Fish Species Research Articles

Multi-biomarker assessment of chronic toxicity induced by the chemical warfare agent adamsite in Danio rerio

Several hundred thousand tons of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) were disposed of at sea, leading to environmental contamination. Among the most toxic and persistent CWAs is adamsite; however, the ecotoxicological data on this compound is limited. Presented research focuses on the long-term effects of adamsite on fish. A 28-day exposure study was conducted, evaluating the impact of adamsite on life history parameters (body length, body mass, growth rate), tissue accumulation, and the expression/activity of detoxification-related enzymes in the model fish species, Danio rerio. Results indicate that chronic adamsite exposure significantly reduces body length, weight, and growth rate of fish at trace concentrations (0.20 and 0.25 μg × L−1). Adamsite-related compounds accumulate in fish muscle tissues, increasing by approximately 4 μg per gram (dry weight) for every microgram of adamsite per litre of water during chronic exposure. The mRNA expression and activity of detoxification-related enzymes were elevated in the gills of fish, indicating oxidative stress. This study highlights the severe chronic toxicity of adamsite, which could not be anticipated based on acute toxicity. It underscores the need for comprehensive long-term toxicity assays for CWAs and emphasizes the potential ecological and health risks posed by adamsite, necessitating more stringent risk assessments.

Multivariate analysis and risk assessment associated with the consumption of carnivorous fish obtained from southwest Caspian Sea

Potentially toxic elements such as Cd or Pb are serious pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, accumulating in fish and posing risks to humans. Our study analyzed 10 such elements in the muscle tissue of eight carnivorous fish species from the Caspian Sea. The differences between species were minor. However, higher levels of mercury were found in larger species. The concentrations of cadmium and lead determined were high, which led to the risk analysis giving a concerning result for children. Inorganic arsenic posed an acceptable cancer risk. Overall, our findings underscore the need for constant monitoring of the area to safeguard both aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Unraveling the Complexity of the N e/N c Ratio for Conservation of Large and Widespread Pelagic Fish Species: Current Status and Challenges.

Estimating and understanding the ratio between effective population size (N e) and census population size (N c) are pivotal in the conservation of large marine pelagic fish species, including bony fish such as tunas and cartilaginous fish such as sharks, given the challenges associated with obtaining accurate estimates of their abundance. The difficulties inherent in capturing and monitoring these species in vast and dynamic marine environments often make direct estimation of their population size challenging. By focusing on N e, it is conceivable in certain cases to approximate census size once the N e/N c ratio is known, although this ratio can vary and does not always increase linearly, as it is influenced by various ecological and evolutionary factors. Thus, this ratio presents challenges and complexities in the context of pelagic species conservation. To delve deeper into these challenges, firstly, we recall the diverse types of effective population sizes, including contemporary and historical sizes, and their implications in conservation biology. Secondly, we outline current knowledge about the influence of life history traits on the N e/N c ratio in the light of examples drawn from large and abundant pelagic fish species. Despite efforts to document an increasing number of marine species using recent technologies and statistical methods, establishing general rules to predict N e/N c remains elusive, necessitating further research and investment. Finally, we recall statistical challenges in relating N e and N c emphasizing the necessity of aligning temporal and spatial scales. This last part discusses the roles of generation and reproductive cycle effective population sizes to predict genetic erosion and guiding management strategies. Collectively, these sections underscore the multifaceted nature of effective population size estimation, crucial for preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term viability of populations. By navigating statistical and theoretical complexities, and addressing methodological challenges, scientists should be able to advance our understanding of the N e/N c ratio.

