Mystus Tengara Research Articles

Heavy Metals in Common Fishes Consumed in Dhaka, a Megacity of Asia: A Probabilistic Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Hazard.

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. In this study, six commonly consumed fish species namely Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Kachki (Corica soborna), Punti (Puntitus ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus), Meni (Nandus nandus), and Tengra (Mystus tengara) were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fish samples were collected from wholesale markets in Dhaka city, the main business hub of Bangladesh where the fishes converged from countrywide and are redistributed to the whole city. The metal concentration varied among the studied fish species. Hilsha, the national fish of Bangladesh, contained the highest As among the other fishes of this study, whereas Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni were the highest in Kachki, and Pb and Cr were the highest in Tengra. The probable source of metal accumulation in the fish species may be the river or marine water that can be contaminated by industrial waste, pesticide, and/or fertilizer use in agriculture and/or commercial fish feeds. All analyzed fish species showed serious heavy metal pollution, having high average pollution load index (APLI) values (> 1). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for the metals were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The hazard index (HI) for all the fish species was above 1 for adults, showing non-carcinogenic health risks. The targetcarcinogenic risk (TCR) values were below the acceptable limit (10-4) for most of the metals, indicating safe for consumption with respect to the risk of cancer.

Food and Feeding Habits of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) of Gomati River and Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura, India

Mystus tengara is a popular food fish species due to its taste, and one of the potential ornamental fish species in ornamental trades. A total of 237 specimens of Mystus tengara [1] species were collected from Rudra Sagar Lake and Kemtali. 47 food items were observed in the gut of Mystus tengara. The present study has been performed on the food and feeding habits, Gastro Somatic Index, Relative Length of Gut, Fullness and feeding Intensity, and Gut Content Analysis of Mystus tengara. Results of the study revealed that Mystus tengara is a carnivorous fish and zooplankton is the basic food group for this fish species; rotifer has also been observed as the most preferable food class. The species showed isometric growth which indicates the well-being condition of the fish.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Ganges Fish Near Varanasi, India.

Heavy metal contamination in river Ganga is one of the factors for deterioration in its water quality and also adds to human health risks. We designed our study to achieve a holistic approach by not only estimating the concentration of heavy metals (lead, manganese, chromium, and cadmium) in the river water at different sites based on human anthropogenic activities but also in the fishes residing in the same sites that are collected for human consumption on daily basis. We found that Ganga River in Varanasi is highly loaded with metals (PLI = 6.698). Mean concentration in water was 1.29mg/L for Pb, 1.325mg/L for Mn, 0.169mg/L for Cr, and 0.161mg/L for Cd, which were above the permissible limits stated by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water. Fish, including exotic and invasive species, were collected from the wild and were processed for the presence of these metals in their tissues. Degree of heavy metal concentration followed liver > gills > muscles. The highest accumulation of Pb was observed in Carpio (Cyprinus carpio) liver (8.86µg/g) and lowest in Baikari (Clupisoma garua) muscles (0.07µg/g). Total target hazard quotient (THQ) value, i.e., hazard index (HI) showed values in following sequence: Cyprinus carpio > Oreochromis niloticus > Channa gachua > Johnius coitor > Mastacembelus armatus > Mystus tengara > Clupisoma garua. Maximum HI value was recorded in C. carpio, which is highly consumed fish by humans, hence, may be harmful to them.

Effect of thyroxine and testosterone administration on water, lipid and protein contents of various tissues of Mystus tengara (Ham.)

The present work is an endeavour to investigate the administration of two hormones namely, Thyroxine and Testosterone, on water, lipid and protein contents in few selected tissues of a fresh water teleostean fish Mystus tengara (Ham.). Marked fluctuations in these constituents in Liver, brain, muscle, kidney and gonad (ovary) were observed following the treatment of above noted two hormones. . KEYWORDS :Hormone, Body tissues, Mystus tengara (Ham.)

A comparative study of three weedicides on energy values in Mystus tengara (ham.) with special reference to synergistic and antagonistic effect

The effect of sublethal concentration of three weedicides with special reference to synergistic and antagonistic phenomenon on the calorific values have been studied in an air breathing fresh water siluoid fish, Mystus tengara (Ham.). The calorific value of the control group of fishes was 3.32 K.cal/g dry weight, The treatment of Alachlor (A), Xylachlor (B) and Sidruon (C) bring about significant decrease in calorific values. The combination of A+C B+C. A+B and A+B+C make the effect synergistic. The effective hierarchy were in the following sequnces -A+b> B+C> A+B+C>A+C. The TLm (24 h) values of difference biocides (including various combinations) have also been calculated at 24?10C. The significance of this study as bioindicator and in water quality management has been discussed in this paper.. KEYWORDS :Weedicides, Fish, Calorific values.

