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The small indigenous fish (SIF), having length of about 25 cm is locally available in the small water resources viz. wetlands, canals, streams etc. and affordable to the poor people also. These are important food item as animal protein, vitamins and minerals sources in the diet of human beings. The objective of this review is to investigate the availability and importance of SIF in nutritional security and income generation of the community. Published and unpublished sources were used to obtain appropriate data. This study interprets actual availability of different species of SIFs, capture and culture resources, consumption pattern and marketing channels etc. A literature review was conducted to highlight the research attempt made to enhance the socio-economic condition of rural sector and as a result it offers important guidelines to popularize SIFs for nutritional security. In India a total of 765 native freshwater fish species documented, out of which about 450 are categorized as small indigenous fish species. The maximum diversity of the SIF's has been recorded from the North East region followed by Western Ghat and Central India. Review indicates an ardent need of focused research efforts towards the development and conservation of these fishes before they become extinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The River Ganga produces a substantial amount of its fish from small native species, defined here as those with a maximum length of 25 cm. The FiSAT program was utilized to estimate stock assessments of four important small indigenous species from the River Ganga: Johnius coitor, Cabdio morar, Salmostoma bacaila, and Gudusia chapra. Fish samples were collected monthly for a year (April 2020–May 2021) from four predetermined sampling sites along the River Ganga (Farakka, Berhampore, Balagarh, and Tribeni) in West Bengal, India. The estimated exploitation rate for Johnius coitor, Salmostoma bacaila, and Gudusia chapra was relatively lower than the optimum level of 0.5 and considerably lower than Emax values, indicating that their stocks are experiencing low fishing pressure in the region. The FiSAT results indicated that the species Cabdio morar was found to be heavily exploited. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) rates for all four of the SIF species were examined, and they were contrasted with data from previous studies. On the lower stretch of the River Ganga, all of the fish stocks are optimally exploited (Eopt), except for the species Cabdio morar. The population dynamics of all of the species have been described for the first time on the lower stretch of the River Ganga. According to the findings, all of the fish stocks throughout the lower stretch of River Ganga are optimally exploited (Eopt), except for Cabdio morar. The study also emphasizes the importance of increasing sustainable fishing efforts, focusing on SIFs throughout the lower stretch of the River Ganga in order to safeguard the livelihood and nutritional status of fishermen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric characteristics, length-weight relationships (LWRs), and condition factors (K) were studied for five indigenous fish species belonging to five different families (Barilius barila Hamilton, Cirrhinus reba Hamilton, Chanda nama Hamilton, Mystus bleekeri Day, and Clupisoma garua Hamilton), from the River Ganga in Bihar, India. A total of 557 fish individuals were collected seasonally from September 2021 to August 2022 using a monofilament drift gill net and a conical trap net Khairel jal. In morphometric analysis, the highest degree of correlation was observed between the total length and the standard length for all species (except C. garua). The estimated exponent value b varies from 2.920 to 3.214, where the slopes of regression lines among the species have significant differences (p < 0.0001). The b value indicated that three species (B. barila, C. nama, and C. garua) follow positive allometric growth, whereas M. bleekeri shows isometric growth and C. reba exhibits negative allometric growth. The condition factor value for these fishes ranged from 0.67 to 0.98, which indicated that the population of C. reba was robust compared to all other species (p < 0.0001). A new maximum length (146.8 mm) was obtained for B. barila from India. The present study gives baseline biological information on five commercially important indigenous fish species found in the River Ganga, Bihar. As the population of these species has been dwindling in recent times, these data will be important for the conservation and sustainable utilization of these important species in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to furnish the detailed features of the fish trapping devices and methods employed by the fish-farmers of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. It also determines small indigenous freshwater fish diversity. The study was carried out in randomly selected water bodies, ponds, rivers, streams; along with fisherfolk dominated thorps covering twenty-two community development blocks of Bankura district. The study revealed that the fishers of this area are accustomed to old and traditional fishing techniques. They also apply indigenous knowledge to develop some unique fish catching techniques like Gābāna, bamboo piece immersion and bowl trap. However, destructive fishing technique applying harmful chemicals had also been noticed in certain regions. A total of twenty-two traditional fishing gears have been recorded from the study area of which 7 gears were traps, 5 encircling gears, 2 entangling gears, 