Monopterus Cuchia Research Articles

Comparative analysis of biometrical and reproductive indices, proximate composition, and hemato-biochemical variables of cuchia eel Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) from six different localities of Bangladesh

Cuchia eel (Monopterus cuchia) is among the most sought-after freshwater fish, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and high consumer demand. The current research aimed to establish baseline data by comparing the proximate composition, hematological, and plasma biochemical indices of Cuchia eel populations across six different geographical locations in Bangladesh: Bogra, Haluaghat, Jamalpur, Moktagacha, Sylhet, and Tangail. By examining these parameters, we aim to gain valuable insights into the nutritional benefits, physiological responses, and potential adaptations of this species to varying environments. The statistical analysis revealed no significant (P > 0.05) variances in the whole-body proximate composition of the fish captured from distinct areas. However, it was observed that different geographical regions had remarkable impacts on the variations of the majority of the hematological parameters, except for some cases. Additionally, there was a notable (P < 0.05) increase or decrease in most of the serum biochemical contents in certain localities as compared to others in this study. Light microscopic examination of Cuchia eel blood smears exhibited lower numbers but larger sizes of RBCs. The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that different localities had significant impacts on the hematology and blood biochemical indices of Cuchia eel, even though the whole-body proximate composition showed no significant variations. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physiological aspects of Cuchia eel.

Ecological Significance of Monopterus cuchia in the Budhi Ganga Ecosystem of Hastinapur: A Multifaceted Exploration

This study delves into the profound ecological implications of Monopterus cuchia, commonly referred to as the Indian swamp eel, within the revered confines of Hastinapur, an ancient capital of the Mahabharata era, and the intricate Budhi Ganga ecosystem. We explore the remarkable adaptations of M. cuchia to oxygen-depleted swamp environments, primarily through the intricate mechanism of cutaneous respiration, bridging the domains of historical reverence and ecological inquiry. The Budhi Ganga, characterized by its rich historical, cultural, and ecological significance, reveals itself as a repository of intricate biodiversity complexities. Monopterus cuchia, occupying crucial ecological niches both as a predator and prey, orchestrates trophic intricacies that reverberate throughout the riverine food web. In parallel, these eels take on the role of astute ecological indicators, poised to signal shifts in water quality, habitat stability, and nutrient dynamics. Nonetheless, the delicate equilibrium of the Budhi Ganga faces imminent peril from anthropogenic intrusions, particularly the allocation of land along its revered banks. These disruptions manifest as habitat degradation, hydrological perturbations, and insidious pollutant intrusions, leading to a regrettable decline in ecological diversity. The urgency of safeguarding the ecological sanctity of the Budhi Ganga transcends conventional ecological stewardship, encompassing profound cultural and historical responsibilities. This research emphasizes the critical need for rigorous conservation paradigms, comprehensive ecosystem restoration initiatives, and prudent land management protocols to navigate the intricacies of these complex ecosystems.

Growth and production performance of Mud Eel, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) using different types of feed in the Northern region of Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to assess the growth and production performance of freshwater Mud Eel (Monopterus cuchia) using different types of feed in nine earthen ponds in Bogura and Naogaon district of Bangladesh over a period of 180 days from 01 July, 2020 to 31 December, 2021. Three different treatments having three replicates each [T1 {Live fish spawn (60%), Vermi compost (40%)}, T2 {Live fish spawn (40%), Fish paste (60%)} and T3 {Vermi compost (40%), fish paste (40%), Rice bran (10%) and Wheat flour (10%)}] were used where significantly higher (P&lt; 0.05) gross production and low FCR were recorded in T1 treatment. Juvenile cuchia were stocked @ 400 nos/dec in each treatment having mean initial body weight of 25 g and mean initial body length of 20 cm where highest weight gain of 130.09±1.79 g was found in T1 (p&lt;0.05), followed by the T2 (112.89±1.51 g) and T3 (95.02±0.16 g). Survival rate (82.11±2.21%) and specific growth rate (1.01± 0.02 % day-1) were also found to be highest in T1 compared to the T2 and T3. Feed were applied twice a day up to satiation level using feeding tray to check feeding performance of fish. Water quality parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and alkalinity were in the optimum range for fish culture. Results from the present study clearly indicate that live fish spawn and vermi compost is suitable for the grow-out culture of M. cuchia in earthen ponds for its better growth, survival rate and production.