Climate change undermines seafood micronutrient supply from wild-capture fisheries in Southeast Asia and Pacific Island countries

Marine ecosystem functions are affected by climate change impacts such as ocean warming, deoxygenation and acidification. These impacts drive changes in distributions and body size of fish species and directly affect fisheries. Wild-capture fisheries are crucial for providing nutrients, livelihoods, and employment in tropical Southeast Asia and Pacific Island countries, where coastal communities are highly vulnerable to climate change. We examined the impacts of climate change on fish stocks and nutrient availability of seven key micronutrients (calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and zinc) in Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). We combined micronutrient demands by local human populations with Sea Around Us reconstructed catch time series and catch projections from a dynamic bioclimate envelope model for the 21st century. The model predicted a decline in the Maximum Catch Potential (MCP) within Exclusive Economic Zones for Oceania, Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asian countries. Under the ‘strong mitigation’ scenario, catch potential reductions ranged from a decline of 54–66 % in Oceania, 58–92 % in Pacific Islands, and 65–86 % in Southeast Asia by the mid to the end of the 21st century relative to the historical period, respectively. Under the ‘no-mitigation’ climate scenario, reductions were more severe, with a decline of 55–70 % in Oceania, 66–92 % in Pacific Islands, and 70–86 % in Southeast Asia for the same time periods. Our findings indicate that Australia and New Zealand are unlikely to meet the recommended nutrient intake demand for most micronutrients through their fisheries (not considering trade or aquaculture production), except for iodine and vitamin B12. Pacific Island countries will likely follow the same pattern while Southeast Asia is expected to face worsening deficits, except for iodine and vitamin B12. This study highlights the importance of incorporating nutritional considerations of seafood into national food, trade and economic policies.

Characterization of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae isolated from diseased Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and the preliminary development of a formalin-killed cell vaccine.

Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is an economically important fish species that is widely cultivated in Thailand. However, aquaculture of Asian seabass is limited by infectious diseases. One of the most serious diseases is photobacteriosis, caused by Photobacterium damselae. Vaccination is recognized as an efficient disease prevention and pathogen control method for strengthening the aquaculture industry. To promote vaccine development, the characterization of pathogenic bacteria and their pathogenesis is required. In this study, isolates of P. damselae were obtained from commercial aquaculture farms in Thailand during 2019-2021. Analyses of 16S rRNA and the urease subunit alpha genes identified the isolates as P. damselae subsp. damselae (Phdd). Antibiotic susceptibility analyses showed that all Phdd isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (10 μg). Haemolysis and phospholipase activities were used to categorize P. damselae into three groups based on their biological activities. The pathogenicity of four candidates (SK136, PD001, PD002 and T11L) was tested in Asian seabass. Isolate SK136 showed the highest virulence, with a lethal dose (LD50) of 1.47 × 105 CFU/fish, whereas isolate PD001 did not show any virulence. Genotypic characterization, based on multi-locus sequence typing analysis, demonstrated that all candidates were novel strains with new sequence types (64, 65, 66 and 67). Preliminary vaccination using formalin-killed cells (FKCs) protected Asian seabass from artificial challenges. Taken together, these results provide fundamental knowledge for vaccine development against Phdd infection in Asian seabass.

Evaluation of the highly sinuous bend sequences using an ecohydraulic model to ascertain the suitability of fish habitats for river ecological conservation

The spatial and temporal patterns of river meanders play a crucial role not only in shaping the hydrogeomorphic properties of channels and floodplains but also in ascertaining the suitability of fish habitats for river ecological conservation. This study evaluates hydrodynamic features and fish habitat quality in six highly sinuous bend sequences along the Black River in China’s Qinghai plateau. The ecohydraulic model system was used to simulate hydrodynamics, habitat suitability, and sediment transport to determine the habitat quality of the highly sinuous bend sequences. The results have successfully identified differences in the suitability of various bends for fish spawning. Bend 1 was found to be the most suitable among all bends, while bends 5 and 6 were deemed unsuitable specifically during higher flood flows. Cases 3 and 4 were discovered to be highly suitable for fish habitat under normal discharge scenarios. Conversely, cases 5 and 6 were the least suitable, with cases 5 and 6 exhibiting the worst habitat quality, with HSI values nearing zero under high discharge. The study concluded that regulated discharge conditions could support fish spawning in these sinuous bends, with lower flood flows promoting habitat suitability and higher flood flows fragmenting habitat quality. The findings highlight the importance of diverse hydrodynamic and geomorphic conditions in creating suitable fish habitats across varying flow conditions, offering insights into the conservation and management of mountain rivers to protect endangered fish species and aquatic organisms.

