014013   Sharma B K (Freshwater Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Permanent Campus, Umshing, Shillong-793 022, Meghalaya, Email: profbksharma@gmail.com) : Phytoplankton diversity of a floodplain lake of the Brahmaputra river basin of Assam, Northeast India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 131-9.

Study of the phytoplankton communities of Ghorajan Beel, a floodplain lake of lower Assam, from two sampling stations during January-December 2010 revealed a total of 52 species with richness maximum for Chlorophyta. Phytoplankton comprised 44.5 ± 10.9% and 36.7 ± 9.6% of net plankton abundance at stations 1 and 2 respectively. Chlorophyta showed quantitative dominance; while Bacillariophyta <62> Cyanophyta were sub-dominant groups and Dinophyta <62> Euglenophyta <62> Chrysophyta exhibited low densities. Both richness and abundance recorded significant monthly variations, with the latter also registering significant temporal variations between the sampling stations. The phytoplankton community showed high species diversity, high evenness index and low dominance index. Various abiotic factors exerted influence on richness and abundance of phytoplankton and their constituent groups. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) with eight abiotic factors explained high cumulative variance (73.6%) of phytoplankton assemblages at station 1 while seven abiotic parameters explained 69.9% cumulative variance at station 2.

9 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

014012   Sethi S N;Nagesh Ram;Venkatesan V (NO, Madras Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Chennai-600 028, Email: sethisatyanarayana@yahoo.co.in) : Length-weight relationship of Macrobrachium lar (Fabricius, 1798), an endemic freshwater prawn in streams and ponds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 157-61.

Macrobrachium lar (Fabricius, 1798) is a freshwater prawn species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N Islands) inhabiting streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Length-weight relationships of this species collected from selected streams and ponds during the year 2008 were estimated. A total of 238 specimens in the size range 60-167 mm in total length (128 females and 110 males) collected from the various streams while 281 specimens in the size range 63-118 mm in total length (157 females and 124 males) caught from the ponds were examined. As there was no significant difference in the slopes and elevations of both sexes from each source, data were pooled to arrive at a common equation for each source. The combined equations of length-weight relationship of M. lar were W = 0.00007 L^2.6695 for streams and W = 0.000006 L^3.205 for ponds. The correlation coefficient `r' was found to be 0.86 for streams and 0.89 for ponds. The regression coefficient b for this species was either marginally higher (ponds) or significantly lower (streams) than 3 (p <60> 0.01), suggesting allometric growth. The present results indicated that prawns sampled from ponds are heavier than those from streams at any given length.

5 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

014011   Sadhukhan K;Raghunathan C (Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, National Coral Reef Research Instit, Port Blair-744 102) : New record of sea star Nardoa tuberculata Gray (Echinodermata: Ophidiasteridae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Int J Sci Nat 2012, 3(1), 167-9.

Described a sea star species Nardoa tuberculata reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a new record to India. Including of presently reported one, five species of Genus Nardoa have been found in India.

11 ref

014010   Roy T S C (Zoologiocal Survey of India, ANRC, Haddo, Port Blair-744 102, Email: dr.tcroy@gmail.com) : Survey of fish abundance in Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar island. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 175-7.

A survey was conducted during May 2010, on the fish abundance at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar Island, the southern most island in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. The fishes were identified based on their morphology as well as meristic characters. Twenty-one species of marine fish belonging to 4 orders and 13 families were found to be present.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

014009   Rajaram V;Dayal J S;Ambasankar K;Ahamad Ali S (NO, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, 75, Santhone High Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: syamdayal@rediffmail.com) : Silk cotton cake as an alternate protein source in the diet of tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius 1798, and its effects on growth, nitrogen utilisation and metabolism. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 101-10.

Silk cotton cake (SCC) was incorporated in the practical diets of tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon at 5 different levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%) by replacing fish meal. Growth cum digestibility study was conducted for 45 d in 500 l experimental tanks using shrimps weighing 2.09 ± 0.06 g with three replications for each treatment. There was significant (p<60>0.05) reduction in specific growth rate (SGR) and daily growth coefficient (DGC) in shrimps fed diets having more than 2.5% SCC compared to other treatments. Apparent crude protein, lysine and methionine digestibilities decreased (p<60>0.05) in shrimp fed with more than 2.5% SCC incorporation. The free amino acid profiles of shrimp muscle at 4 h post-feeding indicated significantly (p<60>0.05) lower levels for lysine and methionine in shrimp fed with higher levels of SCC. Post-prandial ammonia nitrogen excretion (PPANE) on hourly basis revealed that incorporation of SCC has greatly influenced the N excretion. SCC incorporation has not affected the haemolymph protein concentration up to 7.5% and the haemocyanin content up to 5% inclusion. The experimental results indicate that SCC can be incorporated up to 2.5% in the diet of black tiger shrimp P. monodon.