Hormonal (sGRnH) Doses Optimization with the Ages of Brood Fish in Induced Breeding of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822)

The age of brood fish is an inevitable factor in induced breeding technology worldwide. This study aimed to determine the optimal age for M. tengara for induced breeding and identify the most suitable age based on hormonal doses. Three age groups (1, 1.5, and 2-year-old) of brood fishes were used as three different treatments (T1, T2, and T3), with 0.8 ml kg-1, 1 ml.kg-1, and 1.2 ml kg-1 body doses of Ovasis (sGRnH) as the replications (R1, R2, and R3) of each treatment. Results showed that the highest mean fertilization rate (77.5 ± 1.73 %) was achieved in T1R2 for 1-year-old fish, while 1 ml kg-1 dose was ideal for them. For 1.5-year-old M. tengara, the highest mean fertilization rate was observed in T2R1 (79.25 ± 2.99 %) with 0.8 ml kg-1 dose being the most suitable. Two-year-old fish had the highest mean fertilization rate in T3R1 and T3R2 (76.25 ± 5.5 %) in June. Based on the fertilization rate and hatching rate, 1 ml kg-1 dose was identified as ideal for 1-year-old, and 0.8 ml kg-1 was suitable for 1.5-year-old M. tengara. Among all the treatments, T2R1 (1.5 year age, 0.8 ml kg-1) showed the highest hatching rate (78.25 ± 2.36 %) and most successful breeding performance over the study period, and June was identified as the best time for induced breeding. This scientific evidence provides valuable insight into the optimal age and hormonal doses for M. tengara in induced breeding technology

Occurrence of plastics and their characterization in wild caught fish species (Labeo rohita, Wallago attu and Mystus tengara) of River Ganga (India) compared to a commercially cultured species (L. rohita)

Ganga River in India is one of the top 10 polluted rivers in the world, yet there is no information on the occurrence of plastics in its wild caught fishes compared to commercially farmed fish species. In the present study, wild fish specimens belonging to nine species were caught along the River Ganga from two locations in Patna (Bihar). Organs (gastrointestinal tract, liver, gills and muscles) of fishes were analyzed for the presence of plastics. Plastics were identified using a stereomicroscope, and polymer types were characterized through FTIR analysis. Out of the nine wild fish species, only three (Labeo rohita, Wallago attu and Mystus tengara) showed presence of plastics in them. In contrast, organs of only one commercial fish species (L. rohita) were analyzed as this was the only fish species commercially farmed and available in local fish market of Gaya (Bihar, India). Specimens of this farmed fish species were procured from selected outlets having their supply from Fish Farm of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Bihar. The average number of plastic particles per fish in wild caught and commercial fishes was found to be 2.5±1.6 and 5.2±2.5, respectively. Further, wild-caught fishes indicated highest presence of microplastics (78.5%), followed by mesoplastics (16.5%) and macroplastics (5.1%). In commercial fishes, presence of microplastics was much higher (99.6%). Fragments (83.5%) represented the prominent microplastic type found in wild-caught fishes while fibers (95.1%) were the major type in commercial fishes. Colored plastic particles (white and blue) were abundant. The column feeder fishes were more plastic contaminated than the bottom feeder fishes. The predominant microplastic polymer type in the Gangetic and farmed fish(es) was polyethylene and poly(ethylene-co-propylene), respectively. This study, for the first time ever, reports plastic pollution in wild fishes of River Ganga (India) compared to farmed species.

Microplastics in freshwater wild and farmed fish species of Bangladesh.

In today's world, microplastic contamination of aquatic systems is a subject of major concern. In this study, the incidence of microplastics in freshwater fish from both farmed and wild sources was evaluated. Wild catla (Gibelion catla), stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), rui (Labeo rohita), tengara catfish (Mystus tengara), and pabdah catfish (Ompok pabda) were collected from Padma River, Turag River, and Bhairab River. Farmed fishes of same species were collected from Mymensingh and Chandpur fish markets. A total of 68 (43.6%) microparticles out of 156 were identified as microplastics using ATR-FTIR. About 66.67% (20 out of 30) of farmed fish samples had microplastics in their digestive system, while 88.4% (23 of 26) of wild fish samples presented microplastics. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in average microplastic count between wild and farmed fish. Average microplastic count also showed a significant difference among five fish species (p < 0.01). A variety of polymers were observed, with polyethylene being the most abundant, followed by polyester, polypropylene, polyamide-6, and polyurethane. This study suggests that microplastic contamination is ubiquitous and contamination is common in all of the fish species investigated, independent of their origin (wild or farmed). However, wild fish population is at a greater risk of ingesting microplastics. This study, for the first time ever, reports plastic pollution in freshwater fishes of Bangladesh from wild and farmed sources.

