Small Indigenous Fish Research Articles

Abundance, characteristics, and risk assessment of microplastics in indigenous freshwater fishes of India

Microplastic (MP) pollution has pressing concerns regarding environmental health and the availability of safe food for humans. Information on the occurrence of MP in freshwater biota in the Indian scenario is currently lacking. The present study examined MP contamination in edible and non-edible tissues of widely consumed freshwater fishes. All the fish species (n = 35/species) analyzed had microplastic contamination with the highest MP abundance of 7.86 ± 2.0 items/individual in Channa punctatus followed by Labeo rohita (4.17 ± 0.6 items/individual) and Labeo bata (3.03 ± 0.4 items/individual); whereas MP abundance in small indigenous fishes (SIF) such as Salmostoma bacaila and Puntius amphibius accounts for 0.83 ± 0.13 and 0.77 ± 0.2 items/individual respectively. The principal component analysis results showed a 77.434% variance from two components identified for MP distribution. Fibre type MP was the most dominant type besides fragments and pellets that opined the type of MP required for ecotoxicity assessment, the need of the hour. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirms high-density and low-density polyethylene-type polymers. Evidence of MP in edible tissue indicates the translocation phenomenon resulting in human exposure through the consumption of biota contaminated with MP. Risk assessment revealed a low risk of MP based on its abundance while polymer type indicates a high risk for the fish species investigated. A thorough investigation of the level of adsorbed organic contaminants in the MP is warranted to address the interactive effects on biota. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report on MP contamination and its risk assessment in Indian freshwater fishes.

Improving approaches and modeling framework for assessing vulnerability of Asian leaf fish in the major river basin floodplains of India in changing climate

Asian leaf fish Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) is a valued small indigenous freshwater fish (SIF) in inland waters with high food, and conservation importance but relatively less studied. We assessed the impact of regional climate variability for the first time on population attributes and breeding phenology and predicted its biological vulnerability through General Additive Model (GAM) in changing climatic scenario. We determined environmental cue, threshold biological condition and preferred climatic condition for breeding from lower Gangetic floodplains and Brahmaputra floodplain wetlands, India. We observed that female length at first maturity (LM50) was 10.5 cm for Brahmaputra basin and 10.8 cm for Ganga basin. Threshold Gonado-somatic index value for ready to spawn individuals (GSIspawn50) was estimated at 10.6 units for Brahmaputra and 8.11 units for Ganga basin. Temperature > 28 °C and rainfall >200 mm were found optimum for breeding in Ganga basin and temperature between 26 and 29 °C and monthly rainfall >150 mm were found optimum for Brahmaputra basin. Narrow GSIspawn50 temperature window indicated that the species is more vulnerable to climate change in Assam compared to West Bengal. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a strong and significant correlation of gonado-somatic index (GSI) with rainfall and temperature in floodplain wetlands of both states. The population vulnerability ranged from moderate to highly vulnerable to climate change based on 14 designed attributes. Evidently, an innovative vulnerability framework developed for assessing the resilience of the species was an important effort in the Indian sub-continent. This will further help to quantify the climate induced risks which could serve as important database to develop the mitigation measures.

Evaluation of stocking of two small indigenous fish, pabda (Ompok pabda) and gulsha tangra (Mystus cavasius) with Indian major carps in composite fish culture system

Evaluation of stocking of two small indigenous fish, pabda (Ompok pabda) and gulsha tangra (Mystus cavasius) with Indian major carps in composite fish culture system

Ability of machine learning models to identify preferred habitat traits of a small indigenous fish (Chanda nama) in a large river of peninsular India.

Physical and chemical parameters of river influence the habitat of fish species in aquatic ecosystems. Fish showed a complex relationship with different aquatic factors in river. Machine learning modeling is a useful tool to identify relationships between components of a complex environmental system. We identified the preferred habitat indicators of Chanda nama (a small indigenous fish), in the Krishna River located in peninsular India, using machine learning modeling. Using data on Chanda nama fish distribution (presence/absence) and associated ten physical and chemical parameters of water at 22 sampling sites of the river collected during the year 2001-2002, machine learning models such as random forest, artificial neural network, support vector machine, and k-nearest neighbors were used for classification of Chanda nama distribution in the river. The machine learning model efficiency was evaluated using classification accuracy, Cohen's kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operating-characteristics. Results showed that random forest is the best model with higher classification accuracy (82%), Cohen's kappa coefficient (0.55), sensitivity (0.57), specificity (0.76), and receiver-operating-characteristics (0.72) for prediction of the occurrence of Chanda nama in the Krishna River. Random forest model identified three preferred physicochemical habitat traits such as altitude, temperature, and depth for Chanda nama distribution in Krishna River. Our results will be helpful for researcher and policy maker to understand important physical and chemical variables for sustainable management of a small indigenous fish (Chanda nama) in a large tropical river.

