A new species of Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from the dolphin trenches of Kulsi River, N. India, possibly under threat

The Kulsi River, a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, N. India is reported to have resident population of Ganges river dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Roxburgh), which feeds on fishes and prawns. While surveying for the dolphins of the river, a number of fishes and prawns were collected. On identification, one of the prawns was found to be undescribed, and hence is described herein. The ecology of the river consisted of: temperature fluctuating widely from 15 to 28 °C, depth from 0.8 to 10 m, turbidity of 11-19 cm, sand mining @ 12,500 MT annually, and fish catch of 300-800 kg (from 1.5 km area). All these factors pose a great threat to the fish and prawn wealth of the river.Macrobrachium kulsiense sp. nov. is a very small sized prawn (maximum size - 34.5 mm in total length), exhibiting species-specific characters, such as highly elevated and moderately long rostrum with 9-12 dorsal teeth, a single ventral tooth, and percentage ratios of ischium, merus, carpus, palm, dactylus of first and second chelipeds (19.05:28.57:33.33:09.52:09.52 and 21.43:25.00:21.43:14.28:17.86, respectively). The species shows close similarity with Macrobrachium mirabile (Kemp). The females are larger than males, eggs are large in size (1.2×0.9 mm) and fecundity is low (15-20).     

Factors affecting the persistence of endangered Ganges River dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica)

The Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli (GBMK) River Basin in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh is among the world's most biodiverse river basins. However, human‐induced habitat modification processes threaten the ecological structure of this river basin. Among the GBMK’s diverse flora and fauna of this freshwater ecosystem, the endemic Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica; GRD) is one of the most charismatic species in this freshwater ecosystem. Though a >50% population size reduction has occurred since 1957, researchers and decision‐makers often overlook the persistence (or evolutionary potential) of this species in the highly fragmented GBMK. We define the evolutionary potential as the ability of species/populations to adapt in a changing environment by maintaining their genetic diversity. Here, we review how evolutionary trap mechanisms affect the dynamics and viability of the GRD (hereafter Ganges dolphin) populations after rapid declines in their population size and distribution. We detected six potential trap mechanisms that might affect the Ganges dolphin populations discretely or in combination: (a) habitat modification; (b) occurrence of finite and geographically restricted local populations; (c) ratio of effective to estimate population size; (d) increasing risk of inbreeding depression in genetically isolated groups; (e) at‐risk behavioral attributes; and (f) direct fisheries–dolphin interactions. Because evolutionary traps appear most significant during low water season, they adversely affect demographic parameters, which reduce evolutionary potential. These traps have already caused local extirpation events; therefore, we recommend translocation among populations, including restoring and preserving essential habitats as immediate conservation strategies. Integrative evolutionary potential information based on demographic, genetic, and environmental data is still lacking. Thus, we identify gaps in the knowledge and suggest integrative approaches to understand the future of Ganges dolphins in South Asian waterways.     

长江口水域夏季鱼卵和仔稚鱼年间变化

基于2005年、2008年、2009年和2011年8月(夏季)在长江口水域(30°30'—31°45'N,121°15'—123°10'E)4个航次的浮游生物拖网资料,分析了长江口水域鱼卵和仔稚鱼的种类组成、数量分布特征及其年间变化。结果表明:4个航次采集的鱼卵和仔稚鱼鉴定到种的种类有17种,隶属于8目13科,以鲈形目种类最多,11种,其次是鲱形目,5种,其他各目种类均小于5种;种类数存在明显年间差异,2005年种类数最多(鱼卵3种,仔稚鱼8种),其次是2009年和2011年,2008年种类数最少(鱼卵1种,仔稚鱼5种)。优势种年间更替明显,长蛇鲻(Saurida elongata)、虾虎鱼(Gobiidae spp.)和中华小公鱼(Stolephorus chinensis)在2005年是优势种,2008年优势种为鳀鱼(Engraulis japonicus),2009年优势种为鳀鱼、寡鳞飘鱼(Pseudolaubuca engraulis)、虾虎鱼等,2011年虾虎鱼和小公鱼(包括小公鱼属未定种Stolephorus spp.和中华小公鱼Stolephorus chinensis)成为优势种。2005年鱼卵和仔稚鱼数量分布的密集区在嵊泗列岛附近水域,2008年鱼卵和仔稚鱼出现较少,未出现明显的数量密集区;2009年鱼卵数量较少,仔稚鱼数量较多,密集区主要分布在在长江口以外123°E附近水域;2011年鱼卵主要分布在在长江北支口门外附近水域,仔稚鱼在调查区内分布相对均匀。     