First report on length-weight relationships of commercially important fishes in potamon zone of the river Kosi, Supaul, Bihar, India

The length-weight relationships of five fishes: Mystus tengara, Mystus bleekeri, Ailia coila, Aspidoparia jaya, and Cabdio morar of Koshi River, Bihar, India, were estimated. The study is the first report on the LWR of these five species from Koshi River, Bihar. The relationships were calculated using the formula: Log W = Log a + b Log L and length-weight parameters (“a” and “b”), and coefficients of determination (r2) were determined. The regression coefficient (b) values are 2.51, 3.38, 1.93, 2.62, and 2.63 for Mystus tengara, Mystus bleekeri, Ailia coila, Aspidoparia jaya, and Cabdio morar specimens, respectively.

HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER, FISH FEED AND THREE CULTURED CATFISH OF RAJSHAHI CITY, BANGLADESH

Heavy metals are very common contaminants to the environment through natural and anthropogenic sources and contamination depends on the type of contaminant, species, sampling location, trophic level, and rearing practices. The assessment of heavy metals (Co, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) in water, fish feed and three carnivorous catfish species (Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus tengara, and Ompok pabda) from Rajshahi City, Bangladesh were analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were expressed as μg.g−1 wet weight. Results indicated that the metals in water and fish feed were found to be below the safe limit of the drinking water standard and fish feed. The concentration of heavy metals was detected as highest in fish organs (skin, gills and muscle) followed by pond water and lowest in fish feed. In the accumulation of heavy metals in different organs in three catfishes from four sampling ponds, no significant difference was found between the species and organs (p &gt; 0.05). The value of the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) from both water and fish feed was lower than 100, indicating potential heavy metal accumulation. The estimated daily intake (EDI) in three catfish species was below the tolerable daily intake (TDI). The mean target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) based on studied metals in three fish species were below 1 indicating that consumption of these fish can be safe for human health.

New Record of Rare Skeletal Anomaly, Pug Head Deformity in Striped Catfish, Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) from India

New Record of Rare Skeletal Anomaly, Pug Head Deformity in Striped Catfish, Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) from India

Seasonal Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) in Two Habitats

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between length, weight, condition factor (K), and relative condition factor (Kn) of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822), with special emphasis on seasonal variation of growth patterns, productivity, stocks, and conservation in two distinct ecosystems: pond and river. The results demonstrate that the species did not strictly adhere to the predicted cube law and had allometric growth patterns throughout the season.The condition factor (K) ranged from 0.33 to 1.49, the relative condition factor (Kn) varied from 0.44 to 1.77, and the 'b' values ranged from 2.00 to 3.29. The post-monsoon season saw the greatest average values for the regression parameter (b), condition factor (K), and relative condition factor (Kn). The r2 values represent a significant relation between length and weight in two habitats and throughout all seasons. The Pearson’s correlation indicates some positive and negative significant correlations among season, length, weight, condition factor, and relative condition factor in the study area (P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.05). The Post Hoc test indicates no significant habitat-based association between the same characteristics. However, there is a significant (P&lt;0.05) seasonal link between relative condition factor, condition factor, weight, and length. As a result, these current findings will assist fisheries managers in creating efficient strategies for the long-term management of M. tengara in its habitats.&nbsp;

Observation of Water Quality Parameters on Induced Breeding of Bagrid Catfish in Bangladesh

