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The rapid deterioration of freshwater ecosystems, particularly rivers, has threatened many living organisms, including human beings. In order to comprehend and maintain the well-being of a river ecosystem, it is important to assess the spatial and temporal variations in its physico-chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine spatial and temporal physico-chemical parameters of snow-fed River Poonch in the Northwest Himalayas from July 2021 to June 2023. In order to generate precise and reliable data, one-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test, Pearson correlation, linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to analyse a total of fifteen physico-chemical parameters of the river. Significant (p < 0.05) differences spatio-temporally in physico-chemical parameters were found through one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test. Pearson correlation revealed that majority of the examined physico-chemical parameters exhibited a robust positive association (r > 0.70) in most cases, apart from DO (r ≥ − 0.80). Linear regression indicated significant (p < 0.05) associations among various physico-chemical parameters, which were substantial both in nature and size, with a coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.70) in most of the cases. PCA showed that physico-chemical parameters such as AT, WT, EC, TDS, FCO2, TA, TH, NO2-N, NO3-N, TP, SO42− and F− were significant for the determination of qualitative characteristics of River Poonch. In CA, two distinct clusters, viz. Cluster-I consisting of Site-III, downstream site prone to pollution and Cluster-II consisting of Site-II and Site-I, mid and upstream sites, respectively, less prone to pollution were obtained. The results of the study revealed that the water quality parameters were found well within the recommended ranges, suggesting that they are conducive for the existence of inhabitant fish species, which influence the local economy of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater environments has drawn considerable attention over the decades due to the risk posed by MPs to the aquatic fauna and human health. In this study, the occurrence of MPs was assessed from the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of indigenous fishes from Bhogdoi River, a tributary of River Brahmaputra, northeast hill region, Assam, India. All the fish species (n = 180) analysed showed 100% occurrence of MPs sampled from three stations of River Bhogdoi. A total of 488 microplastic particles were recorded from GIT of fishes collected. The mean abundance of MPs was highest in Station-II (7.64 ± 2.77 numbers individual−1) with lowest in S-I (3.17 ± 0.99 numbers individual−1). The MP size of 100–500 μm, MP shape of fibre (43.33%) and fragments (35.33%), blue colour MPs (26–37%) and polymer type PA (23–30%) were most prevalent in fishes analysed from River Bhogdoi. The mean abundance of MPs was higher in herbivore fishes (8.52 ± 1.22 numbers individual−1) as compared to carnivorous and omnivorous fish species with highest abundance in Labeo rohita (12.11 ± 2.13 numbers individual−1). Fibre and fragments with size range of 100–500 μm were dominant among all the feeding habits. Blue and black colour MPs were abundant among herbivore and carnivore fishes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that polyamide and polypropylene were the most abundant MP polymer in the fishes analysed. The present study provides baseline information of MPs in River Bhogdoi, Assam, for its future monitoring and assessment of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ichthyofaunal diversity of Jaluguti beel was studied for 12 months i.e. from May 2020 to April 2021 and a total of 46 fish species belonging to 33 genera, 19 families and 7 orders were recorded during the study period. The Perciformes was the most dominant order, with 6 families (31.58%), 7 genera (20%) and 9 species (19.57%) contributing to the total and among the family was the Cyprinidae with 12 genera (36.36%) and 17 species (36.96%). The highest species abundances were recorded in the pre-monsoon season with 1777 numbers of individuals. Margalef’s Richness Index (d), Pielou’s Evenness Index (J), Shannon-Weiner Index (H′) and Simpson Index (1-λ) indicated high fish diversity in the beel, with a more or less even distribution of fish genera indicating that the beel was in good condition for fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric and meristic characters are very important for the identification of any fish specimen. The present study aims to describe the morphometric and meristic characters of the indigenous fish Crossocheilus diplochilus (Heckel) from Dal Lake. This fish is commonly known as Kashmir latia and is called tether locally. In the present study, the material analyzed was 70 specimens ranging in size from 6.9–13 cm (TL) with a mean length of 10.8 cm and a weight range of 3.2–24.0 g with a mean weight of 10.1 g. The parameters with the highest correlations with total length were standard length and fork length at 0.983 and 0.989, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that all morphometric characters changed proportionally as total length increased. The meristic counts analyzed in the present study remained constant in fish of different sizes indicating that they are independent