Fish Species Assemblages and Diversity in Water Body Infested by Alien Species

Human is one of the mediators for non-native species invasion, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. Aquaculture and sport fishing activities are the main reasons for non-native fish introduction, especially in man-made habitats. In the present study, we determined the fish community between the invaded as opposed to pristine ecosystems in north Terengganu, Malaysia. The primary data was collected using hook and line, hand-held push net, cast net and gills net while secondary data were also utilised from published and unpublished data. The fish general information including functional traits and prey-predator relationship were obtained from literature and reliable online resources. The data were used to construct hypothetical diagrams and analyzed using taxonomic distinctness index. The fish community between the two habitats differ significantly in which the non-native fish invaded habitat has much lesser fish species richness than that of the pristine habitat. Taxonomic diversity between the two habitats also was markedly different. The non-native Cichla ocellaris added predation pressure to fish community in the lacustrine habitat as the apex predator and were proven to feed on the native fish fauna in the lake. We discuss the community structure in both habitats and explore the further impact of invasion by this invasive alien species on the native fish species. We conclude that the presence of Cichla ocellaris amplify pressure to native fish community in the man-made lake.

Tracking animal movements via collaborative acoustic telemetry networks: Multiscale habitat use, phenology, and management insights.

Estuaries support diverse fish and invertebrate communities, including resident species that rely on estuarine habitats year-round and transient migratory species. The unique movement patterns of these animals connect habitats within and far beyond the estuary and are integrally linked to fisheries management objectives. With a focus on Chesapeake Bay, this study leveraged data from collaborative acoustic telemetry networks in the northwest Atlantic to assess habitat use and phenology of movements for seven species of fish (cownose rays, dusky sharks, smooth dogfish, alewife, striped bass, common carp, and blue catfish) and one invertebrate (horseshoe crabs). A total of 288 acoustically tagged individuals were detected >3.2 million times (6,743 to 2,095,717 detections per species) on receivers across ~20.5 degrees of latitude spanning the North American Atlantic seaboard from Florida, USA, to New Brunswick, Canada. Common metrics of movement and phenology grouped these species as resident (common carp, blue catfish, horseshoe crabs), primarily resident in estuaries (juvenile striped bass), and coastal migrant (cownose rays, dusky sharks, smooth dogfish, alewife); maximum distance traveled varied by three orders of magnitude among these species. Further analysis of phenology for coastal migrants elucidated the timing and duration of these species' use of Chesapeake Bay. Collectively, movements linked habitats within Chesapeake Bay and connected the estuary to coastal ecosystems both to the north (e.g., alewife) and south (e.g., cownose rays), creating networks of fisheries management jurisdictions that varied in complexity and identified opportunities for enhancement to current management or co-management of some species. Our results elucidate the importance of estuaries to species with diverse movement behaviors, identify scales and pathways of habitat connectivity via animal movements, and highlight the utility of collaborative acoustic telemetry networks for quantifying movements relevant to both ecological research and fisheries management.