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.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Aspergillus elegans from small indigenous dry fish ‘Jat Puti’ Puntius sophore (Hamilton 1822) in Bangladesh

Small indigenous species (SIS) of fishes are available source of animal protein, vitamin and minerals, not commonly available in other foods in Bangladesh. These fishes are eaten both in fresh and dried condition. Puntious sophore was collected from different regions of Baikka Beel at Sreemangal Upazila, Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh to investigate mycoflora association with dried condition. Fungus was isolated from dried fish using tissue planting methods for classical and molecular characterization. Aspergillus elegans was identified through classical taxonomy and molecular approach based on ITS region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of fungi. For analyzing ITS4 and ITS5 were used. Mycelium of the identified fungus septated, hyaline, abundant and branched. Long, straight or flexous conidiophore were present. The molecular phylogeny in morphologically identified dry fish fungi of P. sophore such as A. elegans was studied based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The sequences of ITS 600 bp region of A. elegans had 5.8S of rDNA sequences were identical. The highest mycelial growth was recorded in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium for the growth and development of A. elegans. Temperature 30°C was optimum, this fungus grew well in pH 7. So, tested fungi grew well in neutral condition.
 Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 10(1 & 2): 39-47, 2021 (June & December)

Length–weight relationships of seven small indigenous fish species from the Tapti River in peninsular India

AbstractLength–weight relationships of seven small indigenous fishes collected from the middle and lower stretch of the Tapti River in India were determined. The specimens were caught with drag nets (0 mm mesh size), gill nets (10–20 mm knot‐to‐knot mesh length) and scoop nets (0 mm) from the Maharashtra, and Gujarat state stretches of the Tapti River from November 2018 to December 2019. Digital calliper and digital balances were used to measure the total length (TL) and body weight (BW) of all fish specimens respectively. The growth coefficient b varied from 2.758 (Parambassis ranga) to 3.298 (Osteobrama cotio), and the LWRs were highly significant (p < .005). The present study established LWRs for the first time for seven fish species in the respective riverine habitat, including providing a new maximum length record for Corica soborna. The results of the present study will be useful for sustainable management and conservation of respective species in the river and its associated waterbodies.

Fish diversity, community structure, and environmental variables of River Tamas, a tributary of River Ganga, India

AbstractThe Tamas River is a right-bank tributary of the River Ganga, originating from Jhukehi village in Madhya Pradesh and meeting up with the Ganga at Sirsa, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. An investigation was carried out in six sites at (Itahara, S1), (Madhavgarh, S2), (Bakiya upstream, S3), (Bakiya downstream, S4), (Chakghat, S5) and (Panasaghat, S6) of the river to document the fish diversity, seasonal variability, and impact of environmental variables on fish species composition during the period 2017 to 2019. Altogether 75 fish species belonging to 54 genera, 23 families, and 10 orders were recorded. Fish species richness at (S1), (S2), (S3), (S4), (S5), and (S6) and was recorded as 9, 39, 38, 13, 61, and 49, respectively. Family Cyprinidae with 31 species contributing 41% was the most dominant family, followed by Bagridae (8%) and Schilbeidae (6.7%). Seasonal variation in fish species richness and diversity indices were observed in the river stretch. Maximum species richness (45) was observed at S5 during monsoon and a minimum (6) at S1 during post-monsoon. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature categorization, 10 out of 75 fish species recorded from the river were considered to be threatened. Three exotic species, namely Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis niloticus, and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, were recorded at some stretches, which may be a concern for native fish diversity. Environmental variables like water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, water velocity, and alkalinity influenced the fish community structure. The selected (S1–S6) stretch of the river falls under the category of Slightly Impacted River based on the Shannon Index (H’ >3). The present investigation was the first assessment of rich fish diversity covering the maximum stretch of river, which supports many important and small indigenous fishes for conservation.