3 hooks and line, 4 scooping gears and 1 impaling gear. The study has revealed three unique indigenous fishing techniques of fish-farmers. A total of 34 small indigenous freshwater fish species (Least Concern, 29; Near Threatened, 3; Vulnerable, 1; Endangered, 1) were also identified. This study suggests that fishers of the study area still depend on traditional fishing gears and techniques to earn their livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes new estimates of length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for 14 indigenous fish species collected from the Narmada River. Fish specimens were collected weekly using gill nets (30.0 m long, 3.0 m high, and mesh size 12.5–127.0 mm) between October 2021 and March 2022. Total length (TL) and weight for each specimen were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 gm, respectively. This study provides first species‐specific LWRs for four species (Tor tor, Rasbora daniconius, Rita gogra and Clarias magur), new maximum TL for seven species (Notopterus notopterus, Labeo bata, Systomus sarana, Crossocheilus latius, Xenentodon cancila, Channa marulius and Mastacembelus armatus), and new and wider size range for three species (Chitala chitala, Tenualosa toli and Labeo boggut). Findings of this study have implications in the management and conservation of the species‐specific fisheries resources within the geographical range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inland open-access fisheries of India are important resources that contribute significantly to the national economy while providing livelihood to millions. The majority of these resources are suitable for aquaculture, with a high potential for enhanced inland fish production. Enclosures (cages and pens) installed in such waters are useful for rearing fingerlings for enhancement programmes and table-fish production. Floating cages are most suitable for waterbodies vulnerable to occasional flooding, while pen enclosures installed in marginal areas of floodplain wetlands can be suitably reinforced to protect the fish during floods. Small indigenous fishes can be introduced into pens to increase their productivity. This paper reviews enclosure technologies in the inland open waters of India and discusses the socioeconomic benefits, ecological advantages, and climate resilience of these technologies. These factors may encourage their adoption and lead to an increase in fish production in the large inland waters of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study estimated length–weight relationships (LWRs) for six indigenous fish species (Barilius gatensis, Salmostoma acinaces, S. boopis, Puntius amphibius, Hemibagrus punctatus and Ambassis miops) based on specimens collected from River Cauvery (including estuary) during July 2017–January 2020. The sampling surveys were carried out in three distinct sampling seasons, viz., the pre‐monsoon (March–May), the monsoon (July–October) and the post‐monsoon (November–February). Majority of the fish specimens dealt in the study were collected from multi‐meshed monofilament gill nets (mesh sizes 18, 30, 45, 60, 90, 110, 120 and 150 mm) operated by local fishers. For those sites situated in the protected areas, sampling was carried out by cast nets with prior permission from the local administration and the collected fishes were released back into river after length–weight measurements. The length measurements were noted as total length (TL) measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by using a digital Vernier caliper. A digital balance was used for weight measurements with an accuracy of 0.01 g. The study recorded a new maximum length of 48 cm for H. punctatus. The LWR data generated from the present study are significant for proper assessment of the stock status and their management, if collected together with other essential biological and physical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoirs are aquatic resources with the potential to increase India's fish production through inland fisheries. Thippagondanahalli is a medium-size reservoir on Arkavathy River, a tributary of the Cauvery. It is located in Bangalore rural district of Karnataka (12°58′24″ to 12°96'49" N 77°20′33″ to 77°35′63″ E) and has a water surface area of 1162 ha at full reservoir level and 784.55 m at full supply level. Fish diversity studies were conducted to examine the spatial and temporal variations in fish diversity in relation to habitat parameters. A taxonomic abundance of 25 fish species (80% of them native) belonging to 14 families and 4 orders was recorded. A range of statistical estimators such as Chao 1, Jack 1, and Bootstrap were used to assess the expected species richness. The Jack 1 method showed the highest abundance with 28 species. The littoral zone, dominated by small indigenous species, was found to have relatively higher fish diversity (Shannon index-1.86) compared to the limnetic zone of the reservoir. Shannon diversity was higher in the monsoon season (1.76) compared to other seasons. Physico-chemical parameters revealed that this waterbody is highly eutrophic. Canonical correspondence analysis between seasonal habitat characteristics and seasonal species abundance showed the abundance of the small indigenous fish Amblypharyngodon mola during the post-monsoon season, the bottom feeder Cirrhinus mrigala and the surface feeder Rasbora daniconius during the monsoon season, and the carnivores Mystus malabaricus and Channa orientalis as well as the planktivore Puntius sarana during the pre-monsoon season. This study suggests the use of fisheries management and conservation measures