Newsletter of the IUCN-SSC/WI Freshwater Fish Specialist Group South Asia & the Freshwater Fish Conservation Network of South Asia ISSN: 2321-9033 No. 02 | 10 January 2014
Ophicephalus leucopunctatus Sykes, 1839 from - Sykes, W. H. (1841). On the fishes of the Dukhun. Transactions of the Zoological Society of London 2: 349-378.
www.zoosprint.org/Newsletters/Min.htm Min is registered under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License, which allows unrestricted use of articles in any medium for non-profit purposes, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication. OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD
1 Min | #02 | January 2014 Contents Ichthyofaunal diversity of Kaladan River of Mizoram: can we afford to conserve? Rameshori Yumnam, 3-4pp
The kingfishes of the Eastern Himalaya W. Vishwanath, 5-7pp
Report of new invasive fish, Red-bellied PiranhaPygocentrus nattereri in Godavari River, Andhra Pradesh J.A. Johnson, R. Paromita & K. Sivakumar, 8-10pp
A creepy fish of the northern Western Ghats: endemic and threatened swamp eel Monopterus indicus Mandar S. Paingankar, Unmesh Katwate & Neelesh Dahanukar, 11-14pp
Aquarium hobby bringing species to the attention of science J.D. Marcus Knight, 16-20pp
How long will social beliefs protect the pride of River Savitri? Chetana Katwate, Rajendra Pawar, Vishwas Shinde, Deepak Apte & Unmesh Katwate, 21-24pp
Fighting against all odds: the struggle for existence among hill stream loaches of northern Western Ghats Ashwini Keskar, Anand Padhye & Neelesh Dahanukar, 25-29pp
Freshwater fish papers published in print and online (open-access) Journal of Threatened Taxa (2009-2013) 30-32pp
Freshwater Fish Specialist Group - South Asia: new members Name Email Institution Field of expertise
J.A. Johnson [email protected] Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India Taxonomy, biology and ecology
Ramani r_shirantha@hotmail. National Aquatic Resources Research and Freshwater conservation biology and Shiratana com Development Agency, Colombo, Sri Lanka aquatic ecology Dr. Sarojini Naidu Government College, Jyoti Sharma [email protected] Fish Genetics, Mahseer Bhopal, India
Molecular Taxonomy, geometric Manavalan Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, [email protected] morphology and osteology, Labeo, Murugan Kumaracoil, Tamil Nadu, India Puntius, Barilius
2 Min | #02 | January 2014 Ichthyofaunal diversity of Kaladan River of Mizoram: can we afford to conserve?
Rameshori Yumnam DBT Project Fellow, Centre of Advanced Studies, Department of Life sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Manipur 795003, India [email protected]
The Eastern Himalaya of the Himalaya Biodiversity is part of an exceptional hotspot of freshwater Hotspot is bestowed with unique topography, along biodiversity, the exploration and documentation of with diverse physiographic features and varied ichthyofaunal diversity is still at its infancy and very water resources providing a lucrative arena for little work has been done till date. ichthyofaunal diversity. Abell et al. (2008) placed the Kaladan River of Mizoram under the Chin During 2010–2013, collection trips carried out in Hills-Arakan freshwater ecoregion, one of the six various parts of the river revealed the occurrence ecoregions of Eastern Himalaya. They indicated the of 52 species belonging to 31 genera, nine families region to harbor 323–490 fish species with 28–40 and four orders. Vishwanath and his co-workers endemics. from the Manipur University have described 12 new species of fishes from the drainage namely, Batasio The Kaladan is an independent drainage, which convexirostrum, Barilius profundus, G. ater, G. forms the boundary between parts of Myanmar and caudimaculatus, G. chimtuipuiensis, G. churamanii, India. It originates in the Chin State in Myanmar, G. jayarami, G. verucossus, Hara koladynensis, and then flows into Mizoram, India and back to Pseudecheneis koladynae, Schistura koladynensis Myanmar, traversing a distance of about 350km and S. porocephala. before finally draining into the Bay of Bengal, near Sittwe in the Arakan State. Even though the drainage The Kaladan River is threatened by habitat
The Kaladan River at Saiha District, Mizoram i Yu mn a m Ra m e s ho r i
3
Min | #02 | January 2014
Barilus profundus Batasio convexirostrum
Hara koladynensis
Glyptothorax chimtuipuiensis Schistura koladynensis
Transportation in Kaladan Mass scale fishing using poisonous herbs
modification and degradation, as a result of achieved with proper communication, co-operation, increased urbanization. The major threats are due to understanding and awareness among the politicians, the ongoing Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport scientists, non-governmental organizations and the Project scheduled for completion in 2014, an inland common people in a more holistic way. waterway along the river course for navigation purpose; and also the Kaladan Multipurpose Hydro- electric Project which involves the damming of References the river. Additionally, the mass fishing practices using bleaching powder, dynamiting, electrocution and herbal fish poisons further aggravates the Abell, R., Theime, M. L., Revenge, C., Bryer, M., Kottelat, situation. M., Bogutskaya, N., Coad, B., Mandrak, N., Balderas, S.C., Bussing, W., Stiassny, M. L.J., Skelton, P., Allen, G. R., Unmack, P., Naseka, A., Ng, R., Sindorf, N., Robertson, J., Armijo, E., Several species (27%) of the Kaladan River are Higgins, J. V., Heibel, T. J., Wikramanayake, E., under the under the ‘Data Deficient’ category, Olson, D., Lopez, H. L., Reis, R. E., Lundberg, and are priority for research including aspects of J. G., Sabaj Parez, M. H. and Petry, P. (2008). taxonomy, population and threats. Conservation has Freshwater Ecoregions of the World: A New become an exigency, and as such proper planning Map of Biogeographic Units for Freshwater and strategies should be taken up before it is too Biodiversity Conservation. Bioscience, 58(5), late, keeping in mind that the whole conservation 403–414. process should not become a ‘fad’. This can be
4 Min | #02 | January 2014 The kingfishes of the Eastern Himalaya
W. Vishwanath Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur 795003, India [email protected]
The freshwater fish genus Semiplotus was established by Bleeker (1859) to accommodate Cyprinus semiplotus McClelland, 1839, described from the Brahmaputra in Assam. The fish is called ‘Rajah Mas’ meaning ‘king fish’. It is said that the fish was an esteemed food fish and then king would punish the fishermen if he did not offer a part of the catch to the king; thus the name. Day (1870) also described Semiplotus modestus from Akyab (now Sittwe), Kaladan basin in Myanmar. He also Semiplotus semiplotus referred to the fish as ‘Burmese Kingfish’. It is not known how ‘kingfish’ is suffixed to this species also. He probably followed the previous species for adopting this name. Chaudhuri (1919) and and S. manipurensis, respectively, from the Putao Vishwanath & Kosygin (2000) described S. cirrhosis Plains in Myanmar and Challou River, a tributary of the Tizu in Manipur, India, both from the Chindwin- Irrawaddy basin. Thus, four species are so far known under the genus. These fishes are known for their high food values. The fishes are often smoked and dried and sold in the market.
Semiplotus is distinguished from other genera of Cyprinidae in having a deep body, long dorsal fin with 20-25 branched rays and the last undivided ray osseous and strong, prominent thick snout and an inferior sector mouth, i.e., exposed with cornified mandibular cutting edge, dentary with a broad Semiplotus modestus
The four species may be easily identified using the following key:
1. A mandibular knob at symphysis of lower jaw … 2 Mandubular knob st symphysis absent … S. cirrhosis
2. Last simple dorsal ray serrated posteriorly … S. modestus Last simple dorsal ray not serrated … 3
3. Tubercles on snout randomly distributed … S. manipurensis on each side of the snout Tubercles on snout arranged in a transverse row … S. semiplotus
5 Min | #02 | January 2014
Semiplotus manipurensis
deflected labial surface. It is also characteristic in having open pores or tubercles on the snout, a complete lateral line with 27-36 scales and plough shaped pharyngeal teeth. These characters show that the fishes are adapted to hill stream mode of life, feeding on algal slime growing on the bottom rocks.