In silico elucidation of protein-protein interaction network in fish pathogen Flavobacterium Columnare

Flavobacterium columnare is a virulent intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes an infection known as columnaris in many species of fish. Some economically important fish species are strongly affected by columnaris, leading to a high mortality rate and significant economic losses. Previous in silico studies have provided various biological insights into F. columnare, including its interaction with MHC class I alleles and the epitopic region within outer membrane proteins. However, the protein-protein interaction networks underlying the growth, defense, and pathogenesis of F. columnare remain largely unknown. This study was conducted to identify the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub proteins of F. columnare that can be used as drug or vaccine targets. A total of 500 protein sequences were retrieved from UniprotKB in FASTA format and analyzed using VaxiJen, PSORTb, STRING, Cytoscape, and BLASTp programs. The results demonstrated that 60% of F. columnare proteins were predicted as antigenic proteins, most of which were associated with catalytic activity and metabolic processes, identified as cytoplasmic proteins. Ten hub proteins with the highest number of functional interactions were identified, which were also antigenic and non-host homologous. In conclusion, F. columnare hub proteins represent potential therapeutic targets in drug and vaccine development against columnaris infection.

Определение величин кормового коэффициента и коэффициента использования кормовой базы рыбами-планктонофагами в нижнем течении реки Вычегды

This paper presents the results of studies of the aquatic ecosystem components of the lower reaches of the Vychegda River. During 2022 growing season we found 234 species of various microalgae belonging to 8 departments. The phytoplankton community is diatom-green with small forms of organisms from other departments. 45 taxonomic units represented the zooplankton community over the entire period of research. We identified 20 taxa of Cladocera, 11 taxa of Copepoda, and 14 taxa of Rotatoria. Widespread Palearctic organisms formed the community. According to the results of control catches, six species of fish were identified: roach, perch, bream, ruff, silver bream and walleye. Perch and roach dominated the catches (87.7% of the catch). Material on 150 larvae and fry of bleak and ruff was obtained. The coefficient of feed utilization (KE) for phytoplankton averaged 0.033, for zooplankton – 0.11. The coefficient of assimilated food by zooplankton (K3) corresponded to an average of 0.348 (34.8%), the same indicator for planktonophagous fish was not above 0.3 (30%). The feeding coefficients of phytoplankton and zooplankton for the lower reaches of the Vychegda River averaged 30 and 9, respectively. Thus, the obtained feeding coefficients in 2022 growing season are close to the zonal ones for the Northern Fisheries Basin. The research results can be used to develop measures for the conservation of aquatic biological resources and their habitat.

Fish Diversity of East Sea Streams in Nakdong River Region

Fish surveys were conducted near artificial structures installed in eight streams flowing from the Nakdong River region to the east coast of Korea. As a result of the survey, a total of 20,000 individuals belonging to nine orders, 17 families, and 47 species were found. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus, and the subdominant species was Pungtungia herzi. Among the surveyed fish species, endangered species were Pseudobagrus brevicorpus (rank I) and Cottus hangiongensis (rank II). In addition, migratory fish species were Oncorhynchus keta, Plecoglossus altivelis, and Tribolodon hakonensis. As a result of community analysis, the highest diversity, dominance, richness, and evenness indices were Wangpi, Chuksan, Gokgang, and Janggi Stream respectively. The highest number of species was surveyed in Gokgang Stream (25 species). Alpha diversity, the number of species at each survey point in each stream, was the highest at a survey point in Wangpi Stream (20 species), and beta diversity, species at each stream survey point that does not overlap with nearby survey point, was the highest at survey points in Gokgang Stream (12 species). As a result of the similarity analysis, surveyed streams were divided into four groups: group 1 (Chuksan, Baeknok Stream), group 2 (Uljinnamdae, Wangpi, Yungdeokosip Steam), group 3 (Gokgang Stream), and group 4 (Janggi, Hoeya Stream). This study is expected to serve as basic data for managing the aquatic ecosystem of streams flowing from the Nakdong River region to the east coast.