Small Indigenous Fish (SIF): Status and Contributions in Nutrition and Livelihood Security of India: A Review

The small indigenous fish (SIF), having length of about 25 cm is locally available in the small water resources viz. wetlands, canals, streams etc. and affordable to the poor people also. These are important food item as animal protein, vitamins and minerals sources in the diet of human beings. The objective of this review is to investigate the availability and importance of SIF in nutritional security and income generation of the community. Published and unpublished sources were used to obtain appropriate data. This study interprets actual availability of different species of SIFs, capture and culture resources, consumption pattern and marketing channels etc. A literature review was conducted to highlight the research attempt made to enhance the socio-economic condition of rural sector and as a result it offers important guidelines to popularize SIFs for nutritional security. In India a total of 765 native freshwater fish species documented, out of which about 450 are categorized as small indigenous fish species. The maximum diversity of the SIF’s has been recorded from the North East region followed by Western Ghat and Central India. Review indicates an ardent need of focused research efforts towards the development and conservation of these fishes before they become extinct.

Aligning small indigenous fish species (SIS) in policy and management for enhanced food security and nutrition: The case of the Kenyan Lake Victoria Omena fishery

AbstractFisheries governance uses policy and statutory documents to improve governance on fish ecology, harvesting, trade and consumption by identifying and addressing gaps regarding inefficiencies, inequity and post‐harvest losses. The current study examines existing policies and institutional documents on fisheries, health and trade to assess the level of inclusion of small indigenous fish species (SIS), especially Omena, as a means of guiding governance interventions for sustained livelihoods of fishing communities in Lake Victoria. A content‐analysis review was conducted on all the fisheries and nutritional policy documents related to Lake Victoria fishery to ascertain the need for their integration into fisheries governance. From the scoring scale, where zero (0) implies no integration and three (3) implies high integration, the study results indicated very low levels of integration across health, fisheries and trade relating to small fish species. Further, the management plans and regulations/guidelines exhibited a relatively higher level of integration than did policies and laws. There is need for a more targeted approach for streamlining the existing policy documents to realize the untapped potential contribution of SIS towards food and nutritional security.

Traditional fishing gears of Bankura District, WB, India: Some uniqueness in fish catching

The present study was undertaken to furnish the detailed features of the fish trapping devices and methods employed by the fish-farmers of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. It also determines small indigenous freshwater fish diversity. The study was carried out in randomly selected water bodies, ponds, rivers, streams; along with fisherfolk dominated thorps covering twenty-two community development blocks of Bankura district. The study revealed that the fishers of this area are accustomed to old and traditional fishing techniques. They also apply indigenous knowledge to develop some unique fish catching techniques like Gābāna, bamboo piece immersion and bowl trap. However, destructive fishing technique applying harmful chemicals had also been noticed in certain regions. A total of twenty-two traditional fishing gears have been recorded from the study area of which 7 gears were traps, 5 encircling gears, 2 entangling gears, 3 hooks and line, 4 scooping gears and 1 impaling gear. The study has revealed three unique indigenous fishing techniques of fish-farmers. A total of 34 small indigenous freshwater fish species (Least Concern, 29; Near Threatened, 3; Vulnerable, 1; Endangered, 1) were also identified. This study suggests that fishers of the study area still depend on traditional fishing gears and techniques to earn their livelihood.

Ichthyofaunal diversity and conservation status of the fishes in the tropical wetland of Bundelkhand region, India

The loni wetland is an important habitat for the different fishes such as IMC, Catfishes, Notopterus and other small indigenous fishes. The evaluation of conservation status of fish diversity will depict a picture of wetland ecosystem for sustainable production, ecosystem health and enhanced productivity ultimately addressing the social issues like livelihood, malnutrition and food security. Seasonal sampling was done, i.e. pre-monsoon; Monsoon and post-monsoon during 2018-2020 and collected fish samples from loni wetland by using cast and drag nets. Fishes were brought to the laboratory after preserving in 5% formalin for further detailed identification. The diversity indices were calculated and assed the conservation status of fishes. In the present investigation a total of 32 fish species, representing 24 genera, 7 orders, and 13 families were recorded for the first time. Order Cypriniformes (47%) contributed significantly among all followed by Perciformes (25%), Siluriformes (13%), Clupeiformes (6%), Beloniformes (3%), Mastacembeleformes (3%) and Osteoglossiformes (3%). The maximum fish diversity was observed in monsoon season (H’=3.001) as compared with pre monsoon (H’= 2.918) and Post Monsoon (H’= 2.866). Out of 32 species there are 29 under Least Concern (LC), 2 under Near Threatened (NT), 1 underVulnerable (VU) category.

Studies on Biodiversity and Resource Potential of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species of Purulia District, West Bengal, India.

Studies on Biodiversity and Resource Potential of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species of Purulia District, West Bengal, India.