Banarescu & Herzig-Straschil (1995) distinguished Semiplotus of the Eastern Himalaya from Cyprinion of the Middle East Asia in absence of barbels (vs present), more number of branched dorsal fin rays (20-25 vs. 12-17). Alizarin Red S stained skulls and bones of Semiplotus The genus is also characteristic in having both manipurensis showing: a. post temporal fossa, b. ethmofrontal fossa and c. predorsal bones. pleisomorphic (presence of post temporal fossa, PTF) and apomorphic characters (ethmofrontal fossa, EFF and predorsal bones, PDB anterior to the
Snout with tubercles (L) and sector mouth (R), generic characters Min | #02 | January 2014
Smoked Burmese Kingfish sold in one market in Saiha district of Mizoram, India
dorsal fin pterygiophores). Semiplotus semiplotus Bleeker, P. (1859). Cospectus systematics cyprinorum. Nat. has been categorized as ‘Vulnerable’ (Vishwanath Tijdschr. Neder-Indie 20: 421-441 et al. 2010). The Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Chaudhuri, B. L. (1919). Report on a small collection of fish (DCWFR) Research, Bhimtal, India, has identified the from Putao (Hkamti Long) on the northern frontier of fish as a coldwater fisheries resource, and is in the Burma. Rec. Indian Mus. 16(4): 271 -282. list of priority species for future research on biology, Day, F. (1870). On the freshwater fishes of Burmah.-Part II. captive breeding and farm culture. Although the Proc. Zool. Soc. London, (pt 1): 99-101. other three species are ‘Data Deficient’ due to lack of any information on distribution, population etc, Vishwanath, W. & L. Kosygin (2000). Fishes of the cyprinid it is certain that these are also facing habitat loss, genus Semiplotus Bleeker, 1859 with description of a new species from Manipur, India. Journal of Bombay indiscriminate fishing and climate change. The Natural History Society, 97(1): 92-102 kingfishes are therefore conservation dependent and needs special attention. Vishwanath, W., H.H. Ng, R. Britz, L.K. Singh, S. Chaudhury, & K.W. Conway, (2011). The status and References distribution of freshwater fishes of the eastern Himalaya region. In: Allen, D.J., S. Molur & B.A. Daniel Banarescu, P. & B. Herzig-Straschil (1995). A revision of (Compilers). The Status and Distribution of Freshwater the species of the Cyprinion macrostomus –group Biodiversity in the Eastern Himalaya. Cambridge, U.K. (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Alln. Naturhist. Mus. Wien. 97 (B): and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, and Coimbatore, India: 411-420. Zoo Outreach Organization.
7 Min | #02 | January 2014 Report of new invasive fish, Red-bellied PiranhaPygocentrus nattereri in Godavari River, Andhra Pradesh
J.A. Johnson, R. Paromita & K. Sivakumar Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box No. 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India. * Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Riverine ecosystems of India have suffered from Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus and Mosquito intense human intervention resulting in habitat Fish Gambusis affinis are also listed as the worst loss and degradation and as a consequence many invasive fish species in the world (Lowe et al. 2000). freshwater fish species have become heavily In India, Salmo trutto and Oncorhynchus mykiss endangered, particularly in the Ganges and Godavari were introduced in Himalayan streams in the early basins where heavy demand is placed on fresh 1900s, but the Rainbow Trout did not do well in water. This was coupled with irreversible changes in these rivers. However, the Brown Trout became natural population by introduction of alien invasive well established in Himalayan streams and started species and diseases. During the last 100 years or so, breeding in many places. This species has been several exotic species have been brought to India regularly restocked by state fisheries departments for experimental studies in fish and fisheries and as it has been used in sport fishing. Carnivorous many of them have been introduced into inland Brown Trout is known to survive on fry and juveniles water bodies for improving aquaculture production, of other native fish species. This species is now promoting recreational fishing, controlling pests etc. observed extending its range within the river basin About 324 alien fish species have been introduced (Rajvanshi et al. 2012). Similarly, Mozambique Tilapia in India, which includes 291 ornamental fishes, 31 was introduced in southern Indian reservoirs in 1952 cultivable fishes and two larvicidal fishes (Mandal to improve reservoir fishery production (De Silva 2011). Among these invasive species, Brown Trout et al. 2004). Now it has established well in Moyar Salmo trutto, Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, River in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, Mozambique Lake in Periyar Tiger Reserve and Thenmala River
Image 1. Red-bellied Piranha Pygocentrus nattereri recorded in Godavari River at Rajamundhri, Andhra Pradesh Y R A A A R O M I T P
8
Min | #02 | January 2014 in Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, all in southern with native species for food and other resources, India (Authors pers. obs.). Decline and extirpation which will eventually lead to the decline or even of native fish diversity by competitive nature of extirpaiton of many native fishes in the river system. Mozambique Tilapia have been well reported in Hence, there is an urgent need to create awareness several regions of the world (Pethiyagoda 1994; among the aquarium keepers, local people and Starling et al. 2002; Dupe & Burrows 2008; Attayde the government policy makers for minimizing the et al. 2011). Likewise, the native mahseer population risks, including stopping further introduction and has declined drastically probably due to introduction developing eradication programs of this and other of exotic carps in reservoirs (Rajvanshi et al. 2012). invasive species. Recently, it was reported that the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus is spreading rapidly across various References drainages in the Western Ghats and other parts of the country (Krishnakumar et al. 2011). Clarias Anoop, K., K.S.G. Sundar, B.A. Khan & Lal (2009). Common gariepinus is a highly predatory carnivorous fish, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in the diet of the African feeding largely on fishes and also other animals CatfishClarias gariepinus in Keoladeo Ghana National including birds (Anoop et al. 2009). Park, India. Indian Birds 5(1): 22-23. Attayde, J.L., J. Brasil & R.A. Menescal (2011). Impacts of During our recent aquatic biodiversity inventory introducing Nile Tilapia on the fisheries of a tropical in the Godavari River, we recorded a few specimens reservoir in north-eastern Brazil. Fisheries Management of large Piranhas at Dhawaleshwarm barrage and Ecology, 18: 437–443. near Rajamundhry (Figure 1). This article serves to BBC (2013). BBC Nature Red-bellied piranhas. BBC Nature Wildlife.
I am not a ‘loan’ shark, I am ‘alone’ shark. I am afraid I may go extinct in the near future.
Ferocious Freshwater shark Wallago attu assessed as Near Threatened © Neelesh Dahanukar
10 Min | #02 | January 2014 A creepy fish of the northern Western Ghats: endemic and threatened Swamp Eel Monopterus indicus
Mandar S. Paingankar1, Unmesh Katwate2 & Neelesh Dahanukar3 1,3 Systematics, Ecology & Conservation Laboratory, Zoo Outreach Organization (ZOO), 96 Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 035, India. 2 Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Hornbill House, Opp. Lion Gate, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India 3 Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sai Trinity Building, Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411 021, India. [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
On a misty monsoon night, in the muddy alley Monopterus indicus was originally described as ways of the plateaus of the northern Western Ghats, Amphipnous indicus by Silas & Dawson (1961) based a snake-like creature lurks and suddenly slinks its on a holotype and 43 paratypes collected from way through the mud and vanishes below the rocks. Robber’s cave, Mahabaleshwar, a paratype from This creature, with its tiny eyes and slippery body, Dhobi falls of Mabaleshwar, a paratype from Davri prefers to creep in the mud rather than swim like River near Borivali and a paratype from Kanheri most other freshwater fishes in this region. Even caves in Mumbai. Type locality of the species, the though practically harmless, most people are afraid Robber’s cave in Mabaleshwar (17.90°N, 73.67°E, of it, simply because it looks like a snake. Commonly 1288m), is a unique type of habitat. Historically, known as Swamp Eels, Monopterus indicus is an a significant landmark in the era of Chhatrapathi inhabitant of the muddy rivers and is often seen on Shivaji Maharaj, Robber’s cave is a subterranean the plateaus of the northern Western Ghats during cavern with a perennial water source in the form the monsoon season when it migrates upstream for of a stream. The cave is more than 100m long with breeding. an average width of 10m. The cave hosts large
Robber’s cave near Mahabaleshwar t e t wa Unm e s h Ka
15
Min | #02 | January 2014 Sanctuary (18.75°N, 72.87°E, 52m), Amboli (15.88°N, 74.10°E, 728m) and Chambharli (18.97°N, 73.18°E, 75m). While the species is common in Koyna River (Jadhav et al. 2011), it is a rare find at Bhogawati, Amba, Kundalika and Savitri rivers in Raigad District (Katwate et al. 2012).
