Sperata Seenghala Research Articles

Length-weight relationships and condition factors of three freshwater fish species – Bangana dero (Ham.), Cyprinus carpio L., and Sperata seenghala (Sykes) – from the Sutlej River, India

Abstract Waterbodies are polluted by human activities or the increasing intensity of these activities, and this affects fish populations. The quality of the water fish inhabit directly impacts their growth and overall health. Length-weight relationships (LWRs) and relative condition factors (Kn) were estimated for three freshwater fish species from the Sutlej River of India from October 2020 to May 2022. A total of 232 fish specimens were caught with cast and gill nets in Gobindsagar Reservoir, Himachal Pradesh and Ropar Wetland, Punjab. Total length was strongly correlated with all the morphological characters (p < 0.001). The growth coefficients calculated (b) for Bangana dero, Cyprinus carpio, and Sperata seenghala were 2.858, 2.506, and 2.555, respectively, and indicated negative allometric growth. The correlation coefficients (r) indicated strong linear relationships between the weights and lengths of all three fish species. The outcomes of this study will help fisheries researchers, environmentalists, and scientists to develop future monitoring and conservation strategies for these fish species.

Elucidating the effects of heavy metals contamination on vital organ of fish and migratory birds found at fresh water ecosystem

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments threatens marine life and lowers the quality of freshwater supplies. This research aimed to quantify the heavy metal concentration in fish, avian tissue, and water of the Mangla reservoir. Concentrations of heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb were determined in five vital organs of six species of fishes (Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Wallagu attu, Cyprinus carpio, Sperata seenghala) and five species of migratory birds (Anas strepera, Aythya ferina, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas crecca, Anas clypeata) and water of Mangla dam. Heavy metal concentration was observed with AAS’ help after the samples’ complete chemical digestion. The average concentration of these metals in water samples was higher than the mean values in fish and birds. Heavy metals damaged fish and birds in the same order: Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb. The results of this research will hopefully prompt further consideration on the dangers of heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystem.

Detrimental influence of industrial effluents, especially heavy metals, on limnological parameters of water and nutritional profile in addition to enzymatic activities of fish, Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) from diverse Ramsar sites, India (Punjab).

The present research was designed to determine the nutritive value of the liver and intestine of fish, Sperata seenghala, the impact of effluence load on limnological parameters of water and proximate composition of fish organs, especially on fatty acids, liver enzymatic activities, seasonal variations in the nutritional profile of fish, and to check and compare the pollution status of Ramsar sites in Punjab by calculating the water quality index, heavy metal pollution index, and metal index from June 2018 to August 2020. WQI of Harike wetland was found to be 53.95, which depicts that water quality in this region is "poor". At Nangal wetland, water quality index was reported to be "excellent" quality water and fit for the whole ecological unit. Overall heavy metal pollution index for Harike wetland was reported 174.569, whereas for Nangal wetland it was 5.994, depicting massive contaminant loads in a polluted region. MI value was also recorded as being higher (6.9336) in polluted habitat than in control habitat (0.8175). In fish liver, significant (p < 0.05) higher mean total lipids (6.73%), total proteins (3.98%), moisture (77.69%), ash (3.56%), and carbohydrates (3.79%) were observed in the samples from Nangal wetland than Harike wetland. A similar trend was reported in all biochemical contents of the fish intestine. Enzyme activities such as aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the specimens collected from the polluted region. The mean total n-3 (except in spring), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (except in winter), and average monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids diminished significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver of fish from contaminated habitat than control site. In the intestine of fish collected from the polluted region, significant reductions in the mean total n-3 (except in autumn as well as summer), total n-6 PUFAs (in autumn and winter), and total SFAs were reported than control site.

Parasite Diversity in a Freshwater Ecosystem.