赣江鱼类物种更新名录

赣江是长江的主要支流之一, 淡水鱼类多样性极其丰富, 但是目前对于该河流的鱼类多样性还未有充分的了解。本研究于2016年9月至2017年8月对赣江鱼类进行了实地调查, 结合历史文献资料并参考最新的分类学成果, 更新了赣江淡水鱼类名录。结果表明, 赣江共有淡水鱼类180种, 隶属于12目31科93属。其中, 土著鱼类174种, 外来鱼类6种。赣江鱼类以鲤形目为主; 鲤科种类最多, 其次是鲿科。更新的物种名录中, 包含23个新记录土著种, 其中有5个未被描述的新种; 有36个历史资料记载的种类被剔除出物种名录; 25个物种发生了分类地位的变更。此外, 本次调查有28种鱼类未采集到, 说明这些鱼类的种群数量正在急剧下降, 而这些鱼类分别属于洄游性、流水性和产漂流性卵等独特生态类型, 说明赣江鱼类多样性受到了严重的人为干扰。本研究所给出的赣江鱼类的更新物种名录, 可为今后的赣江鱼类多样性保护提供理论基础。     

Habitat use by a Midwestern U.S.A. riverine fish assemblage: effects of season, water temperature and river discharge

The hypothesis that temperate stream fishes alter habitat use in response to changing water temperature and stream discharge was evaluated over a 1 year period in the Neosho River, Kansas, U.S.A. at two spatial scales. Winter patterns differed from those of all other seasons, with shallower water used less frequently, and low‐flow habitat more frequently, than at other times. Non‐random habitat use was more frequent at the point scale (4·5 m²) than at the larger reach scale (20–40 m), although patterns at both scales were similar. Relative to available habitats, assemblages used shallower, swifter‐flowing water as temperature increased, and shallower, slower‐flowing water as river discharge increased. River discharge had a stronger effect on assemblage habitat use than water temperature. Proportion of juveniles in the assemblage did not have a significant effect. This study suggests that many riverine fishes shift habitats in response to changing environmental conditions, and supports, at the assemblage level, the paradigm of lotic fishes switching from shallower, high‐velocity habitats in summer to deeper, low‐velocity habitats in winter, and of using shallower, low‐velocity habitats during periods of high discharge. Results also indicate that different species within temperate river fish assemblages show similar habitat use patterns at multiple scales in response to environmental gradients, but that non‐random use of available habitats is more frequent at small scales.     

Weight–length relationships for 20 fish species collected in the mangroves of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles)

Weight–length relationships (WLR) are reported for 20 fish species from the mangroves of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). The fishes were collected using fishing hoop nets. In the present study, the regressions were calculated after separating juveniles and adults. The b coefficient in the WLR varied between 2.37 and 3.85, with a mean of 3.15 ± 0.15.     

Length–weight relationships of Hara hara (Hamilton, 1822), Pangio pangia (Hamilton, 1822) and Setipinna brevifilis (Valenciennes, 1848) from the lower Brahmaputra River,Northeast India

The present study describes the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for Hara hara, Pangio pangia and Setipinna brevifilis from the lower Brahmaputra River in Assam, Northeast India, collected from June 2016 to May 2017, using fishing gears namely cast nets (9′, 1 ⁄ 2″) and gillnets (30 × 0.9 m). No previous data have ever been recorded on LWR for these three species.     

Diel distribution patterns of fishes in a temperate large lowland river

During the day, juveniles and typical inshore species in the lower Oder River, Germany, inhabited the littoral (0·05–1·50 m deep) while potamal species inhabited the mid‐channel (40–100 m from the banks). During the night, two behavioural groups were distinguished: 1) potamal species and large individuals of other species, moved from offshore to the littoral, and 2) nocturnal foraging species, became active and increased in inshore and offshore habitats. Inshore, the most significant differences at night was the increasing density of silver bream Blicca bjoerkna increasing both total biomass and total length of fishes caught. Offshore, the increasing density of whitefin gudgeon Gobio albipinnatus at night was most significant. Additional night electrofishing improved the assessment of the abundance, age and size structure of typical potamal fish species. It should be incorporated in large river fish monitoring programmes.     

Distribution of fish in the Virgin River,a tributary of the lower Colorado River

Synopsis The Virgin River, a major tributary of the lower Colorado River, contains a unique, though impoverished, native ichthyofauna (six species) that is largely intact despite the introduction of exotic fishes (13 species) and alterations of the river. The main conclusions of the study are: (1) The longitudinal distribution pattern of the native species does not follow theoretical expectations of a downstream increase in species richness; (2) for the size of the basin (>15,000 km²), the native ichthyofauna is extremely depauperate; and (3) most of the exotic fish are not established in the river, but persist through repeated invasions from downstream reservoirs.     