Monopterus indicus, unlike most other freshwater fishes (but similar to other swamp eels), lacks dorsal, pectoral, ventral and anal fins but possesses a tapering tail that has a flap like appearance which might pass off as a rudimentary ray-less caudal fin with dorsal and anal folds. The gill opening is reduced to pores on the ventral side of the head and the fish has irregular rows of scales on its tail. The largest specimen we have observed was from Robber’s cave which was about 500mm in length and 30mm in width.
Monopterus indicus inhabits swamps and marshy areas with soft mud associated with hill streams and it is adapted to burrowing habits (Dahanukar 2011). In the monsoon season young and adult M. indicus are often found under rocks in hill streams. Interestingly, both adult and young are normally found alone or at the most in two or three numbers Monopterus indicus from Robber’s cave, Mahabaleshwar and we have never seen them in larger groups. We found some adults and juveniles in clear slow flowing streams of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. During the day time some of the individuals were found to be buried under boulders and hidden in hanging tree populations of the fruit bat Rousettus leschenaulti roots along the stream edges. We didn’t find swift and Insectivorus bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Korad foraging and feeding activity of Monopterus in et al. 2006). This stinky cave is full of bat guano. day time. We observed free foraging behavior of It is surprising that M. indicus not only lives in the this species during the night. This species has been stream full of bat guano but it actually hides inside the guano mud. Another fish species,Indoreonectes evezardi, a hill stream loach endemic to peninsular India, is found in the same locality to keep swamp Plateau near Patan a typical habitat of Monopterus indicus eel company.
We have crossed paths with M. indicus on several occasions and every time the meeting is exciting and often short because of its swift movements and disappearance in the rock crevices. We have seen a good population of M. indicus on the plateau near Patan (17.47°N, 73.84°E, 1084m) especially during the monsoon season between July to October. The species is also occasionally sighted in Tamhini (18.47°N, 73.44°E, 660m), Kundalika (18.51°N, 73.41°E, 629mASL), Ratnagiri (17.02°N, 73.32°E, 98m), Panvel (18.90°N, 73.13°E, 62m), Phansad Wildlife Man d ar S. Paingankar
Min | #02 | January 2014 and sucking them. Other than earthworm feeding we didn’t record any of the feeding behavior of Monopterus in wild, but captive specimens were found to be feeding on rotten flesh, dead loach and aquarium frozen dried worm food. Monopterus was never observed tracking the prey or attacking Man d ar S. Paingankar live loaches in captivity even at night. Acceptance of a dead fish as a feed and complete ignorance towards live fish prey indicates the scavenger mode of feeding in Monopterus.
Unfortunately, the species is currently listed as Vulnerable in IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species (Dahanukar 2011) because of its restricted distribution in fragmented locations and threats to its habitat due to increasing urbanization, deforestation and Monopterus indicus in its native habitat recreational activities in mountain areas. The type locality of the species has relatively less threats. However, the guano from the cave is sometimes collected by villagers for use as a fertilizer indicating mostly seen in a steady position floating in water that anthropogenic activities are present in the and keeping its head on the water surface. In the area. The populations on the plateau near Patan, captivity we observed air gulping behavior of this however, could be more threatened because of two species. This species does not breathe in water; it reasons. First, the plateau is extensively used for gulps in air at the surface and immediately dives erecting windmills and in the process of building deep inside water. Maximum period of diving and these windmills several unique habitats on the remaining in water ranges between 3-5 minutes. Our plateaus have been destroyed. Second, deforestation preliminary observations in captivity suggest that leading to extensive siltation is modifying habitats Monopterus requires free air similar to lung fish or on the mountain tops. Population of Monopterus higher vertebrates. Captive individuals make several found at Ratnagiri was found on lateritic coastal burrows in mud substratum internally encircled by plateaus. Quarrying laterite rock, blasting for mucus secreted by fish body, which helps them for mango and cashew plantations, use of plateaus for immediate retraction of entire body in burrow once residential purposes and city garbage disposal on threatened. plateaus are found to be major threats for coastal plateau inhabitants of Swamp Eels. Extensive Our initial observations on this fish suggest that it fishing is also an observed threat to Monopterus prefers to eat live earthworms by creating a vacuum population in Panvel and Roha area. Most of the
Monopterus indicus from the plateau near Patan N eele sh Da h anukar
Min | #02 | January 2014 fishermen catch this species by angling practices and References by using dead loach as bait. Delicacy of this species is more popular in Raigad District, which is one of Dahanukar, N. (2011). Monopterus indicus. In: IUCN 2013. the reasons for overhunting of Swamp Eels. There IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. is also some evidence that M. indicus is killed by the
THE EXCLUS IVE PU NTIUS CLUB Farewell t o Miss Kerala
It's a good thing you changed your name to Sahyadria. You were never a good fit with the crowd anyway. © Neelesh Dahanukar 14 CONNECTINGMin | #02 | January FISH, 2014 RIVERS AND PEOPLE 24th May 2014
© Michel Roggo /WWF Canon
Are you working on rivers, water and migratory fish and looking to enhance public awareness? Are you concerned about the health of our rivers?
Take part in World Fish Migration Day 2014 on the 24th May. This international event calls attention to the need to restore the connections in rivers for migratory fish, to achieve healthy fish stocks and productive rivers.
WHY DO WE CARE? Migratory fish (like salmon, trout, dourada, shad, lamprey, giant catfish, sturgeon and eel) are threatened by barriers such as weirs, dams and sluices; built for water management, hydropower and land drainage. Around the world millions of people rely on these fishes as their primary source of protein and for their livelihoods. Water and resource managers, and conservationists are striving to improve migration routes between and within rivers, deltas and the oceans. These ‘fishways’ are vital for their survival.
World Fish Migration Day is held to improve the publics’ understanding of the importance of migratory fish and their needs, as well as healthy rivers. Raising awareness, sharing ideas, securing commitments and building communities around river basins are essential aspects of fish passage and river restoration. On this day, we will connect celebrations and events that start in New Zealand, and follow the sun; ending as the sun sets on the west coast of North America. More than 250 locations will be connected worldwide and we are looking for organizations that want to join this inspiring initiative.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ORGANIZE AN EVENT? Participating organizations will organize their own event (e.g. activity sessions, workshops or talks) and outreach communication, under the umbrella of the World Fish Migration Day. Educational material will be available to share with your visitors. Wanningen Water Consult & LINKit consult, partnering with WWF (NL), The Nature Conservancy and the IUNCN SSC/Wetland International Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, will take care of the central coordination, international publicity, and maintain the main website. All projects will be high- lighted on this website, social media and in the press.
For more information or to organize an event: Email [email protected] Phone 0031-6-182 725 72 Web www.worldfishmigrationday.com
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPED BY Min | #02 | January 2014 Aquarium hobby bringing species to the attention of science
J.D. Marcus Knight Flat L, Sri Balaji Apartments, 7th Main Road, Dhandeeswaram, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 042, India. [email protected]
Indian Ichthyology runs back in time to the or had a unique shape or character was collected early 19th century where it formed a small part of for trade. Species level identification of many such the early exploration notes written by British and species was not possible as literature and expertise French officers. Though vague and haphazard, the was scarce. This however led to the collaboration initial works of Patrick Russell, Francis Buchanan- of aquarium enthusiasts and ichthyologists paving Hamilton, William Henry Sykes, Achille Valenciennes the path for many a species to be brought to the and Thomas Caverhill Jerdon are the basis on which present day Indian ichthyology stands. The latter half of the century saw more systematic documentation of Indian ichthyofauna by British officers like Francis Day and John McClelland. Quite a few of these Bristish officers were ardent anglers and some even explained in detail the tackle used to take some large native fish. However, few like T.C. Jerdon were also hobbyists, maintaining a few of the fish they described in aquaria and writing about their behavior, feeding, growth etc.
The late 20th century saw a boom in the aquarium hobby in India and South East Asia, with many native Indian species finding significant value in the aquarium trade. More and more hobbyists around the world started showing interest in the little known native Indian freshwater fish compared to the tank- bred tropical fish found in the hobby. Aquarium fish farmers turned explorers started combing the waters in their locality for fish that might find value in the trade. Any new fish that was colourful attention of science. One of the first outcomes of such collaboration is Pethia setnai. This species was first collected by a fish collector and exporter, who later described the species in collaboration with a taxonomist.
