Population dynamics of Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822) of river Sutlej in Punjab (India)

Aim: The aim of the present paper was to describe first and comprehensive picture on length-weight relationship and population dynamics of riverine Puntius sophore. The findings of the investigation will be an imperative part of the ecological database from river Sutlej. Methodology: The length-frequency data of 579 specimens of P. sophore captured from different stretches of river Sutlej were collected fortnightly from Tajpur fish market and Haibowal fish market (Devnagar) during April 2019 to March 2020. All the population parameters were analyzed using FiSAT II analytical package developed by FAO. Results: The estimated length-weight relationships (LWRs) of combined male and female was derived as W=0.1471 L3.0605 (r=0.98). The growth parameters were L∞=123.5 mm, K=1.18 yr-1, to= -0.7672 yr-1, Rn=0.215 and ø'=4.241. The estimated natural mortality coefficient (1.25 per yr) was greater than fishing mortality (1.03 yr-1).The present level of exploitation (E=0.45, U=0.40) of P. sophore stock indicated that stocks were under-exploited. Prediction of maximum length from extreme values at 95% confidence interval was calculated as 112.48-138.24 mm. The recruitment pattern of P. sophore showed peaks during May and June. Interpretation: The P. sophore stock was under-exploited. The fishing intensity may be standardized to obtain optimum yield per recruit and thereby ideal maximum sustainable yield. This baseline information will help in further studies on the stock assessment and formulating strategies for rational exploitation of the species.

Human Health Risk Assessment and Histopathological Alterations in Puntius sophore of Damsal Nala, Sukinda Chromite Valley, Odisha, India

The aim of the present study was to assess the concentration of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) like As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb in the Damsal Nala of Sukinda Chromite Valley, Jajpur of Odisha (India) and its subsequent histopathological lesions in the fish Puntius sophore. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) methods were used to evaluate the concentrations of PTMs in the muscles of fish, Puntius sophore collected from different zones namely upstream discharge zone (UDZ) and upstream zone (UZ) of the Damsal Nala and control water bodies (CW). In the UDZ of Nala, the concentration of metals viz., Cd, Pb and Fe were 2 to 7 times, and Cr was 77 times higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO and FAO in the fish muscles. The values of Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) of all these 6 metals were <1 in CW and UZ, but in UDZ the THQ values of Cr and Fe were >1. Hazard Index (HI) for UDZ was 3.47, indicated the alarming concentration of metal which can pose serious risk to human health. Histopathological observations in liver and kidney of Puntius sophore collected from UDZ demonstrated the serious lesions, but mild damage in fish collected from UZ. These histological alterations and the health risk indices disclosed the effects of effluents of chromite mining and the impact on the ecological balance which may result into health hazards to the local human population who are maintaining their livelihood by consuming these fish as protein source.

Profiling and Role of Bioactive Molecules from Puntius sophore (Freshwater/Brackish Fish) Skin Mucus with Its Potent Antibacterial, Antiadhesion, and Antibiofilm Activities

Epidermal fish mucus comprises of diverse bioactive metabolites which plays an immense role in defense mechanisms and other important cellular activities. Primarily, this study aims to screen the unexplored mucus extract of Puntius sophore (P. sophore) for its antagonistic potential against common pathogens, which are commonly implicated in foodborne and healthcare associated infections, with effects on their adhesion and biofilm formation. Profiling of the skin mucus was carried out by High Resolution-Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS), followed by antibacterial activity and assessment of antibiofilm potency and efficacy on the development, formation, and texture of biofilms. Furthermore, bacterial cell damage, viability within the biofilm, checkerboard test, and cytotoxicity were also evaluated. As a result, P. sophore mucus extract was found to be effective against all tested strains. It also impedes the architecture of biofilm matrix by affecting the viability and integrity of bacterial cells within biofilms and reducing the total exopolysaccharide content. A synergy was observed between P. sophore mucus extract and gentamicin for Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), whereas, an additive effect for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Thus, our findings represent the potent bioactivities of P. sophore mucus extract for the first time, which could be explored further as an alternative to antibiotics or chemically synthesized antibiofilm agents.

Description of Pallisentis thapari n. sp. and a re-description of Acanthosentis seenghalae (Acanthocephala, Quadrigyridae, Pallisentinae) using morphological and molecular data, with analysis on the validity of the sub-genera of Pallisentis

One new species of Pallisentis Van Cleave, 1928 is described from Channa punctatus (Bloch) from Gomti River (tributary of the Ganga River), in Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow district, India. Pallisentis thapari n. sp. is characterized morphologically by individuals having a globular proboscis armed with rooted hooks in 4 circles of 8–10 hooks each, the first circle more than 100 long and hooks gradually declining in size posteriorly. The trunk is cylindrical, with collar spines comprised of 15–17 complete circles of spines, each ring with 12–22 spines. As common in members of the genus, a narrow spine-free zone lies in between the rings of collar and trunk spines. Field of spines extends posteriorly to half of the body length, ending above the level of testes in males and slightly past mid-body in females; trunk spines have an optically-dense Y-shaped core. The trunk is only slightly wider at the anterior end. The syncytial cement gland of males contained 23–30 nuclei. Individuals of Channa striatus Bloch from the same locality also were infected with the new species. A second species of Acanthocephala, Acanthosentis seenghalae Chowhan, Gupta, Khera, 1988, was found as a parasite of Puntius sophore (Hamilton) from the same locality. The proboscis is short, globular, with 3 circles of hooks each circle bearing 6 hooks. The trunk is broad in the middle and tapered at both ends, with the posterior end narrower than the anterior end. Twelve to 16 circles of spines, each with 21–40 spines, extend from anterior end to just past mid-body in males and only to mid-body in females. The syncytial cement gland of males contains 6–10 nuclei. The analysis of 18s rDNA identified two clades of a monophyletic Pallisentis and placed the isolate of P. thapari n. sp. within that clade; previously established subgenera were not supported by the results of the analysis.

Food and feeding behaviours of Spotfin Swamp Barb Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822) of Singhiya River, Biratnagar

The present work attempt to present a novel approach about the food and feeding habits of Puntius sophore collected from Singhiya River, Biratnagar. For the study 120 specimens were collected on the monthly basis from March to August 2019, direct from the river with the help of local fisherman. On the basis of percentage of occurrence of gut content analysis the most preferred food item was Green algae (40.6%) followed by diatoms (16.10%), crustaceans (13.50%), protozoan (9.20%), detritus and debris (8.40%), insect larva (7.70%) and rotifers (4.50%). Relative gut length was the lowest at size 4.4-5.1 cm SL and the highest value at size 9.3-10 cm SL. Gastro somatic index was highest peak at the size of 4.4-5.1 cm SL, which indicate the voracious nature of fish at smaller size. The standard length and body weight show a positively significant with alimentary canal length (r=0.878) and alimentary canal weight (r=0.86.4), respectively. The food and feeding behavior of this fish showed that it is omnivores in nature.