3 illus, 4 tables, 69 ref

014008   Purohit A;Heera Ram (Zoology Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 005) : Effect of Prosopis cineraria leaves extract on hematological and toxicological profile in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Aryavaidyan 2012, 26(1), 9-12.

Prosopis cineraria (Fabaccae) is locally known as khejari or sami and it is the state tree of Rajasthan. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Prosopis cineraria leaves extract on hematological and toxicological profile along with hypolipidemic efficacy in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The administration of Prosopis cineraria leaves extract reduced significantly (P≤0.001) iipid profile parameters such as total cholesterol up to 88%, LDL-cholesterol 93%, triglyccride 59% and VLDL-cholesterol 60%. The results indicate that Prosopis cineraria leaves extract has a potent hypolipidemic efficacy; it is also effective in hematology of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

3 tables, 15 ref

014007   Prathibha Rohit;Bhat U S (NO, Mangalore Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institu, P.B. No. 244, Bolar, Mangalore-575 001, Email: rohitprathi@yahoo.co.in) : Fishery and diet composition of the cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) exploited along Karnataka coast. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 61-5.

Fishery and food of cobia, Rachycentron canadum caught off Karnataka, south-west coast of India was studied during 2007-2010. An estimated 302 t was landed annually along this coast which formed 0.1% of the total fish catch of the region. Peak landings were recorded during October followed by April. Gillnets landed large sized cobia and contributed to the bulk of the catch (53%). Maximum catch by this gear was during September-October. Next dominant gear was trawl which landed fishes of all size groups with maximum catch during April-May. Trawl landings contributed 45% of the total cobia landings. The fishery was comprised of fishes of length range 26 - 125 cm TL with the mean at 58 cm. Juveniles dominated the catch. Contents of 177 non-empty stomachs were analysed for the index of relative importance (IRI) and prey specific abundance (PSA). R. canadum was found to be nonselective generalist carnivore feeder, foraging on micronektonic pelagic or benthic organisms (crustaceans, fish and molluscs) available in the epipelagic waters. Teleost fish (55%), crustaceans (35%) and molluscs (10%) contributed to the diet. Decapterus russelli (18.0%) and Encrasicholina devisi (10.0%) were the dominant finfish groups; Acetes sp. (21.1%) followed by crabs (Charybdis spp. and Portunus spp.) with an IRI of 12.9% were dominant among crustaceans and squids (Loligo spp.) (5.8%) and octopus (4.1%) comprised the dominant molluscans prey items.

4 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

014006   Pawan Kumar;Chakraborty S K;Jaiswar A K (Fisheries Resource, Harvest and Post Harvest Management Div, Central Institute of Fisheries Education (Deemed Univ), Off Yari Road, Panch Marg, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai-400 061, Email: pawankumar@cife.edu.in) : Comparative otolith morphology of sciaenids occurring along the north-west coast of India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 19-27.

Otolith morphology of 12 species of sciaenids collected from Mumbai, India was compared to investigate species specific variations if any. The relationship of length of fish with morphological measurements of otolith such as length, width and mass were established. Morphology of sagitta showed significant changes in overall shape of ostium, cauda, areal depression and calcareous concrescence on the outer surface during the course of their development. Analysis of the morphometric relationships indicated that otolith length, width and mass have a high degree of dependence on the fish length and weight in all the species studied. As it is difficult to identify some of the species of sciaenids based on their external characters, the present study would form the basis to differentiate the sciaenid species based on the morphological variation in otolith.

2 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

014005   Paulton M P;Thomas P C;Vijayan K K (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi-682 018, Email: meleth_paulton@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular identification of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene in the Indian edible oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) and Indian brown mussel Perna indica Kuriakose& Nair, 1976. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 89-92.

Bivalves are constantly exposed to different kinds of stressors as they live in a habitat with frequent changes in environmental parameters. The xenobiotic pollutants also contribute to the stressful routine of bivalves. Studies on the genes which mediate and contribute to the physiological plasticity of bivalves in stressful situations, induced by natural and anthropogenic agents are gaining importance. Among the stress related genes, HSP family genes play an important role in managing stress induced by various factors. Recent reports underline the role of heat shock proteins in thermo tolerance, host defense and even in aging. Here we report the molecular expression and detection of heat shock protein genes (Hsp70) from the Indian edible oyster Crassostrea madrasensis and the Indian brown mussel Perna indica with unique distribution in Indian waters. The c- DNA reverse transcribed from the total RNA of gill was used as template in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify Hsp70 gene segments with primers designed from the conserved nucleotide sequences of Crassostrea gigas and Perna viridis. PCR products were sequenced, and the similarity search in NCBI-BLAST confirmed the molecular identity of targeted genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the Hsp gene sequence data reveals the unique position of the Indian edible oyster and Indian brown mussel among the other counterparts inhabiting rest of the world. This stands out as the first report on the expression and PCR amplification of stress related genes from Indian bivalves.

