Development of tools for assessing conservation categories of siluroid fishes of fresh water and brackish water wetlands of South West Bengal,India

Twenty-five species of fishes belonging to 18 genera, 7 families under the order siluriformes have been recorded from different freshwater and brackish water wetlands of South West Bengal, India. Fishery potential of 17 commercially important siluroid fishes were noted especially from market surveys as well as from information collected from local fishermen communities. Following the IUCN guidelines, and also through Participatory Rural Appraisal (P.R.A.) methods, an attempt has been made to assess the conservation status of such fishes, many of which are thought to be threatened. Trend analysis, Fish Magnitude Value and Rank based Quotient revealed the threatened status of 17 siluroid fishes.     

Studies on the skull of the Indian sisorid catfish, Erethistes pussilus

The skull of Erethistes pussilus is described in detail. The general disposition of the bones corresponds to the siluroid pattern. Among the siluroid fishes, E. pussilus approaches the advanced forms in certain features such as obliteration of myodomic space, edentulous palate, absence of entopterygoids and supratemporals, intimate sutural articulation of posttemporals and complex vertebra with the cranium, diminished cranial cavity and loss of sutural articulation among the palatopterygoquadrate elements. In certain characters like the hyomandibula exclusively supported from the sphenotic, solitary hypohyal on each hyoid cornu, absence of interhyals, reduced orbits, edentulous vomer, small gape of mouth, toothless ectopterygoid and in the small number of branchiostegals, E. pussilus stands specialized alone among the catfishes. A diagnosis of the salient cranial characters of the fish is given and its relationship discussed.     

Studies on the skull of the Indian sisorid catfish, Erethistes pussilus

The skull of Erethistes pussilus is described in detail. The general disposition of the bones corresponds to the siluroid pattern. Among the siluroid fishes, E. pussilus approaches the advanced forms in certain features such as obliteration of myodomic space, edentulous palate, absence of entopterygoids and supratemporals, intimate sutural articulation of posttemporals and complex vertebra with the cranium, diminished cranial cavity and loss of sutural articulation among the palatopterygoquadrate elements. In certain characters like the hyomandibula exclusively supported from the sphenotic, solitary hypohyal on each hyoid cornu, absence of interhyals, reduced orbits, edentulous vomer, small gape of mouth, toothless ectopterygoid and in the small number of branchiostegals, E. pussilus stands specialized alone among the catfishes. A diagnosis of the salient cranial characters of the fish is given and its relationship discussed.     

Distribution, endemism and threat status of freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats of India

Aim To study (1) the large-scale distribution patterns of freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats of India; (2) the endemism and uniqueness of the fishes in various zones; and (3) the threat status of fishes by categorizing them under low risk (LR), vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN) and critically endangered (CR). Location The Western Ghats of India. Methods The scientific literature describing the freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats was reviewed. Data describing the lists of the species were extracted and complied. The species accumulation curve was plotted using Michaelis–Menten-like equation. The Western Ghats was divided into six zones and similarity of the species was calculated using Jacquard's index. Results Literature to date records 288 species belonging to 12 orders, 41 families and 109 genera, of which 118 species are endemic and 51 are unique. However, the species accumulation curve shows that there might be 345 species in this region, indicating that 16% species have not been recorded to date. An analysis of the distribution pattern of fishes in the Western Ghats suggests that the southern region is more diverse than the northern and central regions. The southern region shows high endemism and high uniqueness while the northern region shows high endemism but less uniqueness. The similarity index between the zones indicates that as the distance between the zones increases similarity decreases. The status of 105 of 288 species was not known due to data deficiency but among the remaining 183 species, 58 species were categorized as LR, 41 as VU, 54 as EN, 24 as CR while the remaining six species were introduced. Conclusions The distribution patterns of fishes in the Western Ghats are discussed in accordance with the geography of Western Ghats, its climatic conditions and ‘Satpura Hypothesis’. The threat status of fishes found in Western Ghats suggests that at least 41% of fish fauna is threatened by either being VU, EN or CR. Implication of potent conservation measures is necessary to conserve the fish fauna of Western Ghats.     

