Catla Research Articles

Development and Testing of a Small-Scale Fish Filleting Machine for an Indian Major Carp, Rohu (Labeo rohita)

ABSTRACT This paper describes a filleting machine designed for the popular Asian freshwater species rohu (Labeo rohita). The machine comprises three key units: conveying, filleting, and water spraying and collection. The filleting unit has two parallel disc blades for precise cutting, with adjustable spacing to accommodate a variety of fish backbone thicknesses. The conveying unit employs belt drives and spring-adjusted entry for smooth transport, while the water management unit sprays and cleans the filleting blades, ensuring efficient fish movement. The machine performed efficiently when set to its optimal settings and showed significant improvements compared to manual filleting while maintaining product quality.

Epidemiology and management of parasitic infestations in Indian major carps in extensive culture systems of Andhra Pradesh, India

Epidemiology and management of parasitic infestations in Indian major carps in extensive culture systems of Andhra Pradesh, India

Evaluating Growth Performance and Economic Efficiency of Indian Major Carps in Integrated Fish-duck Farming Systems

The experiment was conducted in three villages in Namakkal district to evaluate the effects of an integrated fish-duck farming system on the physico-chemical and biological parameters of pond ecosystems, as well as on overall fish production. This eight-month trial took place from July 2016 to February 2017. Ponds were stocked with fingerlings at a density of 6,000 per hectare, using Indian major carps like Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), and Mrigala (Cirrhinus mrigala) in a 4:3:3 ratio to maximize energy utilization through polyculture. Indian Runner ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were included in the system to provide meat and naturally fertilize the ponds through excreta while grazing freely. In this village-based cultural practice, fish were not given supplementary feed. Instead, the ducks were fed with household food scraps and agricultural by-products, such as broken cereal grains and rice bran, which are readily available in rural areas. The study revealed that water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity were significantly higher in the integrated ponds compared to control ponds (without ducks). Additionally, plankton levels (both phytoplankton and zooplankton) improved markedly in the integrated ponds. The Indian major carps in the integrated ponds also achieved better body weight than those in the control ponds. This improved growth rate contributed to a yield of 8,928 kg/ha/year in the integrated system, compared to 5,145 kg/ha/year in the control ponds. These results demonstrate that integrated fish-duck farming is more profitable than non-integrated systems (control) under rural conditions in Tamil Nadu, as it yields higher fish production without additional inputs.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Water of the Halda River: A Distinctive Breeding Habitat for Carp Fish in Bangladesh.

The present study aimed to assess the heavy metal concentrations in water from different sampling sites of the Halda River, the only natural breeding ground of Indian major carps. We have analysed the contamination level and seasonal variations of heavy metals (viz. Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb). The favourability of the breeding environment was assessed by different contamination indices. Samples were collected from six sampling sites for four different seasons, and the metal concentrations were determined for water samples using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained order of mean concentrations of heavy metals for four seasons was winter>spring>monsoon>pre-monsoon, and the assessed mean concentrations (mg/L) of heavy metals follow the trend: Fe (9.129)>Pb (0.033)>Zn (0.024)>Cr (0.017)>Cu (0.012)>Cd (0.002). The concentration of Fe was found above the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Guidelines for Water Quality) and ECR (1997), and the concentrations for Pb were found above the USEPA (2006) limit in all four seasons. Contamination indices (heavy metal pollution Index [HPI] and metal index [MI]) indicate that during winter and monsoon, the river water metal condition is critical (HPI>100) and the sites are moderately as well as slightly (1<MI<2) affected by the studied heavy metals. Contamination indices, such as contamination factors (Cf), degree of contamination (Cdeg) and the pollution load index (PLI), demonstrate the fact that Fe and Pb remarkably contaminated the studied sampling sites. The Pearson correlation matrix and the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the studied metals are connected by their sources, which can be geological or anthropogenic. Urgent initiatives need to be taken, and effective strategies must be implemented to control the different sources responsible for the entry of heavy metals into the Halda River water.

