10 km stretch of this river and dividing into two sections, each sampling station were 10km far from each other. Each sampling station was visited three times during the study period. A total of 16 times samples were collected with the help of cast net, scoop net and hook line. Altogether 44 fish species collected including 19 hill stream fish species recorded from the study site. This includes 5 orders, 12 families, 29 genus which represents the total collected species. Among them, 5 species were exotic and 39 species were collected from Mahakali river and irrigation canal along with other associated area. The family Cyprinidae found to be dominating species with 21 species, followed by family Cobitidae with 5 species, Bagridae represented by 2 species, Clariidae with 2 species, Channidae with 2 species, Mastacembelidae 2 species, Siluridae 1 species, Chandidae 1 species, Nandidae 1 species, Gobiidae 1 species and finally Anguillidae represent 1 species. Among them, altogether 19 species were hill-stream fishes. The hill-stream fishes like Labeo dero, Barilius barna, Barilius bendelisis, Barilius vagra, Raiamas bola, Brachydanio rerio, Esomus danrica, Garra annandalei, Garra gotyla, Tor Crossocheilus latius, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schizothoraichthys progastus, Botia lohachata, Lepidocephalus guntea, Acanthocobatis botia, Schistura rupecula, Schistura corica and Glossogobius giuris were found.

Freshwater fish diversity in hill streams of Saberi River in Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India

Freshwater fish diversity of the hill streams of Saberi River (a major tributary of the Godavari River system) in Koraput district in Eastern Ghats of southern Odisha was studied from September 2017 to August 2019. Sites for the present study were located between Gupteswar Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) of Odisha on the eastern side, and Kanger Valley National Park of Chhattisgarh on the western side. A total of 36 species of freshwater fish belonging to 24 genera, 13 families and six orders were recorded from the study sites, of which two species are exotic. Family Cyprinidae dominated with 14 species. Species richness and diversity is greater during the pre-monsoon months followed by post-monsoon and monsoon months respectively. The physico-chemical parameters of water in the study sites during all seasons are within prescribed limits for fish culture. Among the four major types of fish habitats identified in the study sites (riffles, runs, pools and logs), pools were the most preferred, and logs the least preferred habitat for the fishes. Habitat analysis indicated that deep pools and runs are the primary habitats contributing to the maximum species diversity, and therefore, protection of these particular habitats is recommended for conservation and management of ichthyodiversity.