such as fish-aggregating devices, stocking of certified seed, and impact assessment of exotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the vulnerability of 16 floodplain wetlands (beels) of the Lower Brahmaputra Valley, Assam, India, in relation to a range of natural and anthropogenic factors including climate change. The total water-spread area of the selected beels varied widely (8–50 ha), with 68.75% of the beels showing a reduction in water-spread area over the past 30 years. High levels of siltation and encroachment and detachment of marginal areas through the construction of roads were the major factors responsible for the reduction in the water-spread area of the beels. The reduction was observed to be in the range of over 33% in three beels (Raghunath Sora, Chulkani, and Dudua beel) to 83% in Bhoishpuri beel. In addition, one beel (Chulkani) experienced reduction in its deep pool area, which is an important wetland area that provides shelter to brood fishes during the dry season. Only 12.5% of the beels studied practiced enclosure (pen) culture for rearing fish. None practiced cage culture. Our study showed that only two beels (Bhoishpuri and Tariachora) were free from exotic fishes; the remaining surveyed beels reported exotic species such as, Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver Carp), H. nobilis (Bighead Carp) and Piaractus brachypomus (Pacu). The prevalence of exotic fishes in the majority of the beels (due both to escape from nearby aquaculture ponds during floods and intentional stocking in certain beels) would have adversely affected the diversity of indigenous fishes in those wetlands. From discussion with the fishers, 50% of the beels surveyed experienced a reduction in the number of fish species from that recorded 10–20 years ago. In addition to climate change-related factors (e.g. abnormal rains, floods, or drought-like situations), other factors – both natural (e.g. hyper-nutrification) and anthropogenic (e.g. construction of roads, houses, and other structures) – also adversely affected the studied wetlands. To help cope with these factors and increase the adaptive capacity of fishers, four measures aimed at mitigation are suggested. These are: the practice of enclosure aquaculture in beels; the construction of floating macrophyte refuges (katal); deep pool refuges; and stock enhancement programmes with climate-resilient indigenous fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catch pattern of the exotic Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and their relationship with water quality along with maturity status of fishes were assessed during 2017-2019 to understand overall establishment and impact of the species in Buxar stretch of River Ganga in West Bihar, India. A total of 64 fish species were recorded including two exotic fishes (C. carpio and Oreochromis niloticus) from the river stretch during the study period. The annual production data depicted Cyprinus carpio to be the most dominating fish species encountered from the study area sharing 57.07% (by weight) during the period 2017-19. Calculated average 'Invasion coefficient index (Ix)'of 0.25 in entire three-year study period revealed that the invasion has moderately impacted the indigenous fish diversity. Landing of Indian Major Carp (IMC) indicated severe decline (76.4 - 95.6%) in comparison to the catch data recorded earlier from Buxar. Data generated on sex structure of Common Carp indicated that the overall sex ratio showed positive recruitment within the smaller size range of 282-307 mm and thus avails a competitive breeding advantage over other carp fishes. Gut content of Common Carp from the stretch observed major share of phytoplankton (81.04%) and zooplankton (17.18%) and thus there are significant dietary overlap of Common Carp with other valuable species. The stretch has been impacted with anthropogenic loading as identified through significantly higher water specific conductivity (580 µScm-1), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (3 mgl-1), etc. in drastically reduced water discharge regime. Among different water parameters, river flow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Phosphate showed positive whereas specific conductivity showed negative correlation with Common Carp seasonal abundance. Future conservation management measures may be formulated keeping in view of the identified factors through the present study for reducing the impending risks of the invasive fish species in Buxar stretch of River Ganga. [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]

Basic information on length–weight relationships for a number of small indigenous tropical freshwater fish species is still sparse or not available on the FishBase. The present study reports the weight–length relationships of four species from the Ganga River in India. A total of 795 fresh fish specimens of Pethia gelius, Corica soborna, Parambassis baculis and Aborichthys elongatus were collected from four different locations along stretches of the Ganga River from June 2017 to August 2018. The r2 and b values for the four fish species ranged from 0.949 to 0.998 and 2.55 to 2.849, respectively. Length–weight relationships for P. gelius, P. baculis and A. elongatus represent the first information from the Ganga River. A new record for the maximum size of C. soborna was documented as 8.54 cm TL and 4.25 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional amenities attainable from the raw dry fishes of different traditional communities of Tripura are very exigent in health care system. Consumption of dry fishes by the tribal denomination of Tripura is