Many of the recently described fish species from India were brought to the attention of science through the aquarium hobby. Dawkinsia rohani was collected in the early 1970s for the ornamental trade; however, as the fish did not have much ornamental value then, it was forgotten for a long time till it was eventually described by taxonomists collaborating with hobbyist. One other similar species is Pethia nigripinnis which was first collected in the early 1990s but was recently described by Min | #02 | January 2014 a hobbyist collaborating with taxonomists. This encouraging trend of taxonomists collaborating with the hobby is definitely on the rise with more species being described assisted by the aquarium hobby. Native fish enthusiasts were quite familiar with Dario urops, Pseudolaguvia lapillicola and Pangio ammophila long before they were known to science and it was hobbyists who took the effort to bring them to the notice of taxonomists to get them formally described. The role aquarium hobby played in bringing unknown fish to the knowledge of science can be aptly seen by the number of fish named after people in the aquarium hobby. Nandus andrewi and Channa andrao are two species named after Andrew Rao, an ardent hobbyist turned collector/exporter who played a fundamental role
in bringing numerous species to the purview of taxonomists both Indian and foreign. Species like the recently described Pethia aurea, Dario kajal, Ompok karunkodu and a dozen other species of Pseudolaguvia, Psilorhynchus, Erethistoides and Danionella were described from specimens collected by him. One other fish that speaks up for the hobby is Betadevario ramachandrani, probably the only genus named after a hobbyist in India, was to honour Beta Mahatvaraj, a passionate hobbyist who made great efforts to make the material available for study.
The number of hobby enthusiasts who were honoured by having a species named after them is not restricted to India. Very many of the Sri Lankan species also bear names of people who were not ichthyologist but enthusiasts who played
an important role in bringing the species to the knowledge of science. Lepidocephalichthys jonklaasi, Sicyopus jonklaasi (Rodney Jonklaas); Systomus martenstyni (Cedric Martenstyn); Puntius bandula (Ranjit Bandula); Devario pathirana (Ananda Pathirana); Systomus asoka (Asoka Miwanapalana) are a few such species. Similarly from Myanmar, Botia udomritthiruji (Kamphol Udomritthiruj), Danio tinwini (U Tin Win) were also named after Min | #02 | January 2014 hobby enthusiasts. Though many in the aquarium hobby were honoured for their contributions with fish to their names, some went unnoticed. Discoveries of species such as Horabagrus nigricollaris, Travancoria elongata, Dawkinsia exclamatio, Osteochilus longidorsalis etc. from the Western Ghats were guided by P. P. George, an aquarium fish collector who also brought Sahyadria chalakkudiensis to the attention of the public. Even the much acclaimed Sahyadria denisonii remained unknown for long to researchers until ornamental fish collectors
discovered it and started to export. Many of the recently described South Asian Channa (Channa bleheri, C. pulchra, C. ornatipinnis etc.) are hobby related discoveries. A few other species like Carinotetraodon imitator, Pangio apoda, Oreichthys crenuchoides, Celestichthys margaritatus etc. are also hobby assisted discoveries.
Maybe the innate passion of a hobbyist to understand the ecosystem from where the fish comes from triggers the spirit of exploration, which may in turn lead to many a discovery. Even a few species presumed extinct, like Hypselobarbus lithopidos were rediscovered by hobbyists. To add, the magnificentChanna barca was also rediscovered by the hobby. Species such as Pethia canius and Dawkinsia rubrotinctus have been found valid
and thereby revalidated by hobbyists. Aquarium enthusiasts have also contributed in range extensions of known species and have also reported alien invasive species in freshwater ecosystems.
Though the aquarium hobby has contributed significantly to the knowledge of native Indian fish, it has largely been held responsible for species loss, despite numerous freshwater habitats having been destroyed by pollution, sand mining, habitat alteration, destructive fishing methods etc. The dwindling numbers of Sahyadria denisonii in the wild has also been linked to the hobby. However, Sahyadria denisonii is now being produced on a 18 Min | #02 | January 2014 large scale commercial basis in South East Asian fish farms and whether this mass production has reduced the pressure on wild stocks has not been considered. Sahyadria denisonii have even been selectively bred by ornamental breeders to produce ‘veil tail’ form and a ‘golden’ form and has also been hybridised with quite a few Dawkinsia species.
In recent times, it has been highlighted that even angling when done sustainably has conservation significance. Similarly the aquarium hobby if streamlined can also be a tool for conservation. Rather than blaming the hobby for species loss, hobbyists can be involved in ex-situ conservation programmes. Other than Sahyadria denisonii, many other little
known endemic species like Etroplus canarensis, Ctenops nobilis, Dawkinsia tambraparniei etc. are frequently bred by hobbyist, giving scope for captive breeding/reintroduction programmes. Initiatives such as the Global Freshwater Fish Bio Blitz need to be given more importance as they would encourage hobbyists to explore freshwater habitats and share their findings with ichthyologists thereby paving a way for collaboration between ichthyologists and hobbyists. After all, a hobbyist as an individual can ask for nothing more than a little recognition and support from the scientific community for all the effort he puts in to see the species, so cherished by him, come to the knowledge of science.
Acknowledgements:
I thank Rahul G. Kumar, Beta Mahatvaraj, Hayath Mohammed and Balaji Vijaykrishnan for providing valuable inputs and photographs that helped in writing this article.
19 Min | #02 | January 2014
I am moving to the Western Ghats. The speed at which they are describing new species, I think I might have a chance. © Neelesh Dahanukar
20 Min | #02 | January 2014 How long will social beliefs protect the pride of River Savitri?
Chetana Katwate1, Rajendra Pawar2, Vishwas Shinde3, Deepak Apte4 & Unmesh Katwate5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Opp. Lion Gate, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] (for correspondence)
Since ages charismatic species like the Tiger has Western Ghats freshwater systems may also have been considered the “Pride of the Jungle”. Religious such charismatic species which can be used as an beliefs like God of Forest and the instinctive fear umbrella species. But would this strategy work for of the predatory cat has always put it on top of this aquatic system? We pondered on this thought the list of human interests. A well known belief as we went to our field site at Mahad. among many tribes is that the presence of a tiger in the forest indicates the forest’s health. Tiger is It was on an early cold Novermber morning with an umbrella species and an area protected for the misty roads. We had been hearing stories from the tiger in effect protects all the other forest dwelling locals about wild fishes found in Walan Kond and taxa. But umbrella species conservation may not that is where we were headed. Walan Kond is about be applicable in certain cases like conservation of 26km east of Mahad. The term “Kond” in the local habitat specific species or species having narrow language (Marathi) refers to a deep trench found range of distribution outside protected areas. in river bed. As we stepped down from the vehicle
Image 1: (a) Sacred canyon of Walan Kond at Mahad represents one of the potential fish conservation site in Savitri River basin. (b) A viable population of Mahseer inhabiting Walan Kond for several years. (c) Cascades and falls in upper reaches of Kal River supplies rich oxygenated water to Walan Kond throughout the year.
35 Min | #02 | January 2014 Image 2: (a) Mahseer Tor species found during fish survey we heard the rushing sound of water and when we at headwaters of Savitri at Shivathar Ghal. (b) Kal River crossed the bridge we were just awestruck by the flows from mountainous chain of “Gherekilla Raigad” and breathtaking beauty of the fall. Mighty Mahseers “Lingoba” has several deep pools, rapids and fall which seem to be excellent habitats for Mahseer. (c) Shallow Tor sp. (locally known as “Khadas”) of about 3-4 head water of Savitri rich in pebbles and boulders is likely ft long were cruising freely in the water. That was to be a breeding ground for Mahseer in monsoon. my first interaction with this river monster. The locally protected huge population of Mahseer of Walan Kond (18.2252°N, 73.4902°E, 110m) represents a potential community fish sanctuary in Western Ghats.