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.

Economics of freshwater Mud Eel fattening (Monopterus cuchia) in polyculture system: a case study from Nilphamari, Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to analyze the cost and returns as well as to determine the effect of variable inputs on outputs of Monopterus cuchia fattening in polyculture systems. A total of 60 Cuchia farmers were selected from Saidpur upazila in the Nilphamari District. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from September 2018-April 2019. Average stocking density (no/acre) for M. cuchia, Heteropneustes fossilis, Clarias batrachus and Oreochromis niloticus were 2288±228, 2066±144, 1883±197 and 4842±715, respectively. The average production of Cuchia, shing, magur and tilapia were 979.17±128.65, 368.33±66.36, 330±51.42 and 1027.5±118.76 kg per acre, respectively. The total variable cost was BDT 191,225.9±96565.7 per acre whereas total fixed cost was BDT 85,731.45±6276.64 per acre. In the total variable cost, percentages of labor, feed, fertilization, liming, stocking and other cost were 12.01%, 36.01%, 0.38%, 1.47%, 14.55% and 6.59%, respectively. This study also revealed that per acre gross revenue and net return were BDT 452,025.58±35829 and 173,907.72±24560 respectively. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) value in Cuchia polyculture farming was 1.65. Based on the Cobb-Douglas production function model, fingerling cost and feed cost were significant of Cuchia fattening in polyculture system. The production function analysis also reveals positive effects of different variable costs indicating enough scope to increase production and income from Cuchia fattening in polyculture system with a reduction in production costs and increased market price&#x0D;

Growth and yield performance of a sustainable aquaculture of cuchia, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) under different type of feeds in Bangladesh

An experiment was undertaken to assess the growth performance, yield and survival rate of cuchia, Monopterus cuchia in grow out culture in earthen ponds in relation to three different types of feed (Live feed, T1; Boiled fish muscle and live feed, T2; and Supplementary feed, T3) for a rearing period of 180 days from February 2020 to July 2020 at Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Riverine Sub-Station, Khepupara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. The experiment was designed with three different type of feeds viz. small live fish as T1, live fish with boiled fish muscle as T2 and treatment T3 with supplementary feed i.e., fish paste (50%), fish meal (40%), rice bran(5%), wheat flour (5%) respectively. Same age with a mean length and weight of 39.29±4.84 cm and 89.12±16.36 g of hatchlings of cuchia collected from the Upazilla of Amtoli under Barguan district, Bangladesh were stocked on February 2020 with a stocking density of 10 fingerlings/m2. Feeding rations were applied twice daily up to satiation level following the experimental design using feeding tray to check waste of feed. Basic water quality variables and growth performance of cuchia were checked fortnightly. It was observed that T2 gave the highest weight gain (232.21±7.11 g) followed by T1 (208.71±8.98 g) and T3 (205.71±8.03 g). The highest specific growth and survival rate were recorded 0.73±0.01% and 94.25±1.12% respectively in the treatment T2. Significant differences (P< 0.05) were recorded among the three treatments. The highest total production (91.97±5.04 kg/decimal) was found in T2 compared to T1 (78.67±6.91 kg/decimal) and T3 (76.56±3.82 kg/decimal). The present findings indicates that mixture of live fish and boiled fish muscle could be supplied as feed for grow out culture of M. cuchia in earthen ponds.

Does fish price depend solely on weight? A market survey analysis from four districts of West Bengal, India

Fish is an important food item that contains perfect combination of essential nutrients. The main consumable fishes in West Bengal, India are various carps and other small indigenous fishes. The objective of the study was to find out whether fish weight was a crucial factor to decide pricing and what kind of fish was beneficial for consumer from economic perspective. Thirteen markets in four districts (Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah) of West Bengal were surveyed to collect information about price, weight and number of vendors selling a particular fish considering 22 fish species. Subsequent statistical analyses were performed to conclude about the relationship between fish weight and price. The study indicates that pricing of every fish species does not depend solely on their weight. Weight plays important role to determine the price of few fish species such as Liza persia, Lates calcarifer, Wallago attu, Ompok pabo and Mystus tengara. But, the price of small indigenous fishes like Chanda nama, Colisa fasciata, Harpadon nehereus, Monopterus cuchia, Rhingomugil corsula, Sperata aor and Puntius puntio does not depend on the weight of individual fish. Seasonal availability, taste, consumer’s personal preference have important role to determine fish price.