Induced breeding of Bagrid catfish, Mystus tengara, is not widely practiced in Bangladesh, and seed is not readily available. The study was conducted to identify the optimum range of water quality parameters to best induced breeding results in a hatchery in Pabna district, Bangladesh. Fish breeding and other related work have been done in the hatchery. The (mean ± SD) temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH were ranged from 29.75±1.22oC to 33.94±0.18oC; 4.40±0.57 to 5.35±1.06 mg/l; and 7.10±0.14 to 7.40±0.28 in brood pond and 26.50±0.71oC to 31.00±1.41oC; 3.80±0.14 to 5.50±0.42; and 7.00±0.00 to 7.30±0.42 in overhead tank, respectively. The highest fertilization rate (80%) was observed in brood pond water at the 7th and 8th weeks at temperatures of 33.94±0.18o C and 32.00±1.07oC, as well as oxygen concentrations of 5.20±1.41 mg/l, 4.60±0.14 mg/l, and pH values 7.20±0.14, 7.20±0.00, respectively. In the 9th week of the experiment, the temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH values of 28.00±1.41oC, 5.50±0.42 mg/l and 7.00±0.00, respectively, were shown to have the highest hatching rates. A strong positive correlation was found among dissolved oxygen, temperature, fertilization rate, and hatching rate. Particularly, the brood raising pond's water quality parameters showed a strong positive correlation with fertilization rate. On the other hand, water quality parameters of the overhead tank showed a strong positive correlation with hatching rate. This study will help hatchery technicians in comprehending the requirements for M. tengara species induced breeding in terms of water quality.

Studies on the feeding habit and digestive enzyme activities in three small indigenous fish species from Assam, India

Knowledge of the feeding habit and the digestive physiology of a fish is important in making appropriate strategies for feed development and successful culture. Nutrient-rich small indigenous fish species (SIFs) are abundant in Assam, India. Puntius sophore, Mystus tengara, and Trichogaster fasciata of Gossaigaon, Assam are important SIFs for the local rural population, and also potential candidates for ornamental fish culture. The present study aims to evaluate the feeding habit and digestive enzyme activities of these species. Data obtained from the relative gut length and gut content analysis suggested that M. tengara is a carnivorous fish and the rest two fishes are omnivorous in habit. Further, the relative gut length was highest in T. fasciata (4.20±0.45) and lowest in M. tengara (0.55±0.11). Digestive enzyme activity indicates a correlation with the dietary habit of the fish. Further, total protease, trypsin, and amylase activity was reported highest in P. sophore. Acid protease pepsin was found to be significantly higher in M. tengara complementing its carnivorous habit and gut anatomy. The present study has established some important information on the digestive enzyme characteristics and feeding habits of the three fish species. This information might be useful in the development of suitable feed for the fish species for their culture.

A Comparative Study on Total Muscle Protein Content of Different Fish Species in Fresh and Smoked - Dried Condition and to Analyze their Banding Pattern through SDS- PAGE

Fish plays an important role in human nutrition. They are known to be a very healthy food item. They are excellent protein sources that also deliver various minerals and vitamins necessary for good health. Due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty a cid, fish flesh and fish oil are beneficial in reducing the serum cholesterol. In addition to that, the special type of fatty acid, omega -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is recognized as an important component to prevent a number of coronary heart diseases. Fish proteins contain all the essential amino acids in the required proportion and hence have a high nutritional value, which contribute to their high biological value. In fresh fi sh muscles, the water content is strongly bound to the proteins and cannot be easily removed even under higher pressure. For the present study, three different fish species, Clarias batrachus (E1), Mystus tengara (E2) and Puntius ticto (E3) were taken to study their protein content and analyze the electrophoretic protein banding pattern for both fresh and smoked dried conditions. Pr otein extract was made from the muscle tissue of the fishes taken. The protein content was measured by Lowry’s method using BSA protein as standard. The optical density was measu red at 660nm. The electrophoretic protein banding patterns were determined using SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the total protein concentration of samples for fresh condition E1F, E2F and E3F was found to be 7.15±0.247 mg/ml, 7.20±0.224 mg/ml and 4.98±0.283 mg/ml respectively and for smoked dried condition E1D, E2D and E3D was 8.48±0.273 mg/ml, 8.31±0.222 mg/ml and 5.81±0.335 mg/ml respectively. The SDS-PAGE electrophoresis showed significant increase in the protein bands of three types of smoked dried fish samples when compared to fresh ones. Therefore, the percentage of protein content in selected smoked dried fishes was found more.&#x0D;

The identity and distribution of striped bagrid catfish, Mystus tengara (Hamilton 1822) revealed through integrative taxonomy.