Effect of Lactobacillus Probiotic Supplement on Growth and Haematological Performance of Indian Major Carp Labeo rohita

The influence of probiotics bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus improves the survival, growth, and Hematological performance of the Indian major carp Rohu (Labeo rohita). After acclimation, a 60-day experimental study was conducted with four different types of treatments; namely, T1: Control, i.e. Basal feed without Probiotic supplements, T2: Basal feed with Aeromonas hydrophila, T3: Lactobacillus supplemented probiotic feed without Aeromonas hydrophila, and T4: Lactobacillus supplemented probiotic feed with A. hydrophila. After the experimental study, growth parameters were monitored through Weight gain, Specific growth rates, survival percentage, and haematological parameters including WBC, RBC, haemoglobin (Hb), and haematocrit (Hct) values of probiotics treated group (T3 and T4) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than control and T2 group. The Present study indicated that the positive effects of the L. acidophilus probiotic supplement diet improved the survival, growth, and Haematological performance in aquaculture.

Isolation, Characterization and Pathogenicity of Saprolegnia parasitica—Causal Agent of Saprolegniasis in Indian Major Carps

Isolation, Characterization and Pathogenicity of Saprolegnia parasitica—Causal Agent of Saprolegniasis in Indian Major Carps

Structural and functional characterization of haemoglobin genes in Labeo catla: Insights into hypoxic adaptation and survival

Haemoglobin (HB) protein comprises four subunits: two identical α-subunits (HBA) and two identical β-subunits (HBB), encoded by the HBA and HBB genes. In this investigation, 5′/3′ RACE PCR (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) was used to obtain complete coding sequences (CDSs) of both the genes from farmed Labeo catla. The resulting CDSs were 432 base pairs and 447 base pairs for HBA and HBB, respectively, corresponding to 143 and 148 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships with other cyprinids, with Labeo rohita being the closest relative. Functional analysis and protein structure prediction were conducted using bioinformatics tools. Expression profiling of both genes was checked in various tissues under control (C) and hypoxic (H) conditions. Notably, under hypoxia, HBA and HBB genes were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) initially, followed by a return to normal expression levels. Similar trends were observed for Hif1α (Hypoxia-inducible factor one alpha) and EPO (Erythropoietin) genes. Additionally, haematological indices also significantly increased corresponding to the gene expressions. However, with the decrease in the expression of these genes an onset of mortality was observed in the hypoxia (H) treated groups. The results of the current study explored the role of haemoglobin genes in adaptation to the hypoxic condition.

Comparative Study of Synthetic Hormones Ovaprim and Pitutary Extract in Induced Breeding of Indian Major Carps ( IMC)

In the present study during June 2020- May 2021 observed the spawing response of ovaprim compard with pituitary extract in Indian major carps (IMC). The research work was carried out at fish breeding center, Jayakwadi Paithan 60 K.M away from Aurangabad (M.S) India. Total ten trial doses of carp pituitary extract (CPE) used for induced breeding in Indian major carps i.e. Catla catla , Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala. The percentage of fertilization ranged (88.11-97.94%) was found with ovaprim treatment and (53.19-85.48 %) with pituitary extract treatment. The percentage hatchling ranged (74.70-95.92 %) with ovaprim treatment and (60- 58.82%) with pituitary extract treatment.

Machine Learning - Based Prediction of Genotoxicity in Peripheral Erythrocytes of Fish (Labeo catla): A Comparative Analysis of Algorithms

Machine Learning - Based Prediction of Genotoxicity in Peripheral Erythrocytes of Fish (Labeo catla): A Comparative Analysis of Algorithms

Genome sequencing and assembly of Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822)

The freshwater aquaculture species, Cirrhinus mrigala, commonly known as mrigal, holds significance in the carp-dominated aquaculture system, globally. Despite constituting 1.08% of the total freshwater aquaculture production, mrigal is the third most important Indian major carp. However, its genome and associated information is not available. This study aims to address this gap by generation high quality genome assembly using PacBio long reads, Illumina short reads and Hi-C scaffolding. The characterization of assembled highly contiguous genome, 1.057 Gb in size, revealed 39,091 genes with functional annotations. The orthology analysis based on direct orthologs and single copy ortholgs places C. mrigala in a distinct position within the Otophysi clade. Additionally, the study delves into Hox gene clusters, identifying 38 Hox genes distributed in seven clusters. The present genomic information offers potential applications for sustainable aquaculture management, including selection programs for economic traits.