Parasites are a significant component of biodiversity. They negatively affect fish appearance, growth, and reproduction. In this study, the prevalence of infection, diversity, and mean intensity of parasites were examined in 9 freshwater fish species (45 samples per fish species). Ecto-parasites were examined on the skin, gills, and fins with a hand lens. Wet mounts were prepared using mucosal scrapings from all the external and internal organs of the sampled fish. Microscopy, muscle compression, and the pepsin-HCL artificial digestion technique were also performed. In this study, 26 species of parasites were identified including three taxa belonging to 9 species of protozoan parasites, 11 treamtodes, and 6 monogenean parasites. The identified protozoan parasites were Entamoeba histolitica, Chilodonella sp., Coccidia sp., Costia sp., Cryptobia sp., Ichthyopthiris-multifilis, Microsporidia, Piscinoodinium sp., and Ichthyobodo necator. The identified trematode parasites were Fasciola gigantica, Echinostoma revolutum, Fasciola hepatica, Haplorchis pumilio, Brachylaima cribbi, Echinostoma cinetorchis, Neascus sp., Deropegus sp., Trematode Soldier, Centrocestus formosanus, and Clinostomum marginatum. The identified monogenean parasites were Dactylogyrus limipopoensis, Dactylogyrus anchoratus, Dactylogyrus myersi, Dactylogyrus vastator, Gyrodactylus salaris, and Ancyrocephalus. The diversity of parasites was maximum at the Okara site. The host's organs that were targeted for parasitic infection included the intestine, liver, gills, fins, skin, and kidneys. The majority of the parasites were identified in Labeo rohita followed by Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio, and Wallagu attu. Two species appeared to be resistant species because none of the parasites were observed in Notopterus notopterus or Sperata seenghala. This study also concluded that the prevalence of parasites increased with increasing length, size, and age of fish.

Cross-cultural diversity analysis: traditional knowledge and uses of freshwater fish species by indigenous peoples of southern Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundFisheries have tremendous cultural and educational importance in human societies. The world is undergoing fast environmental and cultural changes, and local knowledge is being lost. Understanding how people interpret environmental change and develop practices in response to such change is essential to comprehend human resource use. This study was planned with the intent to document and conserve the knowledge about the uses of the freshwater fish fauna among the residents in South Punjab, Pakistan.MethodsSemi-structured interviews and questionnaires were conducted to collect data from informers (N = 88). Principal component analysis, relative frequency citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, rank-order priority, and similarity index were used to analyze the fish data.ResultsOverall, a total of 43 species of fishes were utilized in the study region, but only 26 species were utilized ethnomedicinally to treat a variety of illnesses such as asthma, body weakness, burn, chicken pox, cold, cough, eyesight, hepatitis, impotence, joint pain, night blindness, skin burn, spleen treatment, stomach infection, and weakness. The uses of fishes were analyzed employing various indices. The highest use value (UV) of 0.86 was calculated for spotted snakehead (Channa punctata), whereas the lowest UV of 0.05 was attained by karail fish (Securicula gora). Moreover, Channa punctata, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, Oreochromis niloticus, Wallago attu, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Rita rita, Sperata seenghala, Notopterus notopterus, Labeo dyocheilus, Systomus sarana, Puntius punjabensis, Securicula gora, Ompok bimaculatus, and Ompok pabda were the most popular species with RPL = 1.0. Out of the total, 20 species had a “zero” similarity index, while the ethnomedicinal use of 12 species (i.e., Labeo dyocheilus, Labeo boggut, Systomus sarana, Puntius punjabensis, Aspidoparia morar, Securicula gora, Crossocheilus diplochilus, Mastacembelus armatus, Ompok bimaculatus, Ompok pabda, Labeo gonius, and Sperata seenghala) was documented for the first time for a variety of diseases (i.e., body weakness, stomach infection, skin burn, joint pain, impotence, asthma, spleen treatment, and chicken pox).ConclusionOur findings showed that the local people of the study area hold noteworthy traditional knowledge about the medicinal and cultural uses of fish species. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of active chemicals and in vivo and/or in vitro activities of chemicals derived from ichthyofauna with the highest FC as well as UVs could be interesting for research on new drugs.

UNDERSTANDING THE FOOD AND FEEDING BIOLOGY OF CATFISH Sperata seenghala SYKES, 1839 FROM GOMATI RIVER OF TRIPURA, INDIA

Aspects of food and feeding biology of the Sperata seenghala of Gomati River of Tripura, a part of Eastern Himalayan hotspot region of India was studied over 12 months. The 176 fish (28.7 cm to 67.4 cm TL) specimens were examined for food composition analysis. Out of these, 21 (12.88%) had full stomach, 33 (18.53%) had empty stomach and 122 (68.58%) had partially-filled stomachs. The percent composition of various food items in stomach content was 7.5% of aquatic plant materials, 15.5% crustaceans, 29% aquatic insects, 6.7% molluscans, debris and detritus 5.3% and 36% fishes. Biomass of fish was highest in comparison to other food items. The alimento-somatic and hepato-somatic indices have every indication that S. seenghala is carnivorous and thus have intense liver activity. This study could render useful information on the food and feeding habits of the studied fish species and provide background biological knowledge for preparing its diet for future aquaculture practices.