Fish Karyome: A karyological information network database of Indian Fishes

'Fish Karyome', a database on karyological information of Indian fishes have been developed that serves as central source for karyotype data about Indian fishes compiled from the published literature. Fish Karyome has been intended to serve as a liaison tool for the researchers and contains karyological information about 171 out of 2438 finfish species reported in India and is publically available via World Wide Web. The database provides information on chromosome number, morphology, sex chromosomes, karyotype formula and cytogenetic markers etc. Additionally, it also provides the phenotypic information that includes species name, its classification, and locality of sample collection, common name, local name, sex, geographical distribution, and IUCN Red list status. Besides, fish and karyotype images, references for 171 finfish species have been included in the database. Fish Karyome has been developed using SQL Server 2008, a relational database management system, Microsoft's ASP.NET-2008 and Macromedia's FLASH Technology under Windows 7 operating environment. The system also enables users to input new information and images into the database, search and view the information and images of interest using various search options. Fish Karyome has wide range of applications in species characterization and identification, sex determination, chromosomal mapping, karyo-evolution and systematics of fishes.     

Fish fauna of Chalakudy River,part of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot,Kerala, India: patterns of distribution,threats and conservation needs

Seventy one fish species belonging to 27 families and 50 genera were collected from various sampling sites spread along the upstream and downstream parts of the Chalakudy river, in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in Kerala, South India. Cyprinids were the most dominant group represented by 24 species belonging to 13 genera, followed by the catfishes of the family Bagridae (7 species from 2 genera) and loaches belonging to the family Balitoridae (5 species from 5 genera). Of the 71 species, 4 belong to the ‘critically endangered’ (CR) and 16 to the ‘endangered’ (EN) category. 3 of the critically endangered species are strictly endemic to the Chalakudy river system. We also collected 5 exotic species several of them categorized as potential pest. Fish species richness (FSR) showed a direct relationship with increasing stream order with maximum values observed in the downstream/low elevation regions. Considerable differences were observed in the FSR between different microhabitats with maximum values observed in bed rock and pool riffle and the lowest in regimes followed by step pools. Diversity and species richness decreased with increasing altitude and higher diversity and species richness were observed in sampling sites located between 0–200 m above sea level. A definite temporal partitioning was also observed with regard to FSR with higher richness during the day time and the lowest observed at dawn. Indiscriminate collection of endemic and threatened ornamental fish species for export, exploitation of endangered food fishes by forest-dwelling communities and local fisher folk, pollution, loss of riparian cover, damming and exotic species threaten the rich ichthyofaunal diversity of Chalakudy River. An urgent need exists for studying the life history traits and demography of the most important endemic and threatened fishes, as lack of information on these aspects have significantly affected conservation efforts. The implementation of strong management strategies like fixing total allowable catch (TAC), and the use of quotas are needed to reduce the overall collection pressure with regard to the trade in native ornamental species from the river.     

Fish communities in the perennial wetland of the Sudd, southern Sudan

SUMMARY. 1. Cyperus papyrus and Typha domingensis swamps were recognized as the major ecological zones in the perennial wetland of the Sudd.
2. Fish sampling, chiefly by gill-netting and electric fishing, was concentrated in the open-waters of channels and lakes together with submerged, fringing and marginal vegetation in the accessible papyrus zone. Sixty-two species were recorded including fifteen catfishes. thirteen characoids, seven cyprinids, seven mormyrids and seven cichlids.
3. The highest diversity and abundance of tishes was obtained in the shallow Sudd lakes which revealed considerable uniformity in population structures. The most numerous species in gill-nets were Alestes dentex, Synodontis frontosus and S. schall , whereas Heterotis niloticus, Mormyrus cashive and Distichodus rostratus assumed importance in terms of biomass. Micralestes avutidens and cichlids were abundant among the small fishes inhabiting fringes of Eichhornia crussipes , and air-breathing species occurred beneath the vegetation mat.
4. Flowing-water habitats exhibited a similar but restricted fauna. Catches were dominated by Synodontis frontosus in open-water and by Micralestes acutidens and Chelaethiops bibie in the margins. The latter species was shown to have a clear preference for running water.
5. Peak catches in a representative river-lake could be interpreted as the arrival of fish for breeding or their migration through the lake for reproduction elsewhere. The capture of fry or juveniles of many species in fringing or marginal vegetation indicates that the permanent floodplain of the Sudd provides suitable spawning and rearing grounds.
6. Access to the extensive Typha zone was limited but from available evidence it was inferred that air-breathing fishes, notably Heterotis and Gymnarchus , may penetrate the swamps to reach areas remote from perennial transmission channels.     