The taxonomic status and geographical distribution of M. tengara are vague. No genetic diversity and phylogenetic study have been done till now to resolve its identity and distribution. In the present study, an integrated taxonomic approach has been applied to clarify the taxonomic status, identity, and distribution of bagrid catfish, Mystus tengara. Comparative morphometric evaluation of M. tengara identified in the present study from distant geographical locations revealed variations of the traits in response to body length and environment, without significant genetic distance. The observed morphometric traits of M. tengara were found to be overlapping with available morphometric traits of M. tengara, M. carcio and M. vittatus. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene also could not resolve their identity, and five paraphyletic clades comprising of M. tengara, M. vittatus, and M. carcio from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were observed. Morphological and genetic evidence along with comparative evaluation of M. tengara, from its type locality, we consider M. tengara identified in the present study to be true, with its distribution extending from North East India to West Bengal, North India, Central India, Northern peninsular India, and Bangladesh. The observation of paraphyletic subclades and evaluation of genetic distance between subclades reveals the presence offour cryptic species. Further confirmation on the identity of M. vittatus and M. carcio, by an integrated taxonomic approach based on fresh specimens collected from the type locality, is required.

Quality Changes of Salt-Smoke-Dried Tengra (Mystus tengara) during Storage at Room Temperature (28 To 32°C) in Different Packs

Packing has effect on the quality parameters of a food product. Here, studies were conducted to produce premium quality salt-smoke-dried tengra fish (Mystus tengra) by combining the effect of salt and smoke in a smoking kiln. During the study, moisture content in tengra fish fell from an initial value of 77.17% to a range of 18.56% to 29.09%, protein content from 51.36% to a range of 40.54% to 51.36%, lipid content from 16.20% to a range of 6.50% to 16.20% and ash content from 13.40% to a range of 8.17% to 13.40% for salt-smoke-dried products at the end of the storage period. On the other hand, the TVB-N value of fresh fish muscle was obtained 2.90 (mg/100g), pH 6.80 and bacterial load 1.13×104 (CFU/g), with the progress of storage period 180 days which values increased to the range of 28.16 to 29.34 mg/100g, 6.27 to 7.86 and 4.42 ×105to 6.82 x 105CFU/g, respectively. From the obtained results this study could be concluded that- if tengra is salted, smoked and dried properly can be stored at room temperature (26 to 28°C) for about 6 months without major deterioration of the fish and among three packs vacuum pack might be better option for storing salt-smoke-dried tengra.&#x0D; Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 12(1&amp;2): 191-197, 2019

Phylogenetic observation in Ariidae, Bagridae and Plotosidae catfishes by COI gene sequence analysis

To understand the phylogenetic status of Ariidae, Bagridae and Plotosidae catfishes, this study was planned using the barcode gene, cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Totally 71 species were used in phylogenetic reconstructions under maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference criteria. The one-way ANOVA showed that the three catfish families are significantly different (F= 19.79, d.f. = 3; 116, P&lt; 0.0001 (Plotosidae); F= 44.21, d.f.= 3; 986, P&lt; 0.0001 (Ariidae); F= 24.83, d.f.= 3; 1322, P&lt; 0.0001 (Bagridae). In MP, ML and BI based phylogenetic tree of Ariidae, Plicofollis genus displayed as a monophyletic group with higher bootstrap and posterior probability values for all the species except two species of Neoarius, which intervened separating P. polystaphylodon. In the phylogenetic tree of Plotoside, Plotosus genus displayed as monophyletic group with higher bootstrap and posterior probability values for all the eight species. In the case of Bagridae phylogeentic tree, Mystus genus displayed as a monophyletic group with higher bootstrap and posterior probability values for all the species except Mystus montanus forming a distant and distinct clade whereas Mystus tengara collides into monophyletic clade when Neotropius genuswas removed. By this study we could establish a phylogenetic hypothesis for all the 36 catfish families and examine the monophyly status of the subfamilies and genera.

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.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and their toxicity assessment in Mystus species.

This study was conducted on two native fish species namely Mystus vittatus and Mystus tengara inhabiting challenging environment of Yamuna River. The heavy metals concentrations in the river water were found to be as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd, all above the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The high metal pollution index in gill, liver, and kidney of M. vittatus was recorded compared to M. tengara. The pathology caused by the accumulation of heavy metals resulted significantly (p < 0.05) higher enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine kinase (CK) in M. tengara as compared to M. vittatus. However, albumin: globulin ratio was found to be below 0.8 in both fishes. Higher total leukocyte (TLC) (48.5 × 103/mm3), lymphocytes (40%), respiratory burst activity (1.9), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (13.11 U/L) in M. vittatus reflect high immune response. In addition, chromosomal breakage study showed significantly (p < 0.05) low micronuclei frequency, lobed nuclei, and kidney-shaped nuclei (KSN) in M. vittatus. These results indicate that under the same challenging conditions M. vittatus have more capability of resistance and its continuous survival points towards its suitability to serve as a bioindicator than M. tengara.