Fish community structure in relation to habitat variables in a seasonally open floodplain wetland of the Yamuna River basin of India

The study was carried out in Alwara wetland, a seasonally open floodplain wetland connected to the Yamuna River in the Kaushambi District of Uttar Pradesh, - to estimate the fish community structure in relation to habitat variables across three seasons. Altogether, 62 fish species comprising 9 orders, 23 families and 50 genera were recorded, including 5 exotic species. As per IUCN categorisation, 5 species viz., Wallago attu, Ompok bimaculatus, O. pabda, Chitala chitala and Ailia coila are near threatened and Clarias magur is endangered. Cypriniformes (40.32%) were the most dominant order, followed by Siluriformes (22.58%), Perciformes (19.35%), Synbranchiformes (4.84%), Clupeiformes and Mugiliformes (3.23%), Tetraodontiformes and Beloniformes (1.61%). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) ranged from 3.421 (post-monsoon) to 3.877 (monsoon) with an uneven abundance of fishes as indicated by the evenness index (post-monsoon = 0.6951 to monsoon = 0.8186). Water quality parameters were significantly (p<0.05) different across the seasons except specific conductivity, silicate-Si, phosphate-P, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Certain sediment quality parameters differed significantly (p<0.05) across the seasons. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to study the association of 27 commercially important fish species with 6 important water quality parameters and provided the baseline information on fish community structure. We observed growth and recruitment overfishing, which may affect fish diversity and its sustainable utilisation to support fishers’ livelihoods. Keywords: Alwara wetland, Diversity indices, Fish community, Endangered, Overfishing

Organophosphate, carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid pesticide residues in muscle tissues of fish from Loktak Lake, a Ramsar Site in Manipur, India

The muscle tissues of Channa punctatus and Anabas testudineus collected from the Loktak Lake (a Ramsar site) and its three major feeder rivers in Manipur, Northeastern India, were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for the presence of residues of organophosphorus, carbamate, and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. Pesticide residues of all the three types were detected in the fish tissues. Pesticide residues in Channa punctatus ranged from 0.002 – 0.043 µg g-1, and from 0.008 –0.027 µg g-1in Anabas testudineus from Loktak lake in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Pesticide residues were detected only in Anabas testudineus (0.002 – 0.078 µg g-1) in Nambul river, while these were detected only in Channa puctatus (0.001 – 0.032 µg g-1) in Moirang river. In Nambol river, pesticide concentrations ranged from 0.002 – 0.026 µg g-1 in Channa punctatus, and from 0.004 – 0.005 µg g-1 in Anabas testudineus. Among the five pesticides detected, concentrations of dichlorvos residues detected in the present study (0.027 and 0.032 µg g-1 wet weight) exceeded the Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg kg-1 for animal tissues. The rest of the compounds were within the MRL. None of the pesticide residues was detected in the two fish species collected from the control or reference site. The present study indicates that pesticide contamination is emerging as a threat to the water quality and aquatic biodiversity of Loktak Lake, which calls for more detailed studies on the extent and magnitude of these threats.

Parasites Infestations Status in Fish Species from River Orogodo, a Freshwater Municipal Stream, Southern Nigeria

Parasites are ubiquitous and fish are host to some of these parasites that can be zoonotic. Assessing their status and trends is vital in public health safety, and aquatic ecology. The study aimed to identify parasites, assess the prevalence, identify the infection sites and also determine the variation in infection among sexes in fish from River Orogodo, Agbor, Delta State. A total of 780 fish, comprising 23 species belonging to 12 fish families were collected between September 2014 and August 2019 using cast nets of various mesh sizes and funnel entrance traps. Fishes were identified and examined using standard morphological keys. According to established procedures, parasitological indexes were determined by inspecting various external and internal body parts. The overall prevalence recovered was 196 (25.1%) with twenty-two parasites including larvae stages both from external and internal parts of the fish. These include 5 protozoans (Microsporidium gen sp, Trichodina spp, Epistylis sp, Crytobia sp and Chilodonella sp), Myxobolus sp, 5 nematodes (Procamallanus laevionchus, Camallanus sp, Cucullanus sp, contracaecum larvae, Rhabdochona sp); 3 acanthocephalans (Acanthogyrus sp, Neoerchinorhynchus sp and Acanthocephalus sp), 4 cestodes (Monobothroides woodlandi, Wenyonia sp, Proteocephalid sp including plerocercoid larvae); 3 digeneans (Clinostomum sp, Euclinostomum heterostomum, Centrocestus sp, unidentified metacerceriae in the liver). The study revealed that female fish (32.5%) were more infected than their male counterparts (26.4%). The results indicate that fishes in River Orogodo, Delta State are hosts of various external and internal parasites, which may be of public health and aquacultural importance.