RETRACTED: SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE I GENE IN CATFISHES: AN INSIGHT INTO BARCODING AND PHYLOGENY

The standard methodology of DNA barcoding consists of clustering a taxonomic group using the Neighbour-joining (NJ) clustering method, which utilizes the divergence gap between species as a yardstick of species differentiation. With this approach, the present study is framed to decipher the divergence trend in catfish species - Clarias batrachus, C. gariepinus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Sperata seenghala, Wallago attu and Rita rita. The partial segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I subunit gene was used as the molecular marker of investigation. The intraspecific and interspecific divergence values were compared where a considerable gap was found between them. The average intraspecific divergence was found to be &lt; 1%, while the average interspecific divergence found in the range of 16-24% which encompasses the divergence even at the family level. The NJ clustering has differentiated these species and has also shown phylogenetic insights as well. The species relatedness which appeared in NJ clustering was then reconfirmed using the Maximum likelihood (ML) approach with bootstrap support to trace their phylogenetic relationship. Interestingly, both NJ and ML clustering were found parallel, which assured the presence of phylogenetic signals in NJ tree too. Our study has successfully shown the role of intraspecific and interspecific divergence in species differentiation in catfishes, and simultaneously highlights the appearance of phylogenetic relationships in the NJ tree. A more comprehensive way of sampling is also discussed that could assist in looking deep into the divergence role to differentiate higher taxonomic levels.&#x0D; &#x0D; Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal after receipt of written complains regarding authorship dispute. This journal is determined to promote integrity in research publication. This retraction is in spirit of the same. After formal procedures editor(s) and publisher have retracted this paper on 19th December-2022.

Morphometric Characterization of Giant River Catfish, Sperata seenghala from River Sutlej, Punjab (India)

Morphometric Characterization of Giant River Catfish, Sperata seenghala from River Sutlej, Punjab (India)

Salmonella and Escherichia coli contamination in wild catfish and rivers at northern part of Bangladesh

A variety of fishes consumed regularly are prone to pathogenic spoilage especially by different microbes. It is important to find out microbiological quality of fish that we consume regularly to protect the public health. Current research was conducted to assess the incidence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in three selected catfish species namely, Ayer (Sperata seenghala), Pabda (Ompok pabda) and Magur (Clarias batrachus) of five rivers (Dhepa, Atrai, Punorvoba, Kakra, and Ghorveshori) of Dinajpur district. The study showed that Salmonella and E. coli positive isolates were 33.33% and 55.55% in Punorvoba river, 31.03% and 50.00% in Atrai river, 30.19% and 56.60% in Dhepa river, 29.63% and 59.26% in Ghorveshori river and 27.08% and 56.25% in Kakra river, respectively. Highest percentage of Salmonella and E. coli were found in Ompok pabda (39.40%) and in Clarias batrachus (63.84%), respectively. Lowest percentage of Salmonella and E. coli were found in Sperata seenghala (26.50% and 41.07%), respectively. The percentage of E. coli was greater than Salmonella for each of the experimental samples that are very alarming for consumption of wild catfish. At the same time, the microbial quality of water of Dhepa, Atrai, Punorvoba, Kakra, and Ghorveshori rivers are not satisfactory regarding fish consumption and public health. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (1), 9-15

New reports of the catfish Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) from Gomati River of Tripura, India

The natural distribution of Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) is expanded here with four specimens collected from Gomati River in Kakraban locality under Gomati district of Tripura. This record, the first time for this species in Gomati River within the river basin of Tripura, a small hilly state of the North-Eastern part of India. The main meristic features and morphometric variables of the studied specimens are given. The findings may be utilized for assessing natural population stocks of S. seenghala in Gomati river of Tripura which is one of the most important freshwater resources as well as a fish genetic resource of the state.

First record of the genus Hennegoides Lom, Tonguthai and Dyková, 1991 from Punjab (India) infecting the catfish, Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839).

Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) the Giant river-catfish, is one of the largest freshwater catfish of Indian sub-continent and commonly called as singhara and seenghala. Catfish is a favourite food fish due to its palatability with high nutritional value. S. seenghala (25–27 cm in length) were procured from Chamkaur Sahib, a sub divisional town in the district of Rupnagar in the Indian State of Punjab. Prominent pale, thread-like plasmodia of Hennegoides seenghalae n. sp. were observed on the gills and histological examination located them in the epithelial lining of the gill filament (Intrafilamental epithelial type, FE). The prevalence was 32% (12 fish were infected out of 37 examined). The total myxospore length of He. seenghalae was 46.6 μm with myxospore body length 7.5 μm strongly vaulted from one side with caudal appendage length of 39.1 (25.5–45) μm. The myxospores were closely compared morphologically with five known species of the genus from Indo-Malayan region and another recently reported from the USA. Molecular analysis based on 18S rDNA sequence (1947bp) indicated 80%–91% sequence similarity with other myxozoan parasites (Myxobolus, Henneguya, Hennegoides and Unicauda). The most closely related species was Hennegoides pangasii, and was placed with the present species in the same subclade. The present study is the first report the genus Hennegoides from India.

Health risks associated with accumulation of heavy metals in fish of Keenjhar Lake, Pakistan.

The Keenjhar Lake in the southern part of Pakistan is exposed to heavy metal contamination, mainly due to the lack of proper upstream industrial effluent treatment. In this study, accumulation of heavy metals in five frequently consumed fish species Cirrhinus mrigala (Morakhi), Labeo rohita (Kur'ro), Solea solea (Mundi), Sperata seenghala (Singharo), and Anguilla bengalensis (Baam) from Keenjhar Lake were investigated. A total of 30 fish samples were collected from fishermen at the lake. Fish tissues were digested using standard methods and analyzed for metals using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Pb, total Cr, Cr(VI), and Cd) concentrations were detected both in fish muscles and liver. Among the five targeted species, Cirrhinus mrigala appeared to be the most bioaccumulative fish, with Cr (219.78) > Pb (34.20) > Cu (22.49) > Ni ((16.24) > Cr(VI) (15.25) > Cd (0.01). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were calculated to assess human health risk. The concentration of metals showed a significant difference among fish muscles and liver in the three studied locations. The total HI for heavy metals were estimated to be less than 1, but the cancer risk (CR) for Pb and Cr(VI) exceeded acceptable limits for fish consumption. From the human health perspective, this study informs local populations, i.e., fishing communities and population consuming approximately 150g/day of Keenjhar Lake fish regularly are chronically exposed to Pb and Cr(VI) contamination with (10-4 to 10-6) carcinogenic risks.

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS OF EIGHTEEN SPECIES OF FRESHWATER FISHES FROM PANCHET RESERVOIR IN GANGES BASIN, JHARKHAND, INDIA

The present study describes the length-weight relationships (LWRs) of 18 fish species from a large tropical reservoir, Panchet, in the Damodar River basin, one of the main tributary of the largest river Ganga in India. A total of 2419 individuals represented by 18 species belonging to 9 families were sampled between November 2014 and June 2016. The b values ranged from 2.469 for Trichogaster chuna to 3.428 for Ailia coila. All the regressions were highly significant (p&lt;0.001). The results revealed positive allometric growth for seven species (b&gt;3, p&lt;0.05), negative allometric growth for seven species (b&lt;3, p&lt;0.05) and isometric growth for four species (b=3, p&gt;0.05). This study represents the first reference on the length-weight relationship of Trichogaster chuna from a reservoir ecosystem. This is the first report on LWRs of five fish species viz., Puntius terio, Pethia conchonius, Sperata seenghala, Ailia coila and Trichogaster chuna from an Indian reservoir. This study provides basic data for future stock assessment studies and management programmes from Panchet Reservoir as well as for complementing the comparisons of LWRs from other ecosystems.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic study of Indonesian indigenous catfish based on mitochondrial cytochrome B gene.