4 illus, 10 ref

014004   Patil S D;Chaudhari H S (Zoology Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir's M.S.G. College, Malegaon Dist. Nashik-420 102) : Nee species of Choanotaenia vithaiae N. sp. (Cestoda:Dilepididae) from an avian host Gallus domesticus from India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 85-8.

A new species of dilepidid cestode, Choanotaenia vithaiae n. sp., the parasite of Gallus domesticus was reported from Nashik district of Maharashtra state, India. The present species differs from closely related species of the genus Choanotaenia in size of scolex, number and length of rostellar hooks, number of testes, size and shape of ovary, vitelline gland, excretory canals, cirrus and cirrus pouch.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

014003   Pandey B N;Ambsata O P (Eco-Genetical Research Laboratory, P. G Zoology Dep, Purnia College, Purnia-854 301, Email: b.n.pandey@hotmail.com) : Biological spectrum of macrophytes and their economic importance of swamps of Araria district (Bihar). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 153-6.

Macrophytes of swamps of Araria district were studied. A total of 22 species of plants were identified belonging to fifteen families. The plants have been categorised into four different groups viz emergent (5 species), rooted with floating leaves (3 species), free floating (8 species) and submerged (6 species). The maximum number of macrophytes were observed by the onset of summer season and the rainy season due to favourable temperature while the lowest numbers of species were observed during the winter season .These plants, utilized as food, fodder, fuel, fish breeding as well as medicine. However, some are at the verge of extinction, need special attention.

1 table, 19 ref

014002   Panda D;Chakraborty S K;Jaiswar A K;Sharma A P;Jha B C;Sawant B T;Bhagabati S K;Tarkeshwar Kumar (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, 7-Bunglows, Versova, Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 0061, Email: debapnd@yahoo.co.in) : Fishery and population dynamics of two species of carangids, Decapterus russelli (Ruppell, 1830) and Megalaspis cordyla (Linnaeus, 1758) from Mumbai waters. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 53-60.

Population parameters viz., growth, mortality, exploitation ratio and length at first capture of Decapterus russelli and Megalaspis cordyla from Mumbai waters were investigated to derive requisite information for their effective management. The von Bertalanffy growth equations were derived as L_t = 25.6 cm [1-exp {-0.95 year^-1 (t-(-0.00095))}] for D. russelli and L_t = 46.8 cm [1-exp {-0.55 year^-1(t-(-0.00386))}] for M. cordyla. The annual total instantaneous mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were assessed as 4.61, 1.81 and 2.8 for D. russelli and 1.79, 1.07 and 0.72 for M. cordyla respectively. The size at first capture was estimated as 15.78 cm for D. russelli and 25.80 cm for M. cordyla. The exploitation ratio (E) was found to be beyond the optimum level for D. russelli (0.61) while it was below the optimum for M. cordyla (0.40). The average annual MSY estimated was nearly 31 t against the present average annual yield of about 37 t for D. russelli, whereas for M. cordyla, the MSY was higher than the present yield. The results indicate that there is a threat of stock depletion of D. russelli in Mumbai waters.

4 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

014001   Paliwal A K (Entomology Dep, Ganjdundwara (P.G.) College, Ganjdundwara, K.R. Nagar-207 242) : Description of a new species of Sminthurs (Collembola : Sminthuridae) from India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 131-3.

New species of Collembola of the genus Sminthurus, i.e. Sminthurus indraensis sp. nov. has been described from Uttar Pradesh, India. This species differs from its closely related species in the structure of mucro, number of lamellae, claw with apical spine and fourth antennal segment with long setae.

1 illus, 5 ref

014000   Okuthe G E (Zoology Dep, Walter Sisulu Univ, P/B XI, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa, Email: ageokuthe@gmail.com) : Follicle formation and oocyte growth in the silver butter catfish, Schible intermedius Ruppell, 1832 (Siluriformes, Schilbeidae). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 11-18.

This study describes folliculogenesis in the silver butter catfish Schilbe intermedius using light miscroscopy, and reports on nuclear transformations during oocyte development. The ovary is asynchronic, and as such most phases of oocyte development are found. Oocyte growth follows the general pattern observed in teleost fish. In most fish examined, left ovaries were smaller than right ones. Oocyte growth was classified into follicle, cortical alveolus; vitellogenic, and maturing phases of growth; oogonial