Distribution pattern, endemism, threat status and conservation measures of fishes in the Tunga and Bhadra rivers of Western Ghats, India

This study documents the distribution patterns, endemism and uniqueness (species richness) of fishes in the Tunga and Bhadra rivers of Western Ghats, India. We recorded 77 species represented by 7 orders, 16 families and 44 genera, of which 36 species are endemic to Western Ghats, 12 species endemic to India and 26 species endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Based on our analysis on the distribution patterns, the Tunga River is richer in diversity and higher in endemism than the Bhadra. We calculated the similarity of the species composition among sites within these two rivers using the Jacquard index. The similarity index between the sampling sites of these rivers revealed that the similarity decreases with increasing distance between the sampling sites. Of the 77 fish species we collected, 8 species (11.1%) are in the Critical category, 10 species (13.8%) are in the High Risk category, 36 species (50%) are in the Moderate category and the remaining 18 species (25%) are at lower risk. The threat status of fishes found in the Tunga and Bhadra rivers strongly suggests the need for effective conservation measures to conserve the fish species richness of these rivers.     

Unculi (Horny Projections Arising from Single Cells), an Adaptive Feature of the Epidermis of Ostariophysan Fishes

Horny projections arising from single cells, or unculi, of ostariophysan fishes are described and discussed by several workers, but they occur in many more families and genera than previously reported and their status as a key adaptive feature has not been recognized. Unculi are related morphologically to the relatively well-known multicellular horny tubercles (including breeding tubercles) of Ostariophysi and other fishes, but differ from them in anatomical distribution and function. Unculi are especially prominent features of portions of the epidermis in Cyprinoidei (carps, loaches, and their allies) and Siluroidei (catfishes); they also occur in Characoidei (characins) and Chanoidei (gonorynchs) but have not been found in any non-ostariophysan fishes. Unculi evidently are functionally significant on the lips and other mouth parts (especially in groups lacking jaw teeth), on the ventral surface of the paired fins in many bottom-dwellers, and on several neomorphic features including epidermal plaques and tubercles in various catfishes, the thoracic adhesive disc of sisorid catfishes, and the mental adhesive disc of the cyprinid genus Garra . In some sisorid and akysid catfishes virtually the entire external body surface is covered by unculiferous plaques or tubercles. Possible functions of unculi include: mechanical protection of the skin, rasping, adhesion, and hydrodynamic effects. Unculi seem to have been especially important in the diversification of cyprinoid feeding habits and in the adaptation of bottom-dwelling cyprinoids and siluroids to swift-water habitats, especially in Asia.     

独龙江流域鱼类分布特征及其体长与体重的关系(英文)

鱼类主要分布于青藏高原周边,是一群适合于急流生活的科鱼类。在独龙江流域7个点共采集271号鱼类标本(隶属属、属和异齿属),结合各采集点数据绘制大鳍异齿、藏和扁头的分布直方图,结果显示,藏(E. labiatum)在流速较快的独龙江下游各采集点的种群数量较上游高,更适应急流生境。同时研究了这3种鱼类的体长与体重的关系,参数b(W=aLb)的范围在2.8201和3.0131之间,均为异速生长;藏的生长类型最接近等速生长。     

Observations on the ontogeny and homology of the pterygoid bones in Corydoras paleatus and some other catfishes