Biometric indices of eleven mangrove fish species from southwest Bangladesh

Biometric indices, i.e. i) length-weight relationships (LWRs), ii) form factor (a3.0), iii) length-frequency distributions (LFDs), and iv) condition factors (relative KR and Fulton’s KF) are considered to be very crucial in the assessment of fishery studies as they provide information on fish population growth and coastal habitat well-being. The study of biometric indices of mangrove fish has, however, received little attention. Our research investigates the LFDs, LWRs, a3.0, KR and KF of 395 individuals from nine families (Latidae, Engraulidae, Gobiidae, Mugilidae, Synbranchidae, Schilbeidae, Scatophagidae, Plotosidae, and Terapontidae). The LFDs showed that the lowest total length (TL) was 4.57 cm for Stolephorus tri, and highest TL was 56.20 for Monopterus cuchia. The LWRs showed that the b (allometric coefficient) values ranging from 2.01 (Plotosus canius) to 3.29 (Terapon jarbua), appeared as highly significant (P < 0.001). Moreover, the KR values ranged from 0.80 to 1.36, which indicate a good state of health of the population. Our findings could be useful in updating the FishBase (online database) and tracking mangrove fish species sustainably.

Evaluation Trial on Production Performance of Freshwater Mud Eel (Monopterus cuchia) in Farmer’s Pond

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the production performance of freshwater mud eel (Monopterus cuchia) with supplementary feed for a period of 5 months in field level. Two ponds were selected for this experiment in Maulovibazar district. Baby cuchia having weight of 50-70 g were stocked in ponds at a stocking density of 10/m2 in filter net. Liming (CaO) was done in all the ponds at rate of 250 kg/ha. A safety shelter for cuchia was developed by installing bamboo root, plastic and bamboo-made hollow pipe, aquatic vegetation and necessary objects in the pond. Different physico-chemical parameters were found to be within the acceptable ranges for M. cuchia culture in all ponds. Supplementary feed composed of fish paste (50%), fish meal (40%), rice bran (5%) and wheat flour (5%) was applied at the rate of 2-3% of body weight. After 5 months of rearing, total production obtained were 28.3±1.09 and 31.9±2.56 kg from pond-1 and pond-2, respectively. The highest production was obtained from pond-2 and lowest production was obtained in pond-1. The net profit gained from pond-1 and pond-2 were tk 2559 and 3211 per decimal, respectively.

Nutritional characterization of freshwater mud eel (Monopterus cuchia) muscle cooked by different thermal processes.

This paper reports the effects of four popular cooking methods viz. grilling, boiling, frying, and microwaving on the proximate and nutritional compositions of freshwater mud eel (FWME) muscle. The moisture content of raw FWME muscle was 74.45%, which was similar in boiled products but lower in grilled, fried, and microwaved products (p ≤ .05). The protein content in raw and cooked FWME muscles varied between 14.49% and 21.28%. There were found 20 different fatty acids in FWME muscle of which palmitic acid was the most abundant one with an amount of 26.51%–29.70% in raw and cooked FWME muscles. FWME muscle contained a substantial amount of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ranging from 7.54% to 13.7%. However, the thermal effects during cooking decreased the ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. There were seven essential and eight nonessential amino acids available in FWME muscle; among the essential amino acids, lysine content was the highest. Raw and cooked FWME were very rich in calcium, between 794.52 mg/100 g and 883.24 mg/100 g muscle. Among the studied heavy metals, Pb content was the highest. However, all the heavy metal contents were within acceptable limits determined by health risk assessment, that is, target hazard quotient and target cancer risk.