Walan Kond is on the main channel of Kal River, a major tributary of Savitri River. The Kal River encircles “Gherekilla Raigad” flows east to west towards Mahad. Walan Kond is actually well known for the deity “Vardayani Mata”of local residents and indigenous community like Katkari. The idol of Vardayani Mata is situated on the edge of Walan Kond and exactly in the middle of the river passage. There is no roof or temple-like structure associated with this deity as the idol floods in monsoon. Walan Kond is one of the biggest water pools present in Savitri River watershed. We found a total of five such biologically significant “Kond” or deep pools during the initial fish surveys conducted across Savitri River basin. Mahseers generally prefer rapid, deep and continuously flowing water. Walan Kond seems to be an excellent habitat for Mahseer. In monsoon all of these big monsters migrate upstream and breed. As the monsoon ends all of them come back and take refuge in Walan Kond. With its depth, rapid flow, rich oxygen and underwater caves, Walan Kond acts as an excellent refuge for the Mahseer. This long stretch of water not only hosts Mahseer population but it also nourishes viable population of other fish species like:Labeo calbasu, Hypselobarbus cf. kolus, Cirrhinus sp., Garra mullya, Mystus malabaricus, Mystus seengtee, Salmophasia sp., Anguilla bengalensis, Mastacembelus armatus etc.
Villagers of Walan and tribal peoples like Katkari seem to be very keen to protect the majestic mahseer, the pride of their river. This viable and robust population of mahseers survived all these years because nobody fishes here. Local people consider Mahseers as “Children of Vardayani Mata” or “sacred fish of the Goddess”. People believe the presence of Tor not only indicates the good health of the river but also it shows that this sacred river still has the potential to nurture man. Villagers of Walan believe that these sacred fish should not be 22 Min | #02 | January 2014 hunted or eaten and this resulted in community Image 3: (a) Field team of BNHS running a fishing protection of Tor. Villagers have not just declared practice at Mahad with the help of fishermen of Katkari complete fishing ban at Walan Kond but also have community. (b) Associated species like Salmophasia boopis enforced protection by not letting pilgrims fish in and (c) Dawkinsia filamentosa accompanying Mahseers at the entire water channel or deposit garbage in the Walan Kond. river. This entire stretch of Walan Kond is about 1½ km long and 30-60 m wide and about 40-60 ft deep. As Kal River flows perennially this pool maintains same volume of flowing water throughout the year. Mahseer Tor is one of the apex predators and a monster fish of Indian rivers. River supporting a good population of large mahseers is considered a healthy system with a sturdy and stable food cycle.
The Mahseer population in Walan Kond has been conserved only because of community beliefs. Active role of communities in Mahaseer conservation is well known from many parts of the Western Ghats. Tilase village, Vaitarana River, Maharashtra; Nakur Gaya and Yenekkal fish sanctuaries on the banks of Kumardhara in Dakshin Kannada; temple fish sanctuaries on the banks of River Gomti in Uttarakhand are some of the good examples of community fish sanctuaries. Despite being one of the 20 mega fishes of the world and a threatened fish group in India, the Mahaseer species have not received any legal protection (Pinder & Raghavan, 2013). It is a known fact that Mahaseer fishery is declining very rapidly in India (Raghavan et al. 2011). Indiscriminate fishing methods like blasting, overfishing, habitat alteration due to large dams and pollution are some of the selective anthropogenic threats responsible for fall in Mahaseer fishery.
As a part of freshwater fish diversity assessment study in Raigad funded by CEPF-ATREE small grant, we are conducting extensive surveys to locate threatened Mahseer population across the study area. During the initial surveys among six major river systems of Raigad, we found occurrence of Mahseers Tor sp. only in watershed area of Savitri River. Mahseer occurs only in upper stretches of Savitri at areas like Shivathar Ghal, Walan Kond, Tar Shivathar, Malusar Villages etc. We didn’t find any record of Mahseer in lower stretches of Savitri near areas like Mahad, Poladpur, Birwadi etc. Lower stretch of Savitri like Mahad, Poladpur and Birwadi frequently observed in and around industrial areas. have been declared as industrial zone of Maharashtra Community involvement is one of the major aspects Industrial Developmental Corporation (MIDC) by of our current fish project, as a part of the study state government. Discharge of pollutants from we collected secondary data of Mahaseer from MIDC area in lower stretches of Savitri have adversely local fishing communities like Katkari and Bhoi. affected riverine fishery. Mass fish killings are most Most of the local fishing community members 23 Min | #02 | January 2014 have never found Mahseer (Khadas) since the last may pose a threat to Mahseers. Community beliefs few years at Mahad and Poladpur areas. Some of and ethics have protected the Mahseer at Walan but the fishermen had recorded Mahseer in middle of how long can this community conserve Mahseers in Savitri at Birwadi, but sightings have been limited to the face of growing anthropogenic threats? Along monsoon. The village elders of Katkari community with the community support legal protection is also informed us that Mahseer were one of the major needed to protect critical fish habitat like Walan component of fish catch before industrialization. Kond. Scientific study like identifying phylogenetic Release of effluents and pollutants have severely boundary of the species is most needed before affected the Mahaseer population in lower stretch implementing any effective conservation strategies of Savitri. Industrial effluent released in Savitri has and policies. This is the right time to act before we also affected population of other associated fish lose this magnificent pride of Savitri. species like Labeo calbasu, Dawkinsia filamentosa, Anguilla bengalensis and Hypselobarbus cf. kolus. Acknowledgements Along with the city and industrial deposits extensive sand mining, reclamations and well established CK, RP, VS and UK are supported with CEPF-ATREE invasive fish species like Oreochromis niloticus, O. Western Ghats small grant (CEPF-ATREE-WGhats/SGP/ mossambicus, Clarias gariepinus, Gambusia affinis WGSG186 – BNHS_FISHES) and BNHS- Conservation etc. are some of the noteworthy threats to local fish Department fund. We thank community members fauna of Savitri River (Katwate et al. 2012). In the of Katkari tribe: Shankar Pawar, Parvati Pawar and earlier study (Katwate et al. 2012) we didn’t find any Mahadev Koli; villagers of Walan for their assistance records of Mahseer from Savitri River which is mostly in fish surveys conducted across Savitri River basin. because we only sampled in Mahad area. As part of We are grateful to Dr. Asad Rahmani, Director for the CEPF granted fish project we fished throughout encouragement and support. We also thank Dr. the watershed area of Savitri. Other than Walan Neelesh Dahanukar for the contributory discussion Kond and Shivathar Ghal we did not find records of while preparing the manuscript. Mahaseer in any other nearby areas. References Loss of habitat and lack of required water quality have already limited Tor distribution in Raghavan, R., A. Ali, N. Dahanukar & A. Rosser (2011). Is lower stretch of Savitri, therefore urgent protection the Deccan Mahseer, Tor khudree (Sykes, 1839) (Pisces: is needed to conserve remaining upper catchment Cyprinidae) fishery in the Western Ghats Hotspot population at Walan Kond and Shivathar Ghal. In sustainable? A participatory approach to stock addition to this, the recent dam contructions like assessment. Fisheries Research 110: 29-38. Pinder, A.C. & R. Raghavan (2013). Conserving the Kothurde, Khindwadi, Varandh, Khaire, Vinhere endangered Mahseers (Tor spp.) of India: the positive and Kumbhe-Kal River hydroelectric plant may pose role of recreational fisheries. Current Science 104(11): a direct threat to Mahseer population in Savitri 1472-1475. watershed. Kumbhe-Kal River hydroelectric project Katwate, U., R. Raut & S. Advani (2012). An overview is located at Chatri-Nijampur, Walan is just 7-8 km of fish fauna of Raigad District, northern Western downstream away from Chatri-Nijampur. When Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(5): 2569– the dam construction of this project was initiated 2577; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2760.2569–77 in 2010, release of large amount of water killed Sengupta, S.K. (2009). National Register of Large Dams, most of the big Mahaseer at Walan Kond. Release Central Water Commission, New Delhi, India, http:// of uncontrolled amount of water may change www.cwc.nic.in/main/downloads/National%20 hydrodynamics of the natural water system which Register%20of%20Large%20Dams%202009.pdf.