There has been much uncertainty in the past concerning the identity of the pterygoid bones in Siluroidei (catfishes). This confusion stems from the often increased number of pterygoid elements and their modified development, as compared with other teleosts. The ontogeny of the hyomandibula-pterygoquadrate series in a 20-day developmental sequence of Corydoras paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) embryos is described and supplemented with observations on a clariid and an ageniosid. A historical résumé of previous interpretations of siluroid pterygoid bone homologies is given together with our own which regards the metapterygoid as the central, densely ossified area of the pterygoquadrate, surrounded by the membranodermal ento- and ectopterygoids.     

Ontogeny of the catfish pectoral-fin spine (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

The characteristic and morphologically variable pectoral-fin spine of catfishes (order Siluriformes) has been well-investigated based on later developmental stages (juveniles and adults) but information on the earliest life stages are lacking. Here, we document the ontogeny of pectoral-fin spines in four siluroid (Ictalurus punctatus, Noturus gyrinus, Silurus glanis and Akysis vespa) and two loricarioid catfishes (Corydoras panda and Ancistrus sp.). To further our understanding of pectoral-fin spine development, we also examined adult and juvenile specimens representing 41 of the currently 43 recognized families of catfishes. Development of the pectoral-fin spine is similar in all catfishes and resembles the development of a typical soft fin ray. Fusion between hemitrichia of the anteriormost lepidotrichium occurs proximally first, forming the spine proper, with growth of the spine occurring through the subsequent fusion of developing distal hemitrichial segments that comprise the spurious ray. The variation of pectoral-fin spine morphology observed is largely attributed to the presence/absence of five traits, which either develop as part of the hemitrichial segments that are added to the distal tip of the spine during growth (distal rami, anterior/posterior serrae) or develop independent of these segments (denticuli and odontodes).     

独龙江流域鰋鮡鱼类分布特征及其体长与体重的关系

鰋鮡鱼类主要分布于青藏高原周边,是一群适合于急流生活的鮡科鱼类。在独龙江流域7个点共采集271号鰋鮡鱼类标本（隶属鮡属、鰋属和异齿鰋属）,结合各采集点数据绘制大鳍异齿鰋、藏鰋和扁头鮡的分布直方图,结果显示,藏鰋（E．labiatum）在流速较快的独龙江下游各采集点的种群数量较上游高,更适应急流生境。同时研究了这3种鰋鮡鱼类的体长与体重的关系,参数b（W=aL^b）的范围在2．8201和3．0131之间,均为异速生长;藏鰋的生长类型最接近等速生长.     

独龙江流域(鱼匽)(鱼兆)鱼类分布特征及其体长与体重的关系

(鱼匽)(鱼兆)鱼类主要分布于青藏高原周边, 是一群适合于急流生活的(鱼兆)科鱼类. 在独龙江流域7个点共采集271号(鱼匽)(鱼兆)鱼类标本(隶属(鱼兆)属、(鱼匽)属和异齿(鱼匽)属), 结合各采集点数据绘制大鳍异齿(鱼匽)、藏(鱼匽)和扁头(鱼兆)的分布直方图, 结果显示, 藏(鱼匽)(E. labiatum)在流速较快的独龙江下游各采集点的种群数量较上游高, 更适应急流生境. 同时研究了这3种(鱼匽)(鱼兆)鱼类的体长与体重的关系, 参数b(W=aLb)的范围在2.8201和3.0131之间, 均为异速生长;藏(鱼匽)的生长类型最接近等速生长.     

Mitochondrial phylogeny and phylogeography of East African squeaker catfishes (Siluriformes: Synodontis)

Background  

Squeaker catfishes (Pisces, Mochokidae, Synodontis) are widely distributed throughout Africa and inhabit a biogeographic range similar to that of the exceptionally diverse cichlid fishes, including the three East African Great Lakes and their surrounding rivers. Since squeaker catfishes also prefer the same types of habitats as many of the cichlid species, we hypothesized that the East African Synodontis species provide an excellent model group for comparative evolutionary and phylogeographic analyses.     