Assessing the Diet of the Elusive North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) in Florida Using Faecal DNA Metabarcoding

ABSTRACTNorth American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are semiaquatic mammals distributed throughout the North American continent. They are generalist carnivores with a high potential to affect community structure and dynamics. However, habitat degradation and ecosystem changes have the potential to impact their trophic interactions. Therefore, investigating their diet is critical to understand how anthropogenic disturbances can affect their ecological roles, particularly in the urbanised ecosystems in Florida, where such diet information is currently unavailable. Due to their elusive nature, direct observation of feeding events is a major challenge. Here, we have applied DNA metabarcoding of faecal matter (fDNA), opportunistically collected from river otters killed by road traffic in eastern Florida. Two mitochondrial markers were used to identify prey species' DNA—one for fish and one for vertebrates. A total of 23 unique exact sequence variants (ESVs) were identified, the majority belonging not only to teleosts but also to amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The prey species identified are known dietary resources for river otters and the recovered dietary profiles provided independently by the fish and vertebrate assays were similar. Among the identified teleost prey, three fish species are considered invasive. Here, we show that when sufficient reference sequences are available, fDNA metabarcoding provides high prey species resolution. The collection and metabarcoding of faecal samples is particularly advantageous for scaling diet studies, both geographically and longitudinally, highlighting the potential of fDNA metabarcoding for the investigation of the diet of predators. This can provide foundational information on the organisation of ecological networks, which is vital for implementing successful ecosystem‐based conservation management.

Determining the efficient mass ratio of the extractant and the object of extraction and the equilibrium concentrations of the target components in them

The caviar and lecithin complex of freshwater fish can be widely used for the production of various food products, including those of functional orientation. The main technological operations in lecithin technology should include the processes of extraction of the initial caviar raw material and raffinate obtained after the first stage of selective extraction. The purpose of the study is to identify the rational mass ratio of extractant and raw material (module), on which the extraction efficiency depends, as well as the final concentration of extracted substances in the extract to determine its current value in the process of mass transfer to study the kinetics of extraction. The object of the study is the caviar-anchovy complex of fathead carp, carp, pikeperch and catfish, as well as the extract and raffinate from it. Summarizing the experimental data on revealing the rational module, as well as the final concentration of extracted substances in the extracts obtained, we can conclude that for caviar of the fish species under study, the rational hydromodule for its extraction with acetone is the ratio of dry caviar : extractant 1 : 4, and for its extraction with ethyl alcohol is the ratio of dry caviar : extractant 1 : 8. If the mass ratio refers to the fresh caviar of the studied fish species, then its rational indicator at its extraction with acetone is the ratio of fresh caviar : extractant 1 : 1.5, and at its extraction with ethyl alcohol is the ratio of fresh caviar : extractant 1 : 3. The average final concentration of extracted substances from dry caviar of the studied fish species in the extracts obtained, if acetone was used as a solvent under rational conditions of mass transfer, corresponds to the value of 1.3 %, and if ethyl alcohol was used as a solvent under rational conditions of mass transfer, corresponds to the value of 1.0 %.