DOMESTICATION TECHNIQUE OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT FRESHWATER MUD EEL, Monopterus cuchia (HAMILTON, 1822)

The research was conducted to develop the domestication technique of Monopterus cuchia collected from Sherpur district, Bangladesh. A total of 300 young M. cuchia (average 95±6.4 g) was reared under nine treatments as earthen pond with dead fish (EpDf), earthen pond with live fish (EpLf), earthen pond with formulated feeds (EpFf), mud treated plastic tank with dead fish (PmDf), mud treated plastic tank with live fish (PmLf), mud treated plastic tank with formulated feeds (PmFf), plastic tank with dead fish (PtDf), plastic tank with live fish (PtLf), and plastic tank with formulated feeds (PtFf) with three replicates each. Size of each earthen pond was 1m3 and plastic circular tank was 0.322m3. Stocking density was maintained at 10 fish in each replicate by random selection. Survival, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR%/day), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were measured. The best survival (100±0), WG (61.17±1.83), SGR (0.118±0.026), FCR (2.44±0.17), FCE (35.75%±2.90), and PER (1.75±0.14) were obtained in EpLf, which was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than others. This is the first report of domestication of M. cuchia and indicates that earthen pond with live fish might be suitable for domestication of M. cuchia.

Molecular characterization of Glutathione S-transferase in two eel species, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) and Monopterus albus (Zuiew)

Molecular characterization of Glutathione S-transferase in two eel species, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) and Monopterus albus (Zuiew)

Growth performance of freshwater Mud Eel, Monopterus cuchia in different ditches conditions

Growth performance of freshwater Mud Eel, Monopterus cuchia in different ditches conditions

Induced breeding and larval rearing of Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) under the agro-climatic conditions of Meghalaya, India

Monopterus cuchia is a fresh water eel widely distributed in Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan but predominantly available in Bangladesh and North East Region of India. The population of the species has been declined in its natural habitat to a great extend due to various environmental and anthropogenic factors. So far no report was available regarding artificial propagation of the species M. cuchia, especially from India. Hence it is necessary to develop an induced breeding protocol by standardized doses of synthetic hormone for artificial propagation of the fish.Thus, an experiment was set up for induced breeding of the species using synthetic hormone, Gonopro-FH. After hormonal administration (Gonopro-FH), brooders were released into specially prepared ponds and spawning was natural and spontaneous. During the period of analysis, fecundity of M. cuchia was calculated as 924 eggs (length= 78cm, weight= 344 gms). Induced breeding was successful using Gonopro-FH and the final dosage was 1ml/kg body weight to the female along with 0.3ml/kg body weight to the male. Final fertilization percentage was 75-80% and hatching percentage was 80-85%.

Heliconema Monopteri n. Sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) from Monopterus Cuchia (Hamilton) (Osteichthyes: Synbranchidae) in India, with Notes on the Taxonomy of Heliconema Spp.

SummaryA new nematode species, Heliconema monopteri n. sp. (Physalopteridae), is described from the stomach and intestine of the freshwater fish Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) (Synbranchidae) in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is mainly characterized by the lengths of spicules (468 – 510 μm and 186 – 225 μm), the postequatorial vulva without elevated lips, the presence of pseudolabial lateroterminal depressions and by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae. This is the first representative of the genus reported from a synbranchiform fish. Another new congeneric species, Heliconema pisodonophidis n. sp. is established based on a re-examination of nematodes previously reported as H. longissimum (Ortlepp, 1922) from Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton) (Ophichthidae) in Thailand; ovoviviparity in this species is a unique feature among all physalopterids. Heliconema hamiltonii Bilqees et Khanum, 1970 is designated as a species dubia and the nematodes previously reported as H. longissimum from Mastacembelus armatus (Lacépède) in India are considered to belong to H. kherai Gupta et Duggal, 1989. A key to species of Heliconema Travassos, 1919 is provided.