Length–Weight Relationships of Indigenous Fish Species Salmostoma boopis from Bhima River, India

Salmostoma boopis is small indigenous fish native to Indian fresh water. It is found abundantly in the catch of fishermen from Bhima river of Maharashtra throughout the year. The present study included length-weight relationships of Salmostoma boopis from Bhima river at Hatwalan site. 131 specimens were sampled during the period of April 2021 to March 2022 for analysis of their length–weight relationships (LWRs). The intercept (‘a’ value) was found to be 0.009, whereas the slope (‘b’ value) was 2.84. The LWRs analysis of the species revealed that S. boopis has b value less than 3 indicating negative allometry, while these values are in expected range (2.5 to 3.5). The R2 value in the present study was found to be greater than 0.80 for the species, which indicated the proper fitness of the model for growth and good health status.

Computational study of Richness and Diversity Indices of fish species in rivers and other wetland areas and fish marketplaces under Kurigram District, Banglades

The present study revealed that a total of 101 indigenous species of large fish (28 species) and Small Indigenous fish (73 species) belonging to 63 genera and 31 families were observed and identified while 17 exotic fish species were found under 5 families. Among the indigenous species, the highest number of species were found in family Cyprinidae and Bagridae with a relative diversity of 28.28% and 11.11%. In case of group species richness, highest number 27 fish species were found in catfish group followed by 12 species of carp, 8 species of each barbs and minnows, 6 species of eel fish, 8 species of loaches, 4 species of each prawn, snake-headed or airbreathing fish and glass perches, 3 species of each climbing perches and clupeid, 2 species of each goby fish, knifefish and puffer fish, and rest of the group true perch, leaf fish, halfbeak fish, Needlefish, mullet fish, anchovies and killifish has one species. Of the total species, 47 species were considered as least concerned, 10 species as vulnerable, 11 species as endangered, 11 species as critically endangered, 14 species as nearly threatened and 8 species as data deficient. Considering the seasonal variation for all selected areas simultaneously, Shannon-Weaver diversity (H) index were found ranged from 3.53 (May) to 4.37 (January) where the highest Shannon -Weaver diversity index value 4.37 were found in winter season while 3.01 in Phulkumar, 3.73 in Dudhkumar, 3.87 in Dharla, 3.67 in Tista and 3.79 in Brahmaputra were recorded separately.

Life-history traits of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake (Southwestern Bangladesh): key for sound management

For the first time, we revealed the life-history traits including growth pattern (length-weight relationships, LWRs), condition factors, form factor (a3.0), first sexual maturity (Lm), age at first sexual maturity (tm), life span (tmax), natural mortality (Mw), asymptotic length (L∞), and optimum catchable length (Lopt) of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake (Baor), southwestern regions of Bangladesh. A total of 1651 specimens were sampled during January to December 2020 with traditional fishing gears including seine nets, gill nets, and lift nets. Individual total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured by digital slide calipers and digital balance, respectively. To calculate the Lm, empirical maximum length-based model was considered, and Lopt was calculated based on L∞. The TL vs. BW relationship indicated positive allometric growth for Chanda nama (Hamilton 1822), Channa punctata (Bloch 1793), Channa striata (Bloch 1793), Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton 1822), Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton 1822), and Puntius sophore (Hamilton 1822), but negative allometric growth for Badis badis (Hamilton 1822), Gudusia chapra (Hamilton 1822), Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton 1822), and Hyporhamphus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1847). All r2 values exceed 0.910 that indicated all LWRs were highly significant (P < 0.001). According to Spearman correlation test, Fulton's condition factor (KF) vs. BW was highly correlated (P < 0.001), indicating better well-being for these species. Moreover, a3.0 indicates B. badis, C. punctata, C. striata, G. giuris, H. limbatus, L. guntea were elongated; C. nama, P. sophore, were short and deep; G. chapra was fusiform, and M. pancalus was eel-like body shape respectively. The minimum tm and tmax were obtained as 0.74year and 2.66year for C. striata and maximum were 0.93year and 3.31year for B. badis, respectively. This study provided information on tm and tmax for ten SIFS that is globally absent. From empirical models, the smallest mean value of Lm was found for B. badis (3.98cm), and the greatest was found for C. striata (16.96cm). The minimum Lopt was obtained as 3.78cm TL for B. badis and maximum was 14.09cm TL for C. punctata. The minimum Mw was documented as 1.39 for B. badis and maximum was 1.73 for C. striata. The output of this research will be helpful for developing sustainable management policies and protection of SIFS through the application of mesh size based on Lm and Lopt in the Oxbow lakes, Bangladesh and neighboring countries.

