Digenetic Trematode Parasites in Two Fresh Water Fishes Ophiocephalus Punctatus and Xenentodon Cancila From North West Himalayas

The study was conducted during September 2018-August 2019 to study the digenetic trematode infection in fresh water fishes of some of the water bodies viz. Gho-manhasan, Chakrali and Chadwal of Jammu region of J&K union territory A total of 220 fishes comprising Ophiocephalus punctatus and Xenentodon cancila belonging to families Channidae and Belonidae respectively were examined. A total of 4 digenetic trematode parasites belonging to 4 different families i.e., Euclinostomum heterostomum (Clinostomidae Luhe, 1901); Phyllodistomum tripathi (Gorgoderidae Looss, 1901); Genarchopsis piscicola (Hemiuridae, Luhe, 1901), and Bucephalopsis karvei (Bucephalidae Poche, 1907) were detected. The overall prevalence of digenetic trematode infection was 65.90% and the mean intensity was 3.58. Among these Genarchopsis piscicola showed the highest prevalence (40.38%) with mean intensity 2.95 in the host fish Xenentodon cancila, while in other species the prevalence ranged between 26.23% and 34.62%. Present study authenticates the presence of several species of digenetic trematode parasites in the fishes inhabiting freshwater of J&K union territory.

Morphometric Characters and Sex Ratio of the Freshwater Garfish, Xenentodon Cancila Collected From Different Waters of Jashore, South-Western Bangladesh

The freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila is one of the important food fish in Bangladesh. The size class distribution, length-weight relationships, and sex ratio of X. cancila are described in the present study. A total of 138 specimens were collected randomly for a year from the local fish markets and/or direct from fishermen who fish primarily in nearby waters (Beel, Canal and Baor) of Jashore, southwestern Bangladesh. Most individuals were collected in the rainy season and their mean size was larger compare to the other two seasons (summer and winter). The maximum size recorded 254.1 mm total length (TL) and 38.05 g body weight (BW). The mean TL and BW were 166.35±38.17 mm and 11.16±7.47g, respectively. Most of the individuals belonged to the size class of 141-180 mm. The length-weight relationship (LWR) was strongly correlated as the regression value was 0.876 and the relationships were linear in both sexes. The allometric coefficient ‘b’ of the LWR indicated nearly positive allometric growth and the value was 2.98. The male fishes were dominant over females and the ratio was 1: 0.77. These research outcomes would be useful for the researcher to better understand the biological aspects of freshwater garfish in the nearby waters of Jashore area in south-western Bangladesh. J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 23-31, 2021 (June)

New record of two isopods Alitropus Typus and Tachaea Spongillicola from riverine freshwater fishes in western India

The present paper deals with the infestation of freshwater fishes Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, Systomus sarana, and Xenentodon cancila by the parasitic isopods Alitropus typus and Tachaea spongillicola in Tapti, a westward freshwater flowing river of India. It is the first record of the infestation of parasitic isopods Alitropus typus, and Tachaea spongillicola in the freshwater fishes of river Tapti with new hosts’ species Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, and Systomus sarana.

Assessment of fish diversity and socio-economic condition of fishermen in Bangladesh

The main objectives of the study were to determine the present status of fish biodiversity and socio-economic condition of fishermen in Belai beel during February 2016 to September 2016 by survey method using questionnaires, field visit and interviewing with the fishermen. The results indicated that about 27 species of fish fauna were found in the Belai beel, among them 23 species were indigenous and 4 species were exotic. Major dominant species were Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Bata (Labeo bata), Shingi (Heteropeneustes fossilis), Magur (Clarius batrachus), Tengra (Mystus tengra), Chanda (Chanda nama), Kakila (Xenentodon cancila), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) in the study area. During the study period two critically endangered (Puntius sarana, Pangasius pangasius), two endangered (Labeo bata, Channa marulius), and three vulnerable (Chanda nama, Channa orientalis, Notopterus notopterus) fish species were found in the Belai beel. Analysis of socio-economic condition of fishermen showed that maximum (70%) had nuclear family and others (30%) had joint family, as well as fishermen, belonged to the age groups of 31 to 40 years (50%) and the others were 15 to 30 (20%), 41 to 50 (18%), 51 to 60 (10%), 61 to70 (2%). Overall, the present study suggested that fishermen communities should be educated by creating awareness for the proper conservation, management, and enhancement of biodiversity in the Belaibeel.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2018, 4(1): 69-76