of body size. The study of morphometric characters is very important to determine the growth rate of these fish, which, in turn, is required to properly manage its populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage fish species are considered as a vital source of food for other predators and are also being used as dry human food in the Kashmir valley during the winter season. However, due to disturbance in their habitat, the population of the fishes under study, Triplophysa kashmirensis, Pethia conchonius and Crossocheilus diplochilus has also declined and needs attention for their well-being. Therefore, the present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the hematological profile of these three forage fishes habiting in Dal lake of Kashmir Himalaya. Live adult fish specimens were collected from Dal Lake with the help of fishermen. A total of 78 specimens of C. diplochilus, 60 specimens of T. kashmirensis and 78 specimens of Rosy barb were collected during the study period. Hematological parameters such as: hemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were analyzed by using standard methodology. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the hematological profile between the three forage fishes. Highest Hb (11.14 g dL−1) and RBC content (1.34 × 106 mm−3) were found in T. kashmirensis, while the other two species showed a downward trend. Hematocrit (Hct) value was recorded within the range of 27 to 31% with the highest value found in T. kashmirensis (31.2%) and lowest Hct was noted in C. diplochilus (27.28%). RBC/WBC level was also found highest in T. kashmirensis followed by Rosy barb and C. diplochilus, respectively. However, MCH and MCV values were found highest in Rosy barb among the three species, while MCHC showed its highest value in T. kashmirensis. The data generated in the present study would be useful in monitoring the health status of these forage fish species for their conservation and management in order to maintain the ecological balance of the water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish blood is a pathophysiological indicator of the whole body function and is thus considered as an important tool in diagnosing the structural and functional status of fish. However, the blood parameters vary between species to species and it mainly depends upon the favorable environmental conditions where the species live. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the hematological and serum biochemical indices of five Schizothorax species: Schizothorax labiatus, S. plagiostomus, S. esocinus, S. curvifrons and S. niger in order to establish the resemblances and variations between these Schizothorax species which are inhabiting in river Jhelum. The hematological profile including hemoglobin (Hb), total red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was analyzed from each Schizothorax sp. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in blood parameters among five Schizothorax spp. The results showed lowest values of hematological parameters in S. niger with respect to other species, while the highest values of hematological parameters were recorded in S. plagiostomus. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in serum biochemical levels of glucose, protein, cholesterol and urea were also noted in Schizothorax spp. The differences found in the hematological profile and serum biochemical composition in these fishes can be attributed to the individual feeding behavior, tolerance and environmentally adjustable capability of the fish. However, further study is required to correlate the present study with some other parameters such as the nutrient status of the river Jhelum where these fishes live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish fauna form an integral part of aquatic ecosystems and any drastic changes taking place in the medium in which they live can affect the productivity, diversity, ecology and distribution. In order to assess the current status of fish fauna of the river Jhelum and Dal lake of Kashmir valley. Study was carried out for the period of two years from January 2014-2016. Monthly samplings were carried out at 8 study sites-In upper stream of river Jhelum two sites were selected-Larkipora and Khanabal and in downstream Zero bridge and Parimpora, while in Dal lake-Hazratbal, Gagribal, Nageen and Nishat. During the study period, a total of 14 species of fishes of different genera were recorded. As we know, apparently the fishery resources of the Kashmir valley has thus declined over a period of time indicating many intrinsic and extrinsic vital disturbances which are altering the health of this vital economic, ecologic lentic and lotic water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, growth can be defined as the change in size (length, weight) over time. The length-weight relationship (LWR) and annual condition factor of an economically important snow trout, Schizothorax niger, from Dal lake of Kashmir was studied and reported in this communication. A total of 120 specimens were collected with the help of traditional fishing gear during 2012-2013. The coefficient 'b' value of the LWR suggested allometric growth throughout the year except in April, July and September where the growth was isometric (b=3). A trend line graph was applied to compare condition of fish in different months as per the relationship, which