Seasonal variations in nutritional profile of the freshwater mud eel, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822)

Seasonal variations of proximate compositions, amino acids, and fatty acids contents of Monopterus cuchia were studied for the first time in Bangladesh. The fat and fatty acid, protein and amino acid contents showed a significant seasonal dependency. Lipid contents showed the wider variation than the protein contents. Among the 14 recorded amino acids, the primary amino acids were lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, glycine and aspartic acid. The ratio of essential and non-essential amino acids was higher in the post-monsoon season (0.69) than pre-monsoon (0.68) and monsoon season (0.68) and did not show seasonal discrepancies. The amount of fatty acids were found in order of saturated fatty acids (SFA) &gt; mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) &gt; polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The predominant fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acids of SFAs, oleic and palmitoleic acid of MUFAs and linoleic and α linolenic acids of PUFAs group. The combined value of EPA+DHA varied from 1.44–5.34% depending on the season, with the highest in monsoon season. However, the n-6/n-3 ratios were notably lower (0.58–2.51) throughout the season than the greatest esteem of 4. Therefore, M. cuchia may be consumed as healthy as safe food with reference to n-6/n-3 ratio, irrespective of catching seasons.

A Sustainable Control Natural Breeding Technology of Mud Eel, Monopterus Cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

A Sustainable Control Natural Breeding Technology of Mud Eel, Monopterus Cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

Analysis of feeding behaviour and gastro-somatic index (GaSI) during different phases of breeding cycle of Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) from Meghalaya, India

Fresh water mud eel (Monopterus cuchia) is considered as a highly nutritious food fish having therapeutic value. Therefore, a study has been conducted to acquire information on the food and feeding habit of this species in relation to reproductive cycle. Relative Length of the Gut (RLG), Gastro-Somatic Index (GaSI) and Analysis of gut content have been studied. It was observed that insect larvae and zooplankton comprised the major part of Gut content. GaSI values of 2.70 (Spent), 3.14 (Pre-Breeding), 2.13 (Breeding) and 2.56 (Post-Breeding) was observed to be different from all the four stages. Moreover, GaSI value was lowest during breeding period and highest during pre-breeding period. Lowest GaSI value of 2.13 indicates period of low feeding intensity which coincides with breeding period. Based on the obtained results, Monopterus cuchia was considered as a carnivorous fish since the RLG value is less than 1.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Freshwater Mud Eel (Monopterus cuchia) Using RAPD and RFLP Markers

Background: Monopterus cuchia, an economically important eel of Bangladesh, is confronting the challenge of population reduction and germplasm degeneration since the vast majority of fingerlings are collected from natural habitats and artificial cultivation of the fish is yet to be established.Materials and Methods: 30 individuals of M. cuchia from a natural population of Northern-East part of Bangladesh were analyzed using 8 decamer primers and glutamine synthetase gene was digested with 2 restriction enzymes.Results: A total of 735 bands with 228 polymorphic loci were detected among the selected 30 individuals by using RAPD assay while 100% polymorphism was revealed by all the primers. The genetic distance among the individuals was calculated by using the data from pair-wise similarity index where 36 groups of genetic diversities were measured while the lowest and highest genetic distance were found 0.58 and 0.97 respectively with an average genetic diversity of 0.81. The Nei’s genetic similarity values were found from 0.06 to 0.6 where average value was recorded 0.301746 which was found significant regarding genetic distance. Phylogenetic relationships using UPGMA clustering revealed linkage distance ranged from 3.6 to 6.24 and generated 6 clusters by 11 clades with the involvement of 22 individuals while the rest of the samples were connected to those clades with specific linkage distances. Genetic diversity of glutamine synthetase gene was analyzed with two restriction enzymes, e.g. +CfrI and +Hpy178III while both the enzymes digested the gene fragment at a length of 541 bp and polymorphism was detected in terms of wild type homogygotes, polymorphic homozygote and heterozygosity. The genetic diversity was observed by using the RFLP band analysis and four different groups of individuals were identified with the p-values of 0, 0.033, 0.05 and 1 respectively whereas different distances were found among the groups indicating the polymorphism among experimental individuals of glutamine synthetase gene.Conclusion: Herein, RAPD and RFLP analysis indicating the rich genetic diversity of this fish in the experimental ecological habitat and this would come helpful for the conservation of germplasm diversity and to support the sustainable breeding program of M. cuchia.

Reproductive Cycle of the Mud Eel, Monopterus Cuchia (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822) in Bangladesh

Reproductive Cycle of the Mud Eel, Monopterus Cuchia (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822) in Bangladesh