Aims:This study aimed to determine the genetic characterization and phylogenetic structure of Indonesian indigenous catfish using cytochrome B (Cyt B) sequences.Materials and Methods:The genomes of 26 catfishes caught from nine rivers from nine different geographical locations around Indonesia were analyzed. The tissue isolation method was used to isolate the total genome of the fishes. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the mtDNA Cyt B using the CytBF and CytBR primers. Following sequencing, the analysis of genetic variation and the phylogenetic relationship was performed using MEGA version X software.Results:Cyt B gene sequencing attained a total of 1139 nucleotides encrypting 379 amino acids for all samples. The ClustalW alignment program using MEGA X software revealed 395 substituted nucleotides, which then translated into 63 amino acid variation sites among all 26 samples. No amino acids in catfish BB were different compared to catfish PM, MP, and KR2,3. Catfish MS had one modified amino acid; KR1 and KS had two different amino acids; BF had 38 different amino acids; EM had 31 different amino acids; and BSBJ had 26 different amino acids compared to catfish BB. The most significant alteration of amino acids was between catfish EM and BF (49 amino acids).Conclusion:Indonesian catfish were divided into five clades based on the Cyt B gene. Samples KR and MP (Sumatra); MS and BB (Kalimantan); and PM (Java) were clustered with Hemibagrus nemurus and Hemibagrus wyckioides (Bagridae family). Samples from Kalimantan (KS) and one sample of KR (KR1) from Sumatra were clustered with Sperata seenghala and Hemibagrus spilopterus (Bagridae family). Samples from Java (BSBJ) were clustered with Pseudolais pleurotaenia (Pangasiidae family). Samples EM (Java) were together with Mystus cavasius (Bagridae family). Samples from West Papua were clustered with Potamosilurus latirostris (Ariidae family).

Development and characterization of 15 novel polymorphic microsatellites for Giant river-catfish Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) using next generation sequencing approach

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 34, Issue 4 p. 971-973 SHORT COMMUNICATION Development and characterization of 15 novel polymorphic microsatellites for Giant river-catfish Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) using next generation sequencing approach A. P. Acharya, A. P. Acharya Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorA. Pavan-Kumar, Corresponding Author A. Pavan-Kumar pavanannam@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0002-6402-4111 Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India Correspondence Annam Pavan Kumar, Scientist, Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India. Email: pavanannam@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorC. G. Joshi, C. G. Joshi Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorP. Namrata, P. Namrata Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorP. Gireesh-Babu, P. Gireesh-Babu Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorA. Chaudhari, A. Chaudhari Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorG. Krishna, G. Krishna Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this author A. P. Acharya, A. P. Acharya Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorA. Pavan-Kumar, Corresponding Author A. Pavan-Kumar pavanannam@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0002-6402-4111 Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India Correspondence Annam Pavan Kumar, Scientist, Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India. Email: pavanannam@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorC. G. Joshi, C. G. Joshi Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorP. Namrata, P. Namrata Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorP. Gireesh-Babu, P. Gireesh-Babu Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorA. Chaudhari, A. Chaudhari Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorG. Krishna, G. Krishna Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, IndiaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 09 March 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/jai.13683Citations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume34, Issue4August 2018Pages 971-973 RelatedInformation

Risking lives for living: a study on underwater fishing in the Padma River, Bangladesh

A variety of methods and gears are being employed across the globe including Bangladesh. This study describes the underwater fishing method in the Padma River- one of the three largest rivers in Bangladesh. Standardised efforts have been made for collecting data of interest between September 2016 and May 2017. Two types of underwater fishing, with or without using oxygen cylinders, were recorded. Mean duration of fishing per effort was higher (by 382%) when fishermen used oxygen cylinders. Mean water depth of fishing sites was also higher when oxygen cylinders were used. Three species of finfish (Rita rita, Sperata seenghala and Labeo calbasu) and one freshwater prawn species (Macrobrachium dayanum) have been identified in the catch. The catch was dominated by M. dayanum in both fishing types (27 ± 9.3 [with oxygen] and 15 ± 5.2 [without oxygen]). However, all the number of caught fish species varied significantly among different sampling months in both fishing methods (P &lt; 0.001) except L. calbasu in fishing with oxygen cylinder. A number of health issues of the fishermen were also recorded.