24 Min | #02 | January 2014 Fighting against all odds: the struggle for existence among hill stream loaches of northern Western Ghats
Ashwini Keskar1, Anand Padhye2 & Neelesh Dahanukar3 1,3 Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sai Trinity, Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharahtra 411021, India. 1 Department of Biodiversity, Abasahab Garware College, Karve Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India. 2 Department of Zoology, Abasahab Garware College, Karve Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India 3 Laboratory of Systematics, Ecology & Conservation, Zoo Outreach Organization (ZOO), 96 Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035, India. [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Highlights: Fighting against the water current, the hill stream loaches live their life in the fast lane and occupy niches that only few others can dare to dwell in. With their beautiful color patterns, hill stream loaches are often found in rapidly flowing waters, clinging on to the rocks and plants, swiftly swimming in torrents and suddenly disappearing under the pebbles and gravel. Relatively fewer studies in the northern Western Ghats of India, have rendered the true diversity of loaches from this region to be obscure. Recreational activities on the mountain tops, habitat modifications, siltation and pollution are rapidly degrading the pristine habitats that these loaches are accustomed to live in. These beautiful fishes are also exported trough aquarium pet trade in high numbers. Unless we care, it will be just a matter of time before these beautiful jewels disappear from the face of earth.
Image 1. Known species of loaches from Western Ghats of Maharashtra*.
* photograph of Balitora laticauda is reproduced from Bhoite et al. (2012; Journal of Threatened Taxa 4: 3038-3049). Min | #02 | January 2014
Image 2. Loaches in life. (a) Acanthocobitis sp. (b) Schistura sp. (c, d) Indoreonectes sp.
The hill streams of the northern Western Ghats sinuatus (Day, 1870), Schistura striata (Day, 1867) are alive with the freshwater loaches mesmerizing and Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton, 1822), us with their beautiful colors, their swift movements all these records (Tonapi & Mulherkar 1963; Wagh and a continuous attempt to defy the flow of water & Ghate 2003; Kharat et al. 2001; Chandanshive against which they swim. Hill stream loaches are et al. 2007) need taxonomic validations. In life, freshwater fishes belonging to order Cypriniformes loaches have beautiful banding patterns (Image 2), and they come under four families namely which are often used as identification criteria for Balitoridae, Botiidae, Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae. loach genera and species. However, these banding The Western Ghats of India hosts about 43 species patterns could show age, gender and population of loaches belonging to 12 genera out of which 39 variations and identification based solely on color species are endemic to this zoogeographical region patterns could be misleading. (Dahanukar & Raghavan 2013). The northern parts of the Western Ghats, from Amboli in the south to Loaches inhabit fast flowing streams and rivers Saputara in the north, hosts seven known species but can also be found in small ditches in pools of loaches (Image 1) namely Balitora laticauda within the river or stream flow (Image 3). In large Bhoite, Jadhav & Dahanukar, 2012 from Balitoridae; rivers they are normally found associated with the Botia striata Narayan Rao, 1920 from Botiidae; river bank vegetation and submerged roots of Lepidocephalichthys thermalis (Valenciennes, trees. A stream with pebble and gravel as the bed 1846) from Cobitidae and Acanthocobitis mooreh are preferred by the loaches. Loaches are also fond (Sykes, 1839), Indoreonectes evezardi (Day, of hiding below the rocks and stones submerged 1872), Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale, 1919, in the water and use it as a defence mechanism Nemachilichthys ruppelli (Sykes, 1839) and Schistura when there is potential threat in the water. Loaches denisoni (Day, 1867) from Nemacheilidae. However, are mainly substrate feeders and they relish on several known species of loaches are probably phytoplankton such as diatoms and desmids and species complexes and there could be several crustaceans such as daphnia and ostracods. Although undescried species of loaches yet unknown to enough data on their reproductive behaviour is not science. Although there are also records of fishes available, based on the presence of young in July- such as Acanthocobitis botia (Hamilton, 1822), A. September indicates that the loaches in northern
26 Min | #02 | January 2014
Image 3. Habitats of loaches in northern Western Ghats: (a) hill streams of Kundalika Valley, (b) hill stream at Gupta Bhima, the origin of Bhia River, (c) summer time refuge in the ditches of a dried stream of Plus Valley in Mulshi, and (d) stream with pebbles, gravel and stones at Ghod River origin.
Western Ghats breed during the monsoon season. high water flow and rapid currents second only by In the case of Acanthocobitis mooreh, it has been the steep slops of water falls which are sometimes suggested that the species breeds twice in a year several feet deep. It a miracle how Indoreonectes once during August-September and second time evezardi copes up with these hindrances and occupy during February-March (Kharat et al. 2008). the niches in the first order streams, which hardly any other fish can inhabit. While, some hill stream While most of the loaches in the northern loaches, like Balitora laticauda are known to have Western Ghats migrate upstream for breeding padded fin rays in pectoral and pelvic fins, no such during the monsoon season perhaps the most structures are known for other species including notable migrant is Indoreonectes evezardi. This Indoreonectes evezardi. Further studies on the species can actually migrates right up to the first loaches of the northern Western Ghats are essential order streams in the mountain tops for breeding. to understand how they have evolved to cope up This migration is a tedious process because of the with their life in the torrential streams. 27 Min | #02 | January 2014
Image 4. Some loach fishing methods from Western Ghats of Maharashtra. (a) Water is channeled through a bamboo basket, (b) a false stream bed is made up of bamboo sheet and a bamboo basket is hidden under it, (c) stick with worms tied on its end is held in water for some time till loaches start feeding on the worms and the attached loaches are collected in a strainer, and (d) collected loaches.
Loaches do not form a part of a major fishery but loaches of the northern Western Ghats. Recreational they are either caught by local people during the late activities on the mountain tops, especially in the monsoon and early winter months for consumption hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Bhimashankar or are collected by Katkari tribe for selling in the and Matheran has severely affected the associated local fish markets. Normally, Katkari tribe people biodiversity because of extensive tourism. Such catch the loaches with a cloth by using it like a drag activities lead to organic and inorganic pollution nets, however there are other three methods which of the streams and rivers. Habitat modifications are also used (Image 4). Because loaches do not brought about by deforestation could be even form a major part of fisheries, fishing is not a threat more severe because the loss of riparian vegetation to the loaches of the northern Western Ghats. This leads to siltation and the habitats such as gravels is also evident from the population dynamics of and pebbles, which forms the breeding grounds Acanthocobitis mooreh, which has suggested that for the loaches, might get lost. Several, pristine fishing mortality is low in the species (Kharat & habitats on the mountain tops near the plateaus Dahanukar 2013). at Patan and Chalkewadi are lost because of the erections of windmills. It has also been suggested Nevertheless, there are other anthropogenic that the introductions of alien invasive fishes such stressors which might be more threatening to the as Guppies and Gambussia could also have affected 28 Min | #02 | January 2014 some populations of loaches on the mountain tops, College, Pune, for providing infrastructural especially from the forts of the northern Western facilities. Ghats at Rajgad, Sinhagad and Harishchandra gad (Paingankar & Dahanukar 2013). In addition, because References of their beautiful color patterns several species are in the aquariu trade. Raghavan et al. (2013) have Dahanukar, N. & R. Raghavan (2013). Freshwater fishes reported extensive export of the threatened and of Western Ghats: Checklist v 1.0 August 2013. MIN - endemic loach Botia striata raising concern for Newsletter of FFSG-SA 1: 6–16. conservation. Chandanshive, E.N., S.M. Kamble & B.E. Yadav (2007). Fish fauna of pavana river of Pune, Maharashtra. Zoos Print Journal 22(5): 2693-2694; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ While the loaches have evolved for millions of JoTT.ZPJ.1481.2693-4 years to defy the water currents, their current struggle Kharat, S.S., N. Dahanukar & R. Raut (2001). Decline for existence is due to the different threats from of fresh-water fish of Pune urban area. Journal of the anthropogenic interferences. The populations Ecological Society 13/14: 46–51. of loaches have severely declined in several parts Kharat, S.S., Y.K. Khillare & N. Dahanukar (2008). of the northern Western Ghats. Urbanization has Allometric scaling in growth and reproduction of a claimed the extirpation of several populations freshwater loach, Nemacheilus mooreh (Sykes 1839). including the ones in the Pune city and its outskirts Electronic Journal of Ichthyology 4(1): 8-17. and several species