Two genotypic groups of morphologically similar fish trypanosomes from the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Blood smears and blood lysate samples from freshwater fishes captured in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, were examined to determine whether their trypanosomes were all Trypanosoma mukasai, a species of supposed broad host specificity and widespread existence across Africa. Trypanosomes and/or babesiosomes occurred in 20/32 blood smears, and morphometric analysis of trypanosomes from 13/32 smears showed features suggestive of T. mukasai, including nuclear indices consistently >1. In 16/32 blood lysate samples from which DNA was extracted, trypanosome DNA was detected in 12/16 by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), using trypanosome-specific ssu rRNA gene primers. Two samples positive for trypanosomes in blood smears yielded no amplifiable trypanosome DNA, but 4 samples with no detectable infection in blood smears were positive for trypanosome DNA, suggesting an overall trypanosome prevalence rate of 17/32 (53%) among fishes and demonstrating the value of PCR in trypanosome recognition. Cloning and sequencing of the 12 amplified fragments revealed 2 genotypic groups among these fish trypanosomes. Group 1 trypanosomes were from cichlids and 3 families of catfishes, Group 2 from 2 types of catfishes. Sequence comparison showed that the consensus Group 1 sequence was most similar to that of Trypanosoma cobitis, representing European fish trypanosomes of the carassii type, while the consensus Group 2 sequence showed similarity with a trypanosome sequence from another African catfish, Clarias angolensis. It was concluded that the identification of T. mukasai remains a problem, but at least 2 genotypic groups of trypanosomes occur in Okavango Delta fishes, and catfishes in this region appear to contain both types.     

Free-Running Locomotor Activity Rhythms in Cave-Dwelling Catfishes, Trichomycterus sp., from Brazil (Teleostei, Siluriformes)

Locomotor activity of troglobitic (cave restricted) catfishes, Trichomycterus sp., was recorded in the laboratory under constant darkness for ten consecutive days. Infra-red photocell beam crossings were totalled every thirty minutes and stored for later analysis. Spectral analysis of the data followed by a statistical test designed for the detection of significant components was then performed. The results of 14 individuals, seven pigmented and seven albino fishes, are reported here. In eight individuals, four pigmented and four albinos, we were not able to detect significant components in the circadian range, although ultradian and/or infradian significant components were found in all cases. Former studies on other two Brazilian cave catfishes, Pimelodella kronei and Imparfinis sp., showed similar results, suggesting a picture of gradual loss of circadian rhythmicity and persistence of ultradian and infradian rhythms in the locomotor activity of troglobitic populations. The proportion of specimens without significant circadian components was higher in Trichomycterus sp., supposedly less specialized to cave life than the other two species. This is tentatively correlated with a higher environmental stability during the time of evolutionary isolation in the subterranean biotope. These results provide strong arguments for the importance of external selection over circadian rhythmicity.     

Locomotor Activity Rhythms in Cave Catfishes, Genus Taunayia, from Eastern Brazil (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Heptapterinae)

We studied the locomotor rhythmicity in heptapterine catfishes, genus Taunayia, under free-running conditions (DD) and LD cycles (12:12). Taunayia sp., anophthalmic and depigmented undescribed species from a cave in northeastern Brazil, is the fourth Brazilian troglobitic catfish studied with focus on circadian rhythms. Weak free-running rhythmicity, with absence of significant circadian components, was observed for this species when compared to the epigean, eyed relatives. On the other hand, the studied troglobitic catfishes in general presented significant circadian rhythms under LD cycles, with activity peaks in the night phase probably corresponding to nocturnal activity pattern inherited from their epigean ancestors. However, no residual oscillations were observed after transition from LD to DD. This indicates masking of activity by light-dark cycles. Regression of circadian rhythmicity in the stable, permanently dark subterranean habitat was also observed for other cave fishes. Such regression corroborates the notion that circadian rhythmicity is mainly selected in the epigean environment by ecological factors, namely daily cycles of light and/or temperature.