indicated declining growth condition. The condition factor showed an overt variation with highest value during the breeding season. The result obtained in this study will be useful for fishery managers to impose adequate regulations for fishery and sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters are a valuable tool in determining the wellbeing status of different fish species and response in close association to various biological and environmental factors, therefore the aim of the present study was to establish sex-wise reference values of haemato-biochemical parameters of S. labiatus. The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total erythrocyte count (RBC), total leucocyte count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum biochemical parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were analysed. The results revealed that the haematological parameters, i.e., Hb, RBC, WBC and PCV showed significant (P < 0.05) differences with respect to sex. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher values of Hb content (11.18 g dl -1 ), RBC count (1.88 × 10 6  mm -3 ) and PCV (36.15%) were noted in male fish than females throughout the study period, while significantly (P < 0.05) higher WBC count was noted in females (20.38 × 10 3  mm -3 ) compared to males. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in erythrocyte indices like MCH, MCHC and MCV between sexes. The serum biochemical parameters, i.e., glucose, cholesterol and urea, also showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between the sexes, but no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed in total protein, albumin and globulin. Significantly (P < 0.05) highest values of glucose (116.76 mg dl -1 ) and urea (9.01 mg dl -1 ) were recorded in male S. labiatus, while highest value of cholesterol (223.53 mg dl -1 ) was noted in females. The information generated in the present study gives the basic reference values of haematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. labiatus which will be useful in monitoring the wellbeing status of fish populations. Moreover, the data will also be helpful to ascertain the occurrence of different clinical and subclinical diseases, which may in turn help to boost the overall production of this species., (© 2020 Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of lithium heparin and K 2 EDTA on haematology, biochemical parameters and blood cell morphology of snow trout Schizopyge plagiostomus inhabiting in Kashmir Himalayan region. The haematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cellcount (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte indices; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), produced certain significant differences in their values with respect to both anticoagulants. Higher values of Hct, MCH and MCV while lower RBC count and MCHC values were recorded with a sample treated with K 2 EDTA compared to sample treated with lithium heparin. However, no significant change in Hb and WBC count was observed in the values of samples treated with both the anticoagulants. In the present study, the effect of two anticoagulant in biochemical parameters revealed that the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) produced significant (P < 0.05) differences. Higher AST and lower ALP activity were recorded in the sample treated with K 2 EDTA compared to overall values in serum. Morphometric analysis showed an increase in the RBC perimeter area in samples treated with K 2 EDTA as compared to samples treated with lithium heparin. On the basis of above findings, it is recommended that in fish blood analysis heparin as anticoagulant could be useful as compared to K 2 EDTA., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

An 8-week growth study was conducted to determine the effect of ration level, energy, and protein maintenance requirement of catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis-Bloch, fingerling (7.90±0.55 cm; 3.10±0.28 g) by feeding casein-gelatin-based purified diet (40% CP; 3.61 kcal g-1 GE) at six ration levels 1-6% of BW/day, at 0800 and 1700 h, in triplicate, with 20 fish per trough fitted with water flow-through system of volume 55 L. Maximum live weight gain, best feed conversion ratio (FCR), best specific growth rate (SGR), and highest protein efficiency ratio (PER) were evident for ration levels of 4-5% body weight. However, second-degree polynomial regression analysis for weight gain, FCR, PER, protein, and energy retention data indicated that the break-points occurred at 5.08, 4.18, 4.05, 4.16, and 4.17% BW/day, respectively. Significantly (P<0.05) higher body protein content was recorded at 4 and 5% rations. While a linear increase in body fat content with inverse relationship in moisture content was evident with increasing rations. Ash content remained insignificantly (P>0.05) low at higher rations. Protein and energy retention values also produced significant (P<0.05) differences. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that feeding in the range of 4 to 4.5% BW/day, corresponding to 1.60-1.80 g protein and 14.46-16.27 kcal energy g100 g(-1) of the diet/day is optimum for the growth and efficient feed utilization of H. fossilis, while 2-3% ration levels (0.80-1.20 g protein and 7.23-10.84 kcal energy) suggest that these amounts approximate to the maintenance requirement of this fish.