Improper dietary protein to carbohydrate ratio causes abnormal visceral fat deposition, hampering gonadal development and breeding performance in Labeo Catla female

The availability of balanced diet is critical for reproductive success in fish. A feeding trial on Labeo catla females was carried out in earthen pond to assess the effect of different dietary protein to carbohydrate ratio on gonad maturation and breeding performance. Three feed D-I (Feed-I), D-II (Feed-II) and D-III (Feed-III) were formulated with varying ratio of Ground Nut Oil Cake (GNOC) and rice bran (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) and fed for 120 days. To assess the gonad maturation events, GSI VSI, breeding, fatty acid analysis, sex hormone profiling, cholesterol, triglyceride and histological examinations were conducted. Fish groups fed with D-III exhibited the highest VSI and visceral fat (VF) deposition, followed by those fed with D-I, whereas groups fed with D-II showed significantly lower levels (P<0.05). The result of GSI was completely opposite to values of VSI. Ovarian histology showed less number of mature oocytes in D-I & D-III treatments and more mature oocytes in D-II. Breeding results showed that fishes fed with D-I and D-III hampered gonad maturation whereas fish fed with D-II responded towards spawning, fertilization, and hatching. Increased levels of testosterone, estradiol, and vitellogenin (Vtg) were observed in the D-II fed group whereas increased level of progesterone was observed in D-I fed group followed by D-II and D-III. Serum cholesterol was higher in the D-III and D-I group. Visceral fat accumulation prior to ovarian maturation is a normal phenomenon in this species which serves as a lipid reservoir required for the later transfer to the gonad as yolk or is utilized as an energy source for gonad maturation. However higher level of protein or carbohydrate in the diet disrupted normal gonad maturation and lead to abnormal visceral fat accumulation, sex steroid level, failure in spawning response and seed production.

Study on recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in organic fish production

Abstract The growth of conventional aquaculture has created environmental issues due to excessive feeding, low dissolved oxygen level etc into the water body. Organic aquaculture is a recent development as a solution to these issues. It is a clean alternative to reduce pollution and to produce safer consumable food. In the past few decades, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) were introduced to maintain pond water quality through lesser water exchange, by focusing on water reuse after treatment. In this study, the technical viability of RAS was analyzed for introduction in organic aquaculture systems. Indian major carps (IMCs) were cultured through conventional methods in the three tanks of conventional system, while the same species was grown organically in another three tanks in organic system. The stocking density and physical conditions were kept same for both cultured systems. The RAS consisted of fish culture tank with an average volume of each tank was 165 m3, a screen filter, foam fractionator and trickling filter. The various water quality parameters, i.e., solid size distribution in water, and removal efficiencies in biological treatment of both systems were compared. The present study, particle size distribution of solids in water body was measured by filtration, followed by weighing of dry residue solids. Pore sizes of 1000μ, 100μ, 20μ and 3μ were employed for filtration. For organic tanks, a majority of solids are of size between 1 mm and 100 μm. The larger sized particles (&gt; 30 μm) constitute nearly 70 % of the solids and the trait differs from the generalized conclusions of that a major part of sediments will be of sizes less than 20 μm. For the conventional tanks, majority of solids are of size between 3 mm and 20 μm and TAN shows higher removal efficiencies for effluents from organic system rather than conventional system. The results showed that organic aquaculture causes lesser pollution load per weight of fish. The particle size distribution of organic water was better compatible to screening and sedimentation than conventional water. Also the filtration efficiencies in nitrifying trickling filters of both water bodies were comparable, with that of organic water slightly on the higher side. Thus recirculating water treatment systems are introduced in organic aquaculture.

Optimization of inclusion level of lipid in larval diet of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).

