Morphological Differentiation Between Riverine and Lacustrine Populations of Snow Trout Schizopyge niger (Cyprinidae) from Kashmir using Truss Morphometry

Journal of Ichthyology - Landmark-based morphometrics are examined to evaluate the population status of Schizopyge niger (Heckel, 1838) from Dal Lake and Jhelum River. A total of 180 individuals...     

Length‐weight relationships of four snowtrout species from the Kashmir Valley in India

Length–weight relationships (LWR) are presented for one species of the genus Schizopyge [S. curvifrons (Heckel, 1838)] and three species of the genus Schizothorax [S. esocinus (Heckel, 1838), S. labiatus (McClelland, 1842) and S. plagiostomus (Heckel, 1838)] from different water bodies of the Kashmir Valley, India. A total of 774 specimens were sampled and measured from January to November 2011. No information regarding LWRs of these species was available in FishBase.     

Re-validation of Gonorhynchus adiscus and G. diplochilus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) using morphological and molecular data

Small and silvery cyprinid species from eastern Iran which are usually known as Crossocheilus latius are reviewed based on morphological and molecular characters of the mtDNA COI barcode region. We demonstrate that fishes which had been identified as Crossocheilus Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1823 in Iran actually belong to the genus Gonorhynchus McClelland, 1838 with two species: G. adiscus (Annandale, 1919) and G. diplochilus (Heckel, 1838), which are rediagnosed here. Both species are well distinguished by gill raker counts, number of scales between anus and anal fin, barbel size and minimum body depth. G. adiscus and G. diplochilus are also distinguished by molecular characters of the mtDNA COI barcode region. Both species are phylogenetically close to Gonorhynchus latius (Hamilton, 1822) which is restricted to India, Nepal and Bangladesh and to G. burmanicus (Hora, 1936), restricted to India and Myanmar. All of these four related taxa are phylogenetically closer to the genus Garra than the genus Crossocheilus (restricted to south-east Asia).     

Length–weight relationships of four fish species from the MoTuo reach of the Yarlung Zangbo River,southwest China

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were evaluated for four fish species from the MoTuo reach of the Yarlung Zangbo River, southwest China: Exostoma labiatum (McClelland, 1842), Schizothorax curvilabiatus (Wu & Tsao, 1992), Nemacheilus subfusca (McClelland, 1839), and Garra kempi Hora, 1921. The a values ranged from 0.0094 (Schizothorax curvilabiatus) to 0.0151 (Exostoma labiatum), b values from 2.698 (Exostoma labiatum) to 2.974 (Schizothorax curvilabiatus), and r² values from 0.976 (Nemacheilus subfusca) to 0.995 (Schizothorax curvilabiatus). A total of 427 fish specimens were collected by electrofishing in April 2015, with LWRs previously unknown to FishBase for four of the species. New maximum lengths are recorded in FishBase for three of these species: Schizothorax curvilabiatus, Nemacheilus subfusca, and Garra kempi.     

Length–weight relationships for five fish species caught in Keban Dam Lake,Turkey

Length–weight relationships (LWR) are presented for five commercial freshwater fish species (Luciobarbus esocinus, Heckel, 1843; Capoeta trutta, Heckel, 1843; Barbus lacerta, Heckel, 1843; Luciobarbus mystaceus, Pallas, 1814 and Capoeta umbla, Heckel, 1843) collected from Keban Dam Lake located in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Studied samples were obtained between July and December 2008 using commercial gill nets. For each species the sample size, length range, weight range, length‐weight relationships, 95% confidence intervals of a and b, coefficient of correlation and growth type are given. Values of b were between 2.915 (Luciobarbus esocinus) and 3.079 (Copoeta trutta) and r² values from 0.919 (Copoeta trutta) to 0.987 (Barbus lacerta) in the study. New maximum length and length–weight relationships are reported for Barbus lacerta and Luciobarbus mystaceus.     