Suspended Particulate Organic Matter Supports Mesopredatory Fish Across a Tropical Seascape

AbstractUnderstanding the sources of primary production supporting marine food webs is important for conserving critical habitats. However, the importance of allochthonous versus autochthonous production is often unclear. We identify the sources of primary production supporting three species of predatory fish (Lutjanus carponotatus, Lutjanus fulviflamma, and Lethrinus punctulatus) in the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. The proportions of mangrove, seagrass, macroalgae, and suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) assimilated by fish of different life-history stages and from different habitats were determined using stable isotopes and Bayesian mixing models. While contributions of sources varied among species and habitats, we found that SPOM was an important energetic resource for both adults and juveniles of all three fish species. Juvenile L. carponotatus and L. punctulatus inhabiting macroalgal habitats assimilated more seagrass- and macroalgae-derived material than fish from coral or mangrove habitats, while reliance on mangrove carbon was generally limited overall. Assimilation of macrophyte-derived material decreased throughout ontogeny for L. carponotatus, while L. fulviflamma relied on a combination of SPOM and seagrass into adulthood. The contribution of macroalgae and SPOM to the diets of juvenile L. punctulatus and L. carponotatus from macroalgal habitats varied spatially but was unrelated to seascape configuration, habitat quality, or hydrodynamic conditions. While mixing models suggested a modest degree of trophic connectivity, cross-habitat trophic subsidies provided by macrophytes play a minor role in supporting the studied fish of either life-history stage. Instead, microalgal production predominantly fuels the productivity of predatory fish in this turbid, macrotidal system.

Rapid Monitoring of Aquatic Organism Biodiversity Based on Environmental DNA in a Medium-Sized Reservoir

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a highly sensitive and efficient tool for the biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we investigated fish and benthic species communities using eDNA techniques in a medium-sized reservoir (about 3 square kilometers) in Anhui, China. A total of 12 water samples and 11 sediment samples were analyzed by 12S and 18S primers, respectively. We analyzed the composition of species diversity and the effect of seven environmental factors using the Mantel test. A total of 42 fish taxa were present in the water samples, and 188 benthic taxa in the sediment samples. Species composition was different in disparate stations. We found that water temperature and salinity are pivotal factors influencing the composition of fish communities, while chlorophyll-a is a primary environmental determinant for benthic species assembly structures across different zones. Biodiversity information generated by eDNA techniques can be used to reflect the resource status of this reservoir. The relevant results will provide important scientific reference information for the development and exploitation of medium-sized reservoirs.

Ichthyofaunal diversity of Banshelki Dam Udgir, Dist. Latur (M.S.)

Ichthyofaunal diversity is good indicator of aquatic ecosystem. A diversity of fishes represents the balanced ecosystem. By taking this into consideration the ichthyofaunal diversity of Banshelki dam is studied during present investigation. The Banshelki Dam spread over area about 2290 m. The Dam is old and constructed on Manmod river. Total 20 species of fishes belonging to 13 genera, 06 families and 05 orders were identified from the Dam. The order cypriniformes was dominant among fishes.

Occurrences Status of Biota in Gochang-gun, South Korea

The Gochang-gun biotope map was used as a benchmarking model when preparing a county unit in the future, and was prepared for the purpose of constructing detailed spatial data for eco-friendly urban management and efficient management and value improvement of cultural assets. The purpose of this study is to provide data so that it is used as basic data for the distribution status of animals and plants and the systematic management of endangered wild animals. As a result of the survey of animals and plants in Gochang-gun, a total of 255 species of 88 families and 184 genera appeared. A total of eight families and 14 species of mammals appeared. A total of 32 families and 52 species of birds appeared. A total of nine and 26 species of fish appeared, and five species endemic to Korea appeared. Six and seven species of amphibians and reptiles appeared, respectively, and one species of exotic specices appeared. A total of 26 species of benthic large-scale vertebrates appeared, and three species endemic to Korea appeared. As for endangered wild creatures, two species of plants, six species of birds and three species of mammals appeared. It is judged that the data on animals and plants based on the urban ecological status map of Gochang-gun can be used as basic data for environmental policy decisions such as the management of ecosystem disturbances in Gochang-gun, the protection of endangered wild creatures, and the protection and restoration of plant and plant habitats.