demotic. The main aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the nutritional value of certain dry fishes consumed by the tribal people of Tripura, India, and to determine the change in nutritional component after 120 days of storage. Dry fish of five different freshwater small indigenous fish species i.e. mola (Ambylpharyngodon mola), dhela (Osteobrama cotio cotio), chapila (Gudusia chapra), punti (Puntius sofora) and tengra (Mystus vittatus) were selected in this study. Different parameters like proximate composition, protein fraction, profiling of amino acid and mineral composition were analyzed immediately after collection of dry fishes and after storage of 120 days. Results showed that the dry fishes are a good source of protein and minerals. Highest protein content (68.36 % DM) was observed in chapila, whereas punti sample contains highest fat (8.92 % DM) and carbohydrate (18.86 % DM) after collection. The current work pretended a miniature change in proximate composition on post-storage. Moisture content was increased on post-storage than prestorage due to the absorption of moisture during the storage period. A slight increase in mineral composition was observed in dry fish sample after storage. Moreover individual protein fraction quantity and amino acid profile decreased due to denaturation of protein after 120 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangana dero is an economically important indigenous cyprinid fish of Manipur, India having maximum standard length of 40cm. For the taxonomic placement of this species among the Labeonin fishes, molecular characterization is conducted by using mitochondrial 16SrRNA gene sequences. Partial sequences of mito. 16SrRNA gene of fifteen cyprinid species of the sub-family Labeoninae were downloaded from NCBI Genbank. The analysed nucleotide sequence lengths were 538 bp. In a total of 811 characters, 194 were conserved sites (monomorphic) and 347 were variable sites (polymorphic) and out of 347 variable sites, 73 were parsimony informative sites and 274 singleton sites. The nucleotide frequencies are 31.4% (A), 22.57% (T), 24.00% (C) and 21.96% (G). The transition/transversion bias (R) is 2.51. The overall mean distance is 0.083. The dendogram constructed by Neighbour-Joining tree have three clusters which can indicate the taxonomic positions of Bangana dero . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipur is one of the north eastern states of India and it is rich in freshwater fish diversity. Among the small indigenous fishes of Manipur, Pethia manipurensis is an economically important fish having both food and ornamental value. For the taxonomic placement of this species among the cyprinid fishes, molecular characterization is conducted by using mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences. Partial sequences of mito. cox1 gene of thirty seven cyprinid species were down loaded from NCBI Genbank and the nucleotide sequence 602 bp were generated from two species i.e. Pethia manipurensis and Puntius sophore for present analysis. Here total 628 characters, 144, 459, 267 and 192 were conserved, variable, parsimony informative and singleton respectively. The average nucleotide frequencies are 26.4% (A), 29% (T), 26.4% (C), and 18.2% (G). The dendogram constructed by both Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Likelihood trees resulted in similar topologies with five clusters with eight sub-clusters which can indicate the taxonomic positions of Pethia manipurensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken with the objective to estimate the length‐weight Relationships (LWRs) for four species collected from the Brahmaputra River, Assam, India. The fish samples were collected quarterly from different sampling sites using gill net (mesh size ranges 1–1.5 cm, locally called Mola lungi jal), cast net (mesh size ranges 1.0–2.0 cm, locally called Kevalijal) and triangular dip nets (mesh size ranges 0.75–1.25 cm locally called khorajal) during the time period between May, 2016 to April, 2018 (2 years). The b value of the LWR ranged from 3.028 (for Parambasis lala) to 3.196 (for Psilorynchus balitora). In this study the relationship between length‐weight were highly correlated (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution has pressing concerns regarding environmental health and the availability of safe food for humans. Information on the occurrence of MP in freshwater biota in the Indian scenario is currently lacking. The present study examined MP contamination in edible and non-edible tissues of widely consumed freshwater fishes. All the fish species (n = 35/species) analyzed had microplastic contamination with the highest MP abundance of 7.86 ± 2.0 items/individual in Channa punctatus followed by Labeo rohita (4.17 ± 0.6 items/individual) and Labeo bata (3.03 ± 0.4 items/individual); whereas MP abundance in small indigenous fishes (SIF) such as Salmostoma bacaila and Puntius amphibius accounts for 0.83 ± 0.13 and 0.77 ± 0.2 items/individual respectively. The principal component analysis results showed a 77.434% variance from two components identified for MP distribution. Fibre type MP was the most dominant type besides fragments and pellets that opined the type of MP required for ecotoxicity assessment, the need of the hour. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirms high-density and low-density polyethylene-type polymers. Evidence of MP in edible tissue indicates the translocation phenomenon resulting in human exposure through the consumption of biota contaminated with MP. Risk assessment revealed a low risk of MP based on its abundance while polymer type indicates a high risk for the fish species investigated. A thorough investigation of the level of adsorbed organic contaminants in the MP is warranted to address the interactive effects on biota. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report on MP contamination and its risk assessment in Indian freshwater fishes. [Display omitted] • Microplastics (MP) occurrence in gills, GIT, and muscle were quantified. • MP abundance trend was C. punctatus > L. rohita > L. bata > S. bacaila > P. amphibius. • Fibre-type MP was recorded more than pellets and fragments. • Polymeric characterization revealed LDPE and HDPE-type polymers. • MP abundance poses negligible risk whereas polymer type denotes a high risk for biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ensemble species distribution modelling was done for freshwater fish. • Occurrence records of small freshwater fish Amblypharyngodon mola were used. • Climatic, topographic, landcover and soil variables were used as predictors. • Upstream precipitation, soil pH and elevation were found to be the key indicators. • Ganges delta region was found to be most suitable habitat. The key challenge in the fields of conservation and resource management is to track local, regional and global species extinctions and preserve biodiversity through optimization of investment of funds. To fulfil that purpose modelling and mapping habitat suitability of species is becoming essential. The freshwater ecosystem is today one of the most threatened ecosystems and fishes are especially vulnerable for climate change as they have fewer choices for dispersal. The altered thermal regimes, land use and hydrology together cause isolation, fragmentation and changes in distributional patterns of fish. In such landlocked situation, there is utmost need to identify suitable environmental conditions for a species to exist. Indigenous fish is one of the essential components of healthy inland aquatic ecosystems as they fulfil several important ecological functions and form an important part of the aquatic food web. Amblypharyngodon mola is an economically and ecologically important indigenous freshwater fish species of the tropical and subtropical floodplain rivers and wetland habitats of India and Bangladesh. However, lack of knowledge about the key environmental indicators is hindering appropriate management and conservation initiation. Modelling and mapping the distribution of A. mola was done for identifying the key environmental variables and predicting the potential distribution area of the species in current climatic condition. The species occurrence data were accessed from both primary and secondary sources and used after cleaning and removing biasness. Climatic, topographic, landcover and soil variables of 1 km resolution were used as environmental predictors. India and Bangladesh together were used as model background. Ensemble species distribution modelling was done, and the model was validated by area under the curve (AUC) value (>0.7). The result showed that the Ganges delta of lower reach going through West Bengal and Bangladesh is most suitable for A. mola occurrence. Annual upstream precipitation (hydroclim_12), soil pH in water (soil_average_02) and elevation (ele_01) are the key indicators for predicting the habitats suggesting the importance of hydroclimatic, topographic and soil variables in determining the distribution of the fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India and has the potential for large scale employment. However, this sector is dominated by small and marginal fish farmers adopting traditional technologies resulting in low productivity and nominal impact on their livelihood. The success of fish farming as a business depends mostly on its scientific culture practice and efficient farming strategy, which will assist not only in individual socio-economic development but also the economic growth of the country as a whole. Through a case-based research method an economic analysis has been made on species diversification strategy of fish farming. It is found that, by adopting an effective and most economical diversification strategy consisting of the culture of Gudusia chapra along with Carps in small-scale composite culture ponds will resulted in more than 100% return on investment. Therefore, the outcome of this research has propounded for a novel farming practice of small indigenous high valued species having negligible investment will enhance the income of fish farmers. • Strategically develop a portfolio of fish culture for earnings enhancement of small and marginal fish farmers. • Effective and most economical species diversification strategy consisting of Gudusia chapra and Carps in small-scale composite culture ponds will resulted in more than 100% return on investment. • Culture of small indigenous fish farming in Carp ponds is a distinctive attempt to enhance the income from fish farming by catering to the need of a particular niche market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length-weight relationships were determined for two small indigenous cyprinid fishes: Osteobrama cotio (Hamilton, 1822) and Salmophasia phulo (Hamilton, 1822) collected from Panchet reservoir, Damodar River, India. About 143 specimens of Osteobrama cotio (5.2-10.4 cm TL) and 113 specimens of Salmophasia phulo (2.9-8.2 cm TL) were collected from November 2014 to June 2016 using gillnets of mesh size ranging from 25 to 120 mm ( STR) and dragnets of mesh size 10-20 mm ( STR). No previous information on LWRs for these two species from an Indian reservoir was available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]