Species of the genus Psoroptes (Acari: Psoroptidae): A taxonomic consideration

The biosystematic status of mite species belonging to the genus Psoroptes Gervais, 1841 is difficult to determine by phenotypic methods and has been subject to taxonomic revisions and ongoing debate. At present, the existence of five species, P. cuniculi (Delafond, 1859), P. ovis (Hering, 1838), P. equi (Hering, 1838), P. cervinus Ward, 1915 and P. natalensis Hirst, 1919, is generally accepted. This classification is based mainly on the host species, the localization of the mites on their hosts and morphological characters of male mites. However, a critical review of the literature indicates that the features used to discriminate between the five species are not unequivocal: (a) the localization of mite populations on host animals is not completely strict, (b) the lengths of the outer opisthosomal setae of male mites, which are the main morphological features used for species discrimination, overlap between the five postulated species, and (c) host specificity cannot be deduced from results of transfer experiments. Rather, conspecificity of the members of the genus Psoroptes has to be presumed which is supported by molecular genetic analyses. On these grounds and on rules of priority P. cervinus Ward, 1915, P. cuniculi (Delafond, 1859), P. natalensis Hirst, 1919 and P. ovis (Hering, 1838) are seen as synonyms of P. equi (Hering, 1838).     

Length‐weight relationships of eleven fish species from the middle reaches of Jinsha River,southwest China

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for eleven endemic fish species [Coreius guichenoti (Sauvage & Dabry de Thiersant, 1874), Glyptothorax sinensis (Regan, 1908), Leptobotia elongata (Bleeker, 1870), Leptobotia taeniops (Sauvage, 1878), Pseudobagrus crassilabris (Günther, 1864), Rhinogobio ventralis (Sauvage & Dabry de Thiersant, 1874), Saurogobio dabryi (Bleeker, 1871), Schizothorax chongi (Fang, 1936), Schizothorax kozlovi (Nikolskii, 1903), Schizothorax prenanti (Tchang, 1930) and Schizothorax wangchiachii (Fang, 1936)] from the middle reaches of the Jinsha River in southwest China. Samples were obtained between May 2004 and July 2013 using various types of fishing gear and electroshock fishing techniques. For each species, the sample size, length range, weight range, LWR, 95% confidence intervals of a and b, and coefficient of correlation were determined. Prior to this study, the LWRs for four species (P. crassilabris, S. chongi, S. kozlovi and S. prenanti) were unknown.     

Length–weight relationships of five endemic fish species from the lower Yarlung Zangbo River,Tibet, China

The length–weight relationships were estimated for five endemic fishes (Schizothorax curvilabiatus, Schizothorax molesworthi, Garra kempi, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, Exostoma labiatum) from the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, China. Fishing gear used for sampling included 4 cm mesh gill nets (100 m long × 1.2 m high) and electrofishing, from December 2015 to January 2016. Three of the species have new records of maximum length in FishBase.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships for seven fish species from the Zohreh River,Iran

Length–weight and length–length parameters were calculated for seven fish species belonging to five families in the Zohreh River, Iran. The weight–length relationships were estimated using the equation W = aL^b. The b values varied between 2.72 and 3.33, with a mean ± SD of 2.88 ± 0.28. The b values parameter in the length–weight relationship equations were calculated as 3.15 for Alburnus mossulensis Heckel, 1843; 3.78 for Barilius mesopotamicus Berg, 1932; 2.86 for Cyprinion macrostomum Heckel, 1843; 2.89 for Nuchequula gerreoides (Bleeker, 1851); 2.80 for Mastacembelus mastacembelus (Banks & Solander, 1794); 2.72 for Liza abu (Heckel, 1843); and 3.19 for Paraschistura nielseni (Nalbant and Bianco, 1998). This study presents the first LWR and LLR references for these species in the Zohreh River.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three endemic fish species from the Yarlung Tsangpo River,China

The length‐weight (LWR) and length‐length relationships (LLR) were estimated for three endemic fish species, including Schizothorax waltoni Regan, 1905, Schizothorax oconnori Lloyd, 1908, and Schizothorax macropogon Regan, 1905 in the Yarlung Tsangpo River. A total of 399 specimens were collected using gillnets and cast nets during February to August 2012 and March to May 2013. No information regarding length–weight and length–length relationships was reported previously in FishBase for these three endemic species.     