Exploring polyculture of small indigenous fishes with major carps in pens as a climate-resilient adaptation strategy for northeastern wetlands of India

Exploring polyculture of small indigenous fishes with major carps in pens as a climate-resilient adaptation strategy for northeastern wetlands of India

The present status of ichthyofaunal diversity of river Ganga India: Synthesis of present v/s past

In India, large rivers are experiencing serious threat to aquatic biodiversity, and therefore flagship projects are being executed on freshwater biodiversity conservation using various methods and strategies. Ganga River is the largest and longest river of India supporting rich commercial and artisanal fisheries for decades. Periodical and systematic assessments of fish biodiversity of the large river ecosystem are important for effective conservation planning. Although over the years, the ichthyofaunal diversity of the river has been assessed under different programmes, however current assessment of fish diversity across different zones are not adequately studied and reported. In the present study systematic re-explorations were carried out and changing pattern of fish diversity and distribution during the period 2016–19 was recorded. We described a total of 190 fish species (182 indigenous and 8exotics) belonging to 133 genera, 62 families and 23 orders from upper Ganga (Harsil) to the river mouth of Hooghly estuary (Fraserganj). The assessment of native species revealed about 10% and 14.21% of the total species are listed under threatened status of IUCN Red List (version 2020) and CAMP (1998) threatened category respectively. Among the exotics, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was found dominated in upper, middle and part of lower stretch. The study showed considerable dominancy of major and minor catfish followed by small indigenous fishes. The evaluation of species richness through biodiversity matrices resulted the lower stretch to be the richest zone forming a strong cluster relationship (>0.71) among all the stations. The analysis of similarity percentage (SIMPER) of all the stations revealed an average similarity of 4.59% between all the stations. Shift in distribution pattern of few fish species was also recorded in certain sections of the river. The study indicated drastic decline of commercially important major carps and catfishes in comparison to previous records. The present paper also discussed about the potential threats and important guidelines concerning sustainable fisheries of River Ganga. The comprehensive information presented in this paper on fish diversity, distribution, abundance, production trend of major fish group of the river in different zones have highlighted relative change as compared to previous studies that will be useful for monitoring biodiversity and future conservation planning of the river basin.

STUDY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, PRODUCTION, AND RETURN OF VIETNAMESE KOI (Anabas testudineus) FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT OF RURAL YOUTH IN MANIPUR, INDIA

The climbing perch fish Anabas testudineus, locally known as Ukabi, is one of the important freshwater small indigenous fish of Manipur. It is very popular in the state for its delicious taste and flavor. A study was carried out in nine experimental ponds (each size 0.25 ha) to assess survival rate, specific growth rate, absolute growth, production, and benefit-cost ratio of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) for four months period during the year 2020. The experiment consists of three treatments T1 (P1&amp; P2- stocking density with 80000 nos. fry/ha), T2 (P3 &amp; P4 stocking density with 100000 nos. fry/ha), and T3 (P5 &amp; P6 stocking density with 120000 nos. fry/ha). Water quality parameters of the test ponds were within the normal range for fish culture. As compared to T2 and T3, T1 was significantly higher in the specific growth rate (5.021±0.001%), absolute growth (113.25±0.18 g), production (1709.4±1.97 kg/0.25 ha), and benefit-cost ratio (3.28±0.19). Therefore, the present study was very important for the proper stocking density of its culture in the Manipur and NE region. It will help in the commercialization of its technique in maximization of production and income for the socio-economic upliftment of rural youth in the state.

An overview of enclosure culture in inland open waters of India: Responding to socio-economic, ecological, and climate change issues in inland fisheries

Abstract Inland open-access fisheries of India are important resources that contribute significantly to the national economy while providing livelihood to millions. The majority of these resources are suitable for aquaculture, with a high potential for enhanced inland fish production. Enclosures (cages and pens) installed in such waters are useful for rearing fingerlings for enhancement programmes and table-fish production. Floating cages are most suitable for waterbodies vulnerable to occasional flooding, while pen enclosures installed in marginal areas of floodplain wetlands can be suitably reinforced to protect the fish during floods. Small indigenous fishes can be introduced into pens to increase their productivity. This paper reviews enclosure technologies in the inland open waters of India and discusses the socio-economic benefits, ecological advantages, and climate resilience of these technologies. These factors may encourage their adoption and lead to an increase in fish production in the large inland waters of India.