Risking lives for living: a study on underwater fishing in the Padma River, Bangladesh

Different types of fishing methods and gears are being employed across the globe including Bangladesh. This study describes the underwater fishing method in the Padma River- one of the three largest rivers in Bangladesh. Standardised efforts have been made for collecting data of interest between September 2016 and May 2017. Two types of underwater fishing, with or without using oxygen cylinders, were recorded. Mean duration of fishing per effort was higher (by 382%) when fishermen used oxygen cylinders. Mean water depth of fishing sites was also higher when oxygen cylinders were used. Three species of finfish (Rita rita, Sperata seenghala and Labeo calbasu) and one freshwater prawn species (Macrobrachium dayanum) have been identified in the catch. The catch was dominated by M. dayanum in both fishing types (27 ± 9.3 [with oxygen] and 15 ± 5.2 [without oxygen]). However, all the number of caught fish species varied significantly among different sampling months in both fishing methods (P &lt; 0.001) except L. calbasu in fishing with oxygen cylinder. A number of health issues of the fishermen were also recorded.

The food, feeding habits and condition factor of three freshwater fishes from Tighra reservoir, Gwalior

The food and feeding habit of three freshwater fishes has revealed that Sperata seenghala and Xenentodon cancila are carnivorous and Labeo boggut is a herbivorous fish. The percentage composition of various food items in stomach content of S. seenghala was 99.57% of phytoplankton, 0.14% crustaceans, 0.16% aquatic insects and 0.13% fishes and in X. cancila, it was 99.54% of phytoplankton, 0.21% crustaceans, 0.1% aquatic insects, and 0.15% fishes. Biomass of fish and crustacean was highest in comparison to other food items. L. boggut is a herbivore that feeds on phytoplankton as the sole food item. The alimentosomatic and hepato-somatic indices have every indication that S. seenghala and X. cancila are carnivorous and thus have intense liver activity while L boggut is a herbivorous fish having less liver activity The conditon factor value of S. seenghala has been found to have 0.00066 ± 0.0002, X. cancila to have 0.00034 ± 0.0001 and ofL. boggut to have 0.00108 ± 0.00006. These values suggest that S. seenghala and L boggut are fairly growing, while X. cancila is a poorly growing fish

Morphological and mitochondrial DNA variation revealed an undescribed lineage under the genus Sperata (Bagridae) in Bangladesh

AbstractCatfishes Sperata are popular, known for its taste and nutritional value, and are found naturally in wide variety of freshwaters in South Asia. The taxonomy of Sperata spp., sampled from Hakaluki Haor in Bangladesh, was re‐evaluated based on morphological variation and DNA barcoding. The collective variation in morphometric characters and mitochondrial DNA revealed an undescribed old and well‐separated lineage under the genus Sperata along with two previously known Sperata aor and Sperata seenghala in Bangladesh. Analyses of morphological traits suggested significant differentiation among Sperata species. The variation in mitochondrial DNA supported the distinct lineage and taxonomical discrimination. Sperata aor diverged earlier from the new lineage and Sperata seenghala with a divergence of 5.39 (CI: 3.91–7.19) Mya (PP &gt; 90). Sperata seenghala and the new lineage shared a most recent common ancestry, which diverged from each other around 3.41 (CI: 2.24–4.62) Mya (PP &gt; 90). Thus, the newly identified lineage could be a subspecies of S. seenghala or even a species under the genus Sperata. The information of the study will be useful for conservation, sustainable management and selective breeding of the putative species, including previously reported S. aor and S. seenghala in Bangladesh.

Framework and sustainable audit for the assessing of the Ganga river ecosystem health at Allahabad, India

Fishes are a prominent feature in most national economics and employments. Riverine ecosystems present unique opportunity to employment of fishers and youth community in the Ganga basin, India. Present study was undertaken to fish catch from the middle stretch of the Ganga river at Allahabad, India during the period July 2014 to June 2015. Annual fish landing demonstrated that the catch was dominated by miscellaneous group (22.16 kg day -1 ) followed by Oreochromis niloticus (12.76 kg day -1 ) and Sperata seenghala (12.63 kg day -1 ) and they accounted for 23.19 per cent, 13.36 per cent and 13.21 per cent, respectively. In case of Indian major carps, Cirrhinus mrigala shared maximum contribution with 7.73 kg day -1 (8.09%). Catla catla and Labeo rohita shared 1.45 (1.51%) and 2.35 kg day -1 (2.46%), respectively. The landing of fishes fluctuated from season to season from the Ganga river at Allahabad, India. For conservation point of view Cyprinus carpio and O. niloticus species should be monitored in the Ganga river. Both species are very harmful for the Ganga river ecosystem.