Length–weight relationships for five fishes in the Nmai Hka River,Myanmar

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were investigated for five fish species occurring in the Nmai Hka River. Fish were collected monthly from five sites between January and May 2009, using five gill nets in the main river and electrofishing in tributaries. The results of LWRs for Bangana devdevi (Hora, 1936), Garra qiaojiensis Wu & Yao, 1977, Amblypharyngodon atkinsonii (Blyth, 1860), Schizothorax meridionalis (Tsao, 1964) and Mystus pulcher (Chaudhuri, 1911) provide basic data useful in fisheries science. All values of parameter b ranging from 2.89 for Bangana devdevi (Hora, 1936) and 3.47 for Garra qiaojiensis Wu & Yao, 1977(in all cases r² > .951).A new total length has been recorded for Garra qiaojiensis Wu & Yao, 1977 when comparing with records given in the international electronic databank FishBase (Froese & Pauly, 2017).     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three cyprinid fishes from the Bibi‐Sayyedan River,western Iran

This study describes the length–weight and length–length relationships for three cyprinid species from the Bibi‐Sayyedan River (western Isfahan provinces, Iran). The slope parameter (b) values in the length–weight relationship equations were determined as 3.0729 for Alburnus mossulensis Heckel, 1843; 2.8509 for Barbus lacerta Heckel, 1843; and 3.0864 for Chondrostoma regium (Heckel, 1843). This study presents the first LWR and LLR references for these species in the Bibi‐Sayyedan River.     

Length–weight relationships of five fish species from the Nujiang River (Salween basin), southwest China

This study provides the total length–weight relationships (LWRs) for five fish species collected from the Nujiang River, southwest China. Samples were obtained in May 2015 and May 2016 using drift net and electroshock fishing techniques. A total of 502 specimens belonging to five fish species were analyzed; their LWRs were calculated. The five fish were Schizothorax nukiangensis, Akrokolioplax bicornis, Creteuchiloglanis kamengensis, Channa gachua and Glyptothorax trilineatus. Prior to this study, the length‐weight relationship for S. nukiangensis is unknown to FishBase and new maximum lengths are recorded for A. bicornis and C. kamengensis.These results are useful for fishery research, conservation and management in the Nujiang River.     

Length–weight and length‐length relationships for four freshwater fish species from Gölbaşı Lake (Hatay), Turkey

Length–weight and length–length relationships are presented for four freshwater fish species [Liza abu (Heckel, 1843), Aphanius mento (Heckel, 1843), Oxynoemacheilus hamwii (Krupp & Schneider, 1991) and Chondrostoma kinzelbachi Krupp, 1985] captured in Gölba?? Lake, Hatay, Anatolia. No information regarding length–weight relationships was reported previously in FishBase for C. kinzelbachi, A. mento and O. hamwii. Specimens were obtained from January to May 2012 using electrofishing and cast nets. This study presents the first study on LWR data for C. kinzelbachi, A. mento and O. hamwii.     

Length–weight relationships of three fish species from the Tibet reach of the Lancang River,China

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for three fish species, Schizothorax lantsangensis (Tsao, 1964), Schizothorax lissolabiatus (Tsao, 1964) and Schizopygopsis anteroventris (Wu & Tsao, 1989), from the Tibet reach of the Lancang River, China (N 29°06′–31°30′, E 96°57′–98°38′). Specimens were collected in April and September 2017. The specimens were caught with drifting gillnets (mesh size 2.5 cm and 7.0 cm). The b values of these three fish species ranged from 2.974 to 3.075. The high r² values (all > .980) indicate that these relationships will be appropriate for use in fisheries management of these species.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships for eight fish species from the Jarrahi River,southwestern Iran

Length–weight and length–length relationships were estimated for eight fish species belonging to three families from the Jarrahi River in southwestern Iran. The study was performed between June 2009 and September 2011. Weight–length relationships were estimated using the logarithmic form of the equation W = aL^b. The b values varied between 2.96 and 3.61 and determined as 3.42 for Alburnus mossulensis Heckel, 1843; 3.33 for Alburnoides idignensis Bogutskaya and Coad, 2009; 2.85 for Barbus grypus Heckel, 1843; 3.61 for Barilius mesopotamicus Berg, 1932; 3.16 for Cyprinion kais (Heckel, 1843); 3.36 for Cyprinion macrostomum Heckel, 1843; 3.27 for Paraschistura nielseni (Nalbant and Bianco, 1998); and 2.96 for Glyptothorax silviae Coad, 1981. This study presents the first LWR and LLR references for these species in the Jarrahi River.     