Formulation and preparation of larval feed according to the requirement of Indian major carp is a prerequisite for improving the survival (%) and growth during early developmental stages. A feeding trial of 50days in a replicate of five was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels of fish oil (lipid) in the larval diet of Labeo rohita. Four isonitrogenous (50% CP) nanoparticulate diets with four lipid inclusion levels, L5 (5%), L7 (7%), L9 (9%), and L11 (11%) were prepared and fed to four groups of rohu (Labeo rohita) larvae. At the end of feeding trial, survival (%), growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, gut morphology, and expression of growth and feed intake genes were evaluated. All pairwise comparisons among groups indicated higher growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, and daily weight gain), survival (%), and IGF-1 gene expression of the L9 group followed by the L7 while the L11 showed poor performance even less than L5. All studied intestinal enzymes except amylase showed a similar trend. Amylase showed comparable results among L7, L9, and L5, while L11 showed the lowest value. The intestinal villi length also showed higher values in L9 followed by L7, and lowest in the L11 group. Feed intake regulating genes, leptin showed lipid inclusion level upregulation, while ghrelin showed the highest expression in the L9 group. Based on growth performance, gut morphology, intestinal enzyme activity, and gene expression analysis, 9% dietary lipid could be recommended to ensure the optimum growth and survival of L. rohita larvae.

Energy Budget in Terms of ATP, ADP, AMP, and Energy Charge In The Osmoregulatory Tissues of Indian Major Carp Catla catla (Hamilton) Under Thermal-Stress And Thermal-Adaptation

The heat-adapted (32°C) Catla catla registered as increased level of ATP and energy charge with concomitant lower levels of ADP, and AMP when compared to cold-adapted (22°C) fishes. All the osmoregulatory tissues like the gill, kidney, and intestine indicate greater ATP turnover adaptation to higher temperatures. In order to differentiate thermal stress from thermal adaptation, the 22°C adapted were readapted to a temperature change of 22°C 32°C at the rate of 1°C/hour as in the case of stress and at the rate of l°C/ 60 hrs as in the case of adaptation During the time course of experiments there is a gradual stepping-up in the levels of ATP and energy charge and a gradual stepping-down in ADP and AMP in all tissues. Further, there is a complete filling-up process in ATP and values reached gradually the original level of these parameters of the control of 32°C adapted fishes. The heat-adapted fishes exhibited a fairly good amount of recovery ranging from 83% to 88% in these adenylate nucleotides. On the other hand, in the temperature-stressed fishes the adenylate nucleotides did not reach the control values and the filling processes with ATP could not be completed. Further, the % recovery in these parameters is far less 47 % to 57%, when compared to temperature adapted fishes. The continuous thermal-stress (1°C/hour) action upon this fish Catla catla resulted in stress-adaptation (adaptation resulted due to stress).

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of a Cnidarian parasite (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) Thelohanellus bifurcata, infecting gills of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita.

Gill haemorrhagic disease is a significant health issue in Indian major carps, including Labeo rohita. In this study, we investigate the molecular description of Thelohanellus bifurcata, the identified causative agent of gill haemorrhagic disease in these fishes. Remarkably, no-one published molecular description of T. bifurcata exists to date. Through molecular analysis, we examined the genetic characteristics of T. bifurcata and explored its potential relationship with other Thelohanellus species found in India, thus further investigating the possibility of a species complex. The present species shows maximum homogeneity of 99.33%with T. bifurcata (KJ476886) (unpublished), 97.32% with T. filli (KR340464) with a base pair difference of only 4 and 30 respectively. The prevalence of T. bifurcata infection in L. rohita was found to be 17%. The findings of this study shed light on the molecular characteristics of T. bifurcata and contribute to our understanding of its prevalence and evolutionary relationships within the Thelohanellus genus.

Evaluation of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal based diets on growth, digestive enzymes and haematological parameters of Labeo catla fingerlings (Hamilton, 1822)

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the nutraceutical traits of Nymphaea nouchali herbal plant ingredients on the growth performance, digestive enzymes and health status of Labeo catla fingerlings owing to the abundance of phytoconstituents. Methodology: Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diet with different inclusion levels of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal (NNLM) i.e., 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% were formulated and designated as T-0, T-I, T-II and T-III treatment groups. A total of 144 fingerlings of L. catla were randomly distributed into the experimental cisterns in triplicates following completely randomized design. Results: At the end of the experiment, the percent weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) with significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) in T-II group as compared to the other experimental groups. Significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) percent weight gain and SGR with significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) FCR were recorded in T-0 and T-III. The protease and amylase activities were found to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the T-II with lower (P&lt;0.05) values recorded in T-0 and T-III groups. The red blood cell count and haemoglobin level were found to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the T-I and T-II groups as compared to T-0 and T-III, respectively. Interpretation: The present study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal with 30% improved growth, nutrient utilization and better health benefits of L. catla fingerlings in the present culture condition. Key words: Digestive enzymes, Herbal plant, Labeo catla, Leaf meal, Nymphaea nouchali