such as Acanthocobitis mooreh, Kharat, S.S. & N. Dahanukar (2013). Population dynamics Indoreonectes evezardi and Nemachilichthys of the Hill Stream Loach Acanthocobitis mooreh (Sykes, ruppelli, which were originally described from Pune, 1839) (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from northern are no longer found in this region. Loaches such Western Ghats of India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(11): 4562–4568; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. as Botia striata and Nemachilichthys ruppelli are o3301.4562-8 regularly caught from the wild in large numbers from Paingankar, M. & N. Dahanukar (2013). Fishy aliens: Satara, Kolhapur and Sangali districts and are sold invasive introduced fishes on the forts of the northern to aquarium fish exporters. Unless we care and take Western Ghats. MIN - Newsletter of FFSG-SA 1: 33-37. appropriate actions on the habitat modifications Raghavan, R., N. Dahanukar, M. Tlusty, A. Rhyne, K.K. and unsustainable harvesting of the loaches from Kumar, S. Molur & A.M. Rosser (2013). Uncovering an this region, it will be only a matter of time before obscure trade: threatened freshwater fishes and the we loose this biological heritage forever. aquarium pet markets. Biological Conservation 164: 158–169 Acknowledgements Tonapi, G.T. & L. Mulherkar (1963). Notes on the freshwater fauna of Poona. Proceedings of the Indian Academy Neelesh Dahanukar is supported by DST-INSPIRE of Sciences - Section B 58(4): 187-197. Wagh, G.K & H.V. Ghate (2003). Freshwater fish fauna of Faculty Fellowship. Ashwini Keskar and Anand D. the rivers Mula and Mutha, Pune, Maharashtra. Zoos Padhye thank the Principle and Head, Departments Print Journal 18(1): 977-981; http://www.zoosprint.org/ of Biodiversity and Zoology, Abasaheb Garware ZooPrintJournal/2003/January/977-981.pdf
29 Min | #02 | January 2014
Freshwater Fish papers published in print and online (open-ac- cess) Journal of Threatened Taxa (2009-2013) Complete papers available at www.threatenedtaxa.org
Ng, H.H. (2009). Akysis portellus, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: assemblage structure of fishes in streams of southern Western Ghats, India. Akysidae) from the Sittang River drainage, Myanmar.Journal of Threatened Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(10): 507-513; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ Taxa 1(1): 02-08; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1913.02-8 JoTT.o2146.507-13
Humtsoe, L.N. & S. Bordoloi (2009). Study on the torrential catfish Vishwanath, W. & A. Darshan (2009). First record of the catfish Gagata Amblyceps apangi Nath & Dey 1989 (Teleostei: Amblycipitidae) from dolichonema He, 1996 (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) in India. Journal of Wokha district, Nagaland. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(2): 109-113; http:// Threatened Taxa 1(11): 578-580; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1815.109-13 o1840.578-80
Vishwanath, W. & K. Geetakumari (2009). Diagnosis and interrelationships Geetakumari, Kh. & W. Vishwanath (2010). Badis dibruensis, a new species of fishes of the genusChanna Scopoli (Teleostei: Channidae) of northeastern (Teleostei: Badidae) from northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(2): 97-105; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ 2(1): 644-647; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2156.644-7 JoTT.o1788.97-105 Knight, J.D.M. (2010). Invasive ornamental fish: a potential threat to Jadhav, S.S. & B.E. Yadav (2009). A note on the ichthyofauna of Solapur aquatic biodiversity in peninsular India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(2): District, with first report of a cyprinid fish Rasbora caverii (Jerdon) from 700-704; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2179.700-4 Maharashtra State, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(4): 243-244; http:// dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1660.243-4 Devi, K.R., T.J. Indra & J.D.M. Knight (2010). Puntius rohani (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species of barb in the Puntius filamentosus group from Saha, S. & S. Bordoloi (2009). Ichthyofaunal diversity of two beels of the southern Western Ghats of India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(9): Goalpara District, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(4): 240-242; 1121-1129; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2505.1121-9 http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1806.240-2 Radhakrishnan, K.V. & B.M. Kurup (2010). Ichthyodiversity of Periyar Nebeshwar, K., W. Vishwanath & D.N. Das (2009). Garra arupi, a new Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(10): 1192-1198; cyprinid fish species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from upper Brahmaputra http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2350.1192-8 basin in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(4): 197- 202; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1842.197-202 Vishwanath, W., A. Darshan & N. Anganthoibi (2010). Osteology of some catfishes of the genus Glyptothorax (Teleostei: Siluriformes) of Arunachalam, M., M. Muralidharan & P. Sivakumar (2009). Extension of northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(11): 1245-1250; http:// range of the Marine Puffer Fish Chelonodon patoca (Tetraodontiformes: dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1874.1245-50 Tetraodontidae) to freshwater habitat of Kerala, India.Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(4): 238-239; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1828.238-9 Lanés, L.E.K. & L. Maltchik (2010). Discovery of the critically endangered annual killifish, Austrolebias wolterstorffi (Ahl, 1924) (Rivulidae: Ng, H.H. (2009). Redescription ofBatasio merianiensis, a catfish (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) in Lagoa do Peixe National Park, Rio Grande do Sul, Bagridae) from northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(5): 253- southern Brazil. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(11): 1282-1285; http:// 256; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2177.253-6 dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2499.1282-5
Vishwanath, W. & K. Nebeshwar (2009). Redescription of siluroid Catfish Knight, J.D.M. & K.R. Devi (2010). Species persistence: a re-look at the Pterocryptis barakensis Vishwanath & Nebeshwar (Siluriformes: Siluridae). freshwater fish fauna of Chennai, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(12): Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(8): 425-428; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ 1334-1337; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2519.1334-7 JoTT.o1795.425-8 Baby, F., J. Tharian, A. Ali & R. Raghavan (2010). A checklist of freshwater Beevi, K.S.J. & A. Ramachandran (2009). Checklist of freshwater fishes fishes of the New Amarambalam Reserve Forest (NARF), Kerala, India. collected from Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(12): 1330-1333; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ 1(9): 493-494; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1559.493-4 JoTT.o2497.1330-3
Anganthoibi, N. & W. Vishwanath (2009). A new catfish,Hara koladynensis Jadhav, B.V., S.S. Kharat, R.N. Raut, M. Paingankar & N. Dahanukar (2011). from northeastern India (Siluriformes: Erethistidae).Journal of Threatened Freshwater fish fauna of Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India. Taxa 1(9): 466-470; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2271.466-70 Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(1): 1449-1455; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ JoTT.o2613.1449-55 Heda, N.K. (2009). Fish diversity studies of two rivers of the northeastern Godavari basin, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(10): 514-518; http:// Lokeshwor, Y. & W. Vishwanath (2011). Schistura fasciata, a new dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1764.514-8 nemacheiline species (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Manipur, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(2): 1514-1519; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ Johnson, J.A. & M. Arunachalam (2009). Diversity, distribution and JoTT.o2454.1514-9
30 Min | #02 | January 2014
Patra, A.K. (2011). Catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) diversity in Karala River and threatened aquarium fish of the Western Ghats and its implications for of Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(3): conservation. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(9): 2071–2077; http://dx.doi. 1610-1614; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2474.1610-4 org/10.11609/JoTT.o2608.2071–7
Abraham, R.K., N. Kelkar & A.B. Kumar (2011). Freshwater fish fauna of Darshan, A., W. Vishwanath, P.C. Mahanta & A. Barat (2011). Mystus the Ashambu Hills landscape, southern Western Ghats, India, with notes ngasep, a new catfish species (Teleostei: Bagridae) from the headwaters on some range extensions. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(3): 1585-1593; of Chindwin drainage in Manipur, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(11): http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2528.1585-93 2177–2183; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2180.2177–83