Cyclic variations of gonad development of snow trout,Schizopyge niger from the river Jhelum of Kashmir Himalaya

The aim of the present study was to know the cyclic changes in gonadal maturation and to investigate the various developmental stages of oocytes and testicular germ cells of snow trout, Schizopyge niger. A total of 316 fish specimens were procured from three sites of river Jhelum during November 2016 to October 2017 and the histological analysis of their gonad was carried out. The results of the present study indicates that the male population was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to female population and were reported as (1.6:1; M:F). The highest mean GSI value was recorded in male (12.24 ± 0.89) during the month of March and for female (13.74 ± 0.92) also in the month of March, which indicated that the gonadal development reached its peak during this month. The highest mean oocyte diameter was 1.04 ± 0.20 mm observed in March, showing that the oocyte reached its maturity during this month. Histological study of ovary revealed the evidence of vitellogenic yolk granule stage and ripe mature stage from December to April. While in case of male, four stages of spermatogenesis were distinguished and spermatozoa were highly abundant in the months of March and April. Mean ± SE of absolute fecundity was 3,224 ± 421 eggs and also, the relative fecundity was 69 egg/g body weight. Based on the results of GSI and the analysis of gonad histology, it was observed that the peak breeding season of S. niger occurred in the month of March. It was also noted that spawning period of this fish begins in the month of February and lasts till April with a peak breeding season in the month of March. The present study will provide a baseline information about the appropriate peak breeding of the fish, which will be useful for artificial breeding as well for prevention of fishing from natural habitat.     

Immunochemical detection of ochratoxin A in black Aspergillus strains

One hundred and fifty-seven strains belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri were tested for ochratoxin A production using three different methods: a relatively new immunochemical method based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique was successfully used to screen for low levels of ochratoxin A in the black Aspergilli without concentrating the culture filtrates. The results were confirmed by TLC and HPLC analysis and chemical derivatization. These latter methods required concentrated filtrates. Ochratoxin A was detected in the culture filtrates of five of the 12 A. carbonarius strains, none of the 45 A.japonicus strains and three of the 100 isolates in the A. niger aggregate (A. foetidus, A. awamori and A. niger).Abbreviations ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography - OA ochratoxin A - TLC thin-layer chromatography     

Effects of water quality and trophic status on helminth infections in the cyprinid fish, Schizothorax niger Heckel, 1838 from three lakes in the Kashmir Himalayas

Water quality greatly influences the population density of aquatic biota, including parasites. In order to evaluate the relationship between fish parasites and water quality in Kashmir Himalayas, we assessed helminth parasite densities in Schizothorax niger Heckel, 1838 (an endemic cyprinid fish of Kashmir) from three lakes, namely Anchar, Manasbal and Dal, which reflected the varied stages of eutrophication. The overall prevalence of helminth infections was higher in the hypertrophic Anchar Lake (prevalence = 18.6%) compared to Manasbal Lake, which was the least eutrophied (prevalence = 6.4%). Furthermore, mean prevalence of monoxenous and heteroxenous parasites was higher in lakes containing higher levels of water degradation (Anchar and Dal). The mean number of helminth species per fish host was the highest in the hypertrophic lake (1.3 ± 0.3) in comparison to the least eutrophic lake (0.2 ± 1.5). Variability of calculated infection indices (prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance) revealed that helminth parasite composition in the fish was affected by the lakes' environmental stress (degraded water quality). Therefore, data on the density of helminth parasites in fish can provide supplementary information on the pollution status of a water body.     

Microbial solubilization of rock phosphate on media containing agro-industrial wastes and effect of the resulting products on plant growth and P uptake

Four agro-industrial wastes were assayed as substrates for microbial solubilization of rock phosphate (RP). Sugar beet wastes (SB), olive cake (OC) and olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) were treated by Aspergillus niger, and dry olive cake (DOC) was treated by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. In conditions of solid-state fermentation 46% of SB and 21% of OC were mineralized by A. niger while 16% of DOC was mineralized by P. chrysosporium. Repeated-batch mode of fermentation was employed for treatment of OMWW by immobilized A. niger, which resulted in conversion of 80% of the fermentable sugars. Acidification of all media treated by A. niger was registered with a simultaneous solubilization of 59.7% (SB), 42.6% (OC), and 36.4% (OMWW) of the total P present in the RP. The same mechanism of RP solubilization was observed in DOC-based medium inoculated with P. chrysosporium but other mechanisms were probably involved during the process. A series of microcosm experiments were then performed in the greenhouse to evaluate the effectiveness of the resulting fermented products. All amendments improved plant growth and P acquisition, which were further enhanced by mycorrhizal inoculation. The level of all studied parameters including the root mycorrhizal colonization depended on the substrate characteristics. The reported biotechnological schemes offer a potential application particularly for degraded soils.