Altering in seasonality of reproductive patterns in Labeo rohita and Labeo catla: The way towards breeding line development

Altering in seasonality of reproductive patterns in Labeo rohita and Labeo catla: The way towards breeding line development

Integrated morphometric and molecular approaches to screen hybrid from wild Labeo rohita and Labeo catla parent populations.

Interspecific hybrids of rohu (Labeo rohita) and catla (Labeo catla) are common, especially in India due to constrained breeding. These hybrids must segregate from their wild parents as part of conservational strategies. This study intended to screen the hybrids from wild rohu and catla parents using both morphometric and molecular approaches. The carp samples were collected from Jharkhand and West Bengal, India. The correlation and regression analysis of morphometric features are considered superficial but could be protracted statistically by clustering analysis and further consolidated by nucleotide variations of one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene to differentiate hybrids from their parents. Out of 21 morphometric features, 6 were used for clustering analysis that exhibited discrete separation among rohu, catla, and their hybrids when the data points were plotted in a low-dimensional 2-D plane using the first 2 principal components. Out of 40 selected single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions of the COX1 gene, hybrid showed 100% similarity with catla. Concerning SNP similarity of the 18S rRNA nuclear gene, the hybrid showed 100% similarity with rohu but not with catla; exhibiting its probable parental inheritance. Along with morphometric analysis, the SNP comparison study together points towards strong evidence of interspecific hybridization between rohu and catla, as these hybrids share both morphological and molecular differences with either parent. However, this study will help screen the hybrids from their wild parents, as a strategy for conservational management.

Studies on seasonal variations in gonadosomatic index (GSI) of an Indian major carp labeo rohita (ham) in pond water

Climate change is projected to impact broadly across ecosystem, societies and economics increasing pressure on all livelihoods and food supplies, including those in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Indian major carps are a prized food of India, however, it is facing tough competition in Indian water against the exotic fish. The study was conducted to determine the variation in the gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of an Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Ham.). This fish has only one spawning season of short duration, running from May, June to July as indicated by the peaks of GSI, and female fish mature simultaneously. The minimum GSI for female was 2.01+ 0.42 in resting phase and maximum was observed in the spawning phase 27.53 + 3.99. Whereas GSI decreases during the post spawning season.. KEYWORDS :Gonadosomatic index, Female, Seasonal change, Labeo rohita (Ham).

Inclusion of near‐threatened micronutrient‐rich small indigenous species (SIS) dhela (Osteobrama cotio) in pond aquaculture

AbstractDue to their high content of micronutrients, small indigenous species (SISs) of fish play a vital role in the diets of people. Dhela (Osteobrama cotio) is one of the most important micronutrient‐rich SISs and was once abundant but is currently disappearing from inland waters. This study investigated the culture suitability of dhela with carp species in polycultures in a pond aquaculture system. The stocking density of the carp species was the same in all the treatments, with Labeo catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus cirrhosus at 10,800/ha. Dhela were cultivated at a density of 10,000/ha in treatment 2 (Dhela‐10K) and 15,000/ha in treatment 3 (Dhela‐15K), and no dhela were cultivated in treatment 1 (Dhela‐0). After 7 months of culture, there were no significant differences in total production among the treatments, with yields of 3393.27 ± 120.70, 3534.52 ± 57.03 and 3687.34 ± 244.41 kg/ha in Dhela‐0, Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K, respectively. Notably, a significantly greater (p &lt; 0.05) net profit and benefit‒cost ratio were found in Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K than in Dhela‐0, but no significant difference was found between Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K. The inclusion of dhela in pond polycultures with carp species demonstrates the potential benefits of diversifying aquaculture systems. Farmers could consider incorporating SISs into their existing aquaculture practices to increase overall production and improve economic returns.