Ng, H.H. & R.K. Hadiaty (2011). Clarias microspilus, a new walking Dahanukar, N., M. Paingankar, R.N. Raut & S.S. Kharat (2012). Fish fauna catfish (Teleostei: Clariidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Journal of Indrayani River, northern Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened of Threatened Taxa 3(3): 1577-1584; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. Taxa 4(1): 2310–2317; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2771.2310–7 o2386.1577-84 Nebeshwar, K., K. Bagra & D.N. Das (2011). Garra kalpangi, a new cyprinid Knight, J.D.M., K.R. Devi & V. Atkore (2011). Systematic status of Systomus fish species (Pisces: Teleostei) from upper Brahmaputra basin in Arunachal rubrotinctus Jerdon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) with notes on the Puntius Pradesh, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(2): 2353–2362; http://dx.doi. arulius group of fishes. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(4): 1686–1693; http:// org/10.11609/JoTT.o1703.2353–62 dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2684.1686–93 Prasad, G., A. Ali, M. Harikrishnan & R. Raghavan (2012). Population Raghavan, R. (2011). Need for further research on the freshwater fish dynamics of an endemic and threatened Yellow Catfish Horabagrus fauna of the Ashambu Hills landscape: a response to Abraham et al. Journal brachysoma (Günther) from Periyar River, southern Western Ghats, India. of Threatened Taxa 3(5): 1788–1791; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(2): 2333–2342; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ o2755.1788–91 JoTT.o2590.2333–42
Abraham, R.K., N. Kelkar & A.B. Kumar (2011). Reply to “Need for further M. Dishma & W. Vishwanath (2012). Barilius profundus, a new cyprinid research on the freshwater fish fauna of the Ashambu Hills landscape: a fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Koladyne basin, India. Journal of response to Abraham et al.”. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(5): 1792–1797; Threatened Taxa 4(2): 2363–2369; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2797.1792–7 o2838.2363–9
Krishnakumar, K., A. Ali, B. Pereira & R. Raghavan (2011). Unregulated Majumder, J., R. Lodh & B.K. Agarwala (2012). Fish feeding adaptation aquaculture and invasive alien species: a case study of the African Catfish by Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta (Cercopithecidae) in the Sundarban Clarias gariepinus in Vembanad Lake (Ramsar Wetland), Kerala, India. mangrove swamps, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(4): 2539–2540; Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(5): 1737–1744; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2884.2539–40 JoTT.o2378.1737–44 Katwate, U., R. Raut & S. Advani (2012). An overview of fish fauna of Volcan, M.V., A.P. Fonseca & R.B. Robaldo (2011). Reproduction of the Raigad District, northern Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa threatened Annual KillifishAustrolebias nigrofasciatus (Cyprinodontiformes: 4(5): 2569–2577; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2760.2569–77 Rivulidae), confined in a natural environment. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(6): 1864–1867; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2575.1864–7 Kharat, S.S., M. Paingankar & N. Dahanukar (2012). Freshwater fish fauna of Krishna River at Wai, northern Western Ghats, India. Journal Baby, F., J. Tharian, K.M. Abraham, M.R. Ramprasanth, A. Ali & R. of Threatened Taxa 4(6): 2644–2652; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. Raghavan (2011). Length-weight relationship and condition factor of an o2796.2644-52 endemic stone sucker, Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon, 1849) from two opposite flowing rivers in southern Western Ghats . Journal of Threatened Bhoite, S., S. Jadhav & N. Dahanukar (2012). Balitora laticauda, a new Taxa 3(6): 1851–1855; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2535.1851–55 species of stone loach (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Krishna River, northern Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(11): Baby, F., J. Tharian, S. Philip, A. Ali & R. Raghavan (2011). Checklist of 3038–3049; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3129.3038-49 the fishes of the Achankovil forests, Kerala, India with notes onthe range extension of an endemic cyprinid Puntius chalakkudiensis. Journal Johnson, J.A., R. Parmar, K. Ramesh, S. Sen & R.S. Murthy (2012). Fish of Threatened Taxa 3(7): 1936–1941; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. diversity and assemblage structure in Ken River of Panna landscape, o2674.1936–41 central India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(13): 3161–3172; http://dx.doi. org/10.11609/JoTT.o3024.3161-72 Dahanukar, N., M. Diwekar & M. Paingankar (2011). Rediscovery of the threatened Western Ghats endemic sisorid catfishGlyptothorax poonaensis Geetakumari, K. & C. Basudha (2012). Parambassis waikhomi, a new (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae). Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(7): 1885– species of glassfish (Teleostei: Ambassidae) from Loktak Lake, northeastern 1898; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2663.1885–98 India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(14): 3327–3332; http://dx.doi. org/10.11609/JoTT.o3060.3327-32 Geetakumari, K. & K. Kadu (2011). Badis singenensis, a new fish species (Teleostei: Badidae) from Singen River, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern Darshan, A., P.C. Mahanta, A. Barat & P. Kumar (2013). Redescription of the India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(9): 2085–2089; http://dx.doi. Striped Catfish Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) (Siluriformes: Bagridae), org/10.11609/JoTT.o2531.2085–9 India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(1): 3536–3541; doi:10.11609/JoTT. o2813.842 Jadhav, S.S., M. Paingankar & N. Dahanukar (2011). Osteobrama bhimensis (Cypriniformes:Cyprinidae): a junior synonym of O. vigorsii. Raghavan, R., J. Tharian, A. Ali, S. Jadhav & N. Dahanukar (2013). Balitora Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(9): 2078–2084; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/ jalpalli, a new species of stone loach (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) JoTT.o2841.2078–84 from Silent Valley, southern Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(5): 3921–3934; doi:10.11609/JoTT.o3277.3921-34. Solomon, S., M.R. Ramprasanth, F. Baby, B. Pereira, J. Tharian, A. Ali & R. Raghavan (2011). Reproductive biology of Puntius denisonii, an endemic Lalronunga, S., Lalnuntluanga & Lalramliana (2013). Garra dampaensis,
31 Min | #02 | January 2014 a new ray-finned fish species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Mizoram, checklist of fishes from Bhutan. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(14): 4880– northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(9): 4368–4377; http:// 4886; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3160.4880-6 dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3141.4368-77 Bijukumar, A., S. Philip, A. Ali, S. Sushama & R. Raghavan (2013). Fishes Emmanuel, J., K. Krishnakumar, B. Pereira, A. Kanagavel, A. Ali & of River Bharathapuzha, Kerala, India: diversity, distribution, threats and R. Raghavan (2013). New records of the Endangered balitorid loach, conservation. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(15): 4979–4993; http://dx.doi. Travancoria elongata Pethiyagoda & Kottelat 1994, from the Kerala part org/10.11609/JoTT.o3640.4979-93 of the Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(10): 4504–4509; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3407.4504-9 Raghavan, R., S. Philip, A. Ali & N. Dahanukar (2013). Sahyadria, a new genus of barbs (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Western Ghats of India. Journal Ali, A., N. Dahanukar, A. Kanagavel, S. Philip & R. Raghavan (2013). of Threatened Taxa 5(15): 4932–4938; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT. Records of the endemic and threatened catfish, Hemibagrus punctatus o3673.4932-8 from the southern Western Ghats with notes on its distribution, ecology and conservation status. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(11): 4569–4578; Ali, A., S. Philip, N. Dahanukar, C.R. Renjithkumar, A. Bijukumar & http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3427.4569-78 R. Raghavan (2013). Distribution, threats and conservation status of Hypselobarbus thomassi (Day, 1874), a poorly known cyprinid fish of the Ali, A., N. Dahanukar & R. Raghavan (2013). Length-weight and Western Ghats freshwater ecoregion. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(17): length-length relationship of three species of snakehead fish, Channa 5202–5213; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3838.5202-13 diplogramma, C. marulius and C. striata from the riverine reaches of Lake Vembanad, Kerala, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(13): 4769–4773; Rajagopal, B. & P. Davidar (2013). Distribution of catfishes in wetlands of http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3353.4769-73 two flood plain districts in Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(17): 5277–5282; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2889.5277-82 Gurung, D.B., S. Dorji, U. Tshering & J.T. Wangyal (2013). An annotated
ISSN: 2321-9033 (online) No. 2 | 10 January 2014 Editor: Sanjay Molur Edtorial Advisor: Waikhom Vishwanath
FFSG-SA Co-chairs: Rajeev Raghavan & Waikhom Vishwanath
Min is the Newsletter of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group-South Asia (FFSG-SA), and an education activity under Threatened Taxa.
Min is published by ZOO and WILD as a service to the freshwater fish conservation community as well as conservation actioners and enthusiasts of South Asia.
Freshwater Fish Special Group-South Asia c/o Zoo Outreach Organization / Wildlife Information Liaison Development 96 Kumudham Nagar, Vilankuruchi Road Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035, India. Ph: +91 422 2665298, 2665450; Fax: +91 422 2665472 Email: [email protected]
Min is available online at www.zoosprint.org/Newsletters/Min.htm
32