Length–weight relationships of Garra birostris Nebeshwar & Vishwanath, 2013, Garra annandalei (Hora, 1921), Johnius coitor (Hamilton, 1822) and Raiamas bola (Hamilton, 1822) from the Brahmaputra River basin,Northeast India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) for one percoid (Johnius coitor) and three cyprinid (Garra birostris, Garra annandalei and Raiamas bola) fish species from the Brahmaputra River basin in Assam, Northeast India, was studied on a monthly basis from November 2015 to December 2016, using fishing gears namely, cast nets (9′, 1/2″) and gillnets (30 × 0.9 m). No previous record is available on LWR data for three of these species.     

Length-weight relationships of 37 freshwater fish species from the Lefini river,middle Congo River basin (Republic of the Congo)

The present study reports on length-weight relationships (LWRs) for 37 of the most abundant fish species in the Lefini River basin, one of the largest right bank tributaries of the Congo River in the Republic of the Congo. The study area comprised 12 stations along 103 km of the river. Each station was sampled during March 2007 to August 2008 following standardized methods utilizing five monofilament gill nets of 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30 mm mesh size. Sample size, lengths, weights, LWRs, 95% confidence intervals of a and b, coefficient of correlation r² and growth type are provided for each species. Values of allometric coefficient b of the LWRs (W = aSL^b) ranged from 2.556 for Synodontis nigriventris to 3.363 for Brycinus poptae. These results represent the first study of length-weight relationships for fish species in a large affluent of the Congo basin as a whole.     

A dynamic assessment of water scarcity risk in the Lower Brahmaputra River Basin: An integrated approach

Many international river basins are likely to experience increasing water scarcity over the coming decades. This water scarcity is not rooted only in the limitation of resources, i.e. the shortage in the availability of freshwater relative to water demand, but also on social factors (e.g. flawed water planning and management approaches, institutional incapability to provide water services, unsustainable economic policies). Therefore, the assessment of water scarcity risks is not limited to the assessment of physical water supply and demand, but it requires also consideration of several socio-economic factors. In this study, we provide a comprehensive dynamic assessment of water scarcity risks for the Lower Brahmaputra river basin, a region where the hydrological impact of climate change is expected to be particularly strong and population pressure is high. The basin area of Brahmaputra River lies among four different countries: China, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. For water scarcity assessment, we propose a novel integration of different approaches: (i) the assessment of water scarcity risk, considering complex social-ecological system; (ii) the analysis of dynamic behaviour of the system; (iii) exploration of participatory approach in which limited number of stakeholders identify the most relevant issues with reference to water scarcity risks and provide their preferences for the aggregation of risk assessment indicators. Results show that water scarcity risk is expected to slightly increase and to fluctuate remarkably as a function of the hazard signal. Social indicators show trends that can at least partially compensate the increasing trend of the drought index. The results of this study are intended to be used for contributing to planned adaptation of water resources systems, in Lower Brahmaputra River Basin.     

The fish community of a high mountain stream in Taiwan and its relation to dam design

Synopsis The fish community of a high mountain stream in Taiwan was studied from 1988 to 1990 in a 16 km section of Ta-chia river where a new dam is planned for construction. There were 16 species of fish belonging to 7 families; 15 genera were recorded. Six species are endemic to Taiwan. The dominant species wereZacco pachycephalus, Acrosscheileus paradoxus andRhinogobius brunneus. The composition of fish fauna was different between the eight study sites. Adjacent sites did not show a higher similarity than remote ones. AdultZ. pachycephalus andA. paradoxus showed seasonal aggregation behavior in the stream. At two distinct sites, Kukan and Tungmau, these two species had similar breeding and stock composition patterns with an intensified production period of juveniles from late autumn to early winter and a low, but continuous production period of juveniles in summer months. This information suggest that fishes in the river have special adaptations to the typhoon season in summer and benthic algal blooming in winter. The similarity of fish community and the independent breeding sites of endemic fishes in Kukan and Tungmau also suggest that these are important factors to consider for conservation when the flooding area of a high mountain dam is designed.     

Population status and habitat occupancy of endangered river dolphins in the Karnali River system of Nepal during low water season

Ganges river dolphin abundance has undergone a predominant decline across its range since monitoring began. In Nepal, disappearance from some of the rivers it once used has already occurred. Today this species can only be found in three river systems in Nepal, the Karnali, Sapta Koshi, and Narayani, but numbers are low in these locations. To determine the abundance of dolphins remaining in the Karnali system (which includes the Karnali, Geruwa, and Mohana), and factors affecting dolphin habitat use, we conducted surveys where we recorded dolphin presence. Dolphins within this river system were sighted only in the Karnali and an abundance estimate of 5.04 ± 0.753 SE was calculated. This pattern of ranging differed from that previously reported (from previous sightings only in the Geruwa to current sightings only in the Karnali). River depth likely contributed to the presence or absence of dolphins. Shifts in available habitat between the Geruwa and Karnali have resulted from changes in the course of the main stream Karnali following construction of the Chisapani irrigation intake. Because of the low numbers of dolphins reported, there is great concern that loss of this species in Nepal is likely in the near future.     

Effects of river control structures on the juvenile migration of Macrobrachium ohione

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新疆阿勒泰地区额尔齐斯河和乌伦古河流域鱼类多样性演变和流域健康评价

为了解阿勒泰地区额尔齐斯河和乌伦古河流域的鱼类多样性现状和历史演变, 本研究于2013-2016年间在该流域的鱼类多样性进行了连续调查, 并结合历史资料和标本, 以Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Pielou均匀度指数分析评估了流域内鱼类的多样性水平和时空变化。该流域历史上分布有土著鱼类23种, 当前记录到19种, 流域内还有外来鱼类15种。阿勒泰鱼类的区系组成以鲤科种类为主, 其中特有和珍稀濒危物种占比高, 具有重要的保护价值。多样性指数计算结果显示, 2013-2016年鱼类多样性情况整体稳定, 额尔齐斯河鱼类物种数多于乌伦古河。研究还基于鱼类生物完整性指数(Fish Index of Biological Integrity, F-IBI)对34个采集点的河流健康状况进行了评价, 结果显示额尔齐斯河流域大多数调查点的健康状况处于“亚健康”或“一般”水平, 乌伦古河流域多数调查点的健康状况处于“健康”水平。水利工程、外来物种、过度捕捞是影响阿勒泰地区鱼类多样性的重要因素。未来应通过水利工程的联合调度、下泄合理生态流量、布设鱼类通道、规范养殖渔业、严控外来物种、本地土著鱼类的人工增殖放流, 以及合理的就地保护措施对阿勒泰地区的鱼类多样性加以保护, 提升水体健康程度。     

怒江流域鱼类多样性及空间分布格局

怒江是我国西南地区重要的国际河流, 也是全球生物多样性热点区域之一。受地理位置和地形条件限制, 目前尚缺乏怒江流域鱼类物种多样性及其分布格局的系统研究。本研究利用近5年的全流域实地采样数据, 结合文献资料, 系统整理了怒江流域鱼类物种组成信息; 利用聚类和排序方法分析了怒江流域鱼类空间分布格局。结果表明, 怒江流域共有土著鱼类85种, 隶属于5目12科47属; 外来鱼类18种, 隶属于3目8科16属, 另外实地调查发现新记录外来种2种。怒江流域鱼类多样性从上游至下游呈明显的递增趋势。根据土著鱼类组成的聚类和排序分析结果, 可以将怒江25个亚流域分为3个部分: (1)西藏自治区内的上游河段, 分布有鱼类15种, 组成以裂腹鱼类、高原鳅类为主, 具有明显青藏高原冷水性鱼类区系特征。(2)贡山至泸水的中游河段, 分布有鱼类36种, 组成兼有上游冷水性鱼类和下游喜温的鲃亚科、野鲮亚科鱼类。(3)泸水以下的下游河段, 分布有鱼类74种。下游河段干流广泛分布有喜温的鲃亚科、野鲮亚科和 亚科鱼类, 支流则分布有数量众多的南鳅属(Schistura)、纹胸鮡属(Glyptothorax)鱼类, 鱼类组成以适应流水、激流环境的热带亚热带鱼类为主。2017-2021年的多次调查仅发现土著鱼类43种(占历史记录的50.6%), 土著鱼类资源衰退明显。过度捕捞、支流小水电开发、外来鱼类入侵等是主要威胁因素。随着人类活动的急剧增多, 怒江流域鱼类将面临更大的威胁, 亟需从流域层面开展系统的鱼类资源管理和保护规划。     

Species composition and dynamics of larval and juvenile fishes in the surf zone of Mauritius

The importance of the surf zone as a nursery ground for larval and juvenile fishes has been widely recognized, however the zone has yet to be studied in Mauritius. Recently, the coastal area of the island has been increasingly affected by human activities, especially by tourism. We collected fish samples with a hand pulled seine net during the period of August 2001 to March 2003 to clarify the fish fauna and the dynamics of fishes in the surf zone. Two sampling sites adjacent to river mouth areas and one sampling site adjacent to a mangrove area were selected for comparison of fish fauna in relation to environmental conditions. A total of 9,429 fish larvae and juveniles, representing at least 112 species from 48 families were collected. The abundant species were hardyhead silverside, Atherinomorus lacunosus, bluespot mullet, Valamugil seheli, and Ambassis spp., each contributing 16.2, 12.4, and 11.8% of the total number of individuals, respectively. Estuarine species dominated in the surf zone adjacent to the river mouth areas. Species composition and diversity changed seasonally. The number of fish increased during the rainy season. Species diversity increased at the turn of the seasons from the dry season to the rainy season. We conclude that species composition in each site was affected by environmental factors, such as the scale of the flux from the rivers, which is related to the precipitation. The results indicated that freshwater from the river is a trigger to aggregate larvae and juveniles in the surf zone.     

Habitat Fragmentation and Species Extirpation in Freshwater Ecosystems; Causes of Range Decline of the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor)

Habitat fragmentation of freshwater ecosystems is increasing rapidly, however the understanding of extinction debt and species decline in riverine habitat fragments lags behind that in other ecosystems. The mighty rivers that drain the Himalaya - the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, Mekong and Yangtze - are amongst the world’s most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems. Many hundreds of dams have been constructed, are under construction, or are planned on these rivers and large hydrological changes and losses of biodiversity have occurred and are expected to continue. This study examines the causes of range decline of the Indus dolphin, which inhabits one of the world’s most modified rivers, to demonstrate how we may expect other vertebrate populations to respond as planned dams and water developments come into operation. The historical range of the Indus dolphin has been fragmented into 17 river sections by diversion dams; dolphin sighting and interview surveys show that river dolphins have been extirpated from ten river sections, they persist in 6, and are of unknown status in one section. Seven potential factors influencing the temporal and spatial pattern of decline were considered in three regression model sets. Low dry-season river discharge, due to water abstraction at irrigation barrages, was the principal factor that explained the dolphin’s range decline, influencing 1) the spatial pattern of persistence, 2) the temporal pattern of subpopulation extirpation, and 3) the speed of extirpation after habitat fragmentation. Dolphins were more likely to persist in the core of the former range because water diversions are concentrated near the range periphery. Habitat fragmentation and degradation of the habitat were inextricably intertwined and in combination caused the catastrophic decline of the Indus dolphin.     

The Amazon River as a dispersal barrier to passerine birds: effects of river width, habitat and taxonomy

Aim To evaluate the relative effectiveness of the lower and upper sections, respectively, of the Amazon River as a barrier to bird distribution, and to evaluate ecological and taxonomic factors affecting the efficacy of the river barrier. Location Amazon River of South America between its confluence with the Napo River in the west and its delta in the east. Methods Using published distribution maps for 448 species of passerine birds occurring along the Amazon River, we evaluated whether each was distributed along one bank only (river presumed to be a barrier) or both banks (no barrier) to test the predictions that the river was more effective as a dispersal barrier: (1) along the lower, wider portion of the river than the upper, narrower portion; (2) for species inhabiting forests than open country; (3) for species inhabiting forest understorey than forest canopy; (4) for species restricted to terra firme (never inundated upland forest) than those not restricted to terra firme and (5) for certain taxonomic groups. Results Our analyses demonstrated that the Amazon River was most effective as a dispersal barrier along its lower portion and for species restricted to forests and terra firme. However, the river was not significantly more of a barrier for species inhabiting forest understorey than forest canopy. The river was most significant as a barrier to dispersal for the antbirds (Thamnophilidae) and was less significant as a barrier to species belonging to several large families including woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptidae), ovenbirds (Furnariidae), flycatchers (Tyrannidae), cotingids (Cotingidae), tanagers (Thraupidae), seed‐eating finches (Emberizidae) and blackbirds (Icteridae). Main conclusions The robust widths of Amazonian rivers are widely considered to represent impediments to dispersal and gene flow for many taxa of birds and other animals, and may have represented agents of vicariance in the diversification of species. Our study reaffirms the effectiveness of the lower Amazon River as a current barrier to bird dispersal for forest birds and provides new insights into the effects of habitat and taxonomy on the efficacy of the river barrier. Although supportive of several predictions of the river hypothesis of biological diversification, our study is limited in addressing the historical impact of river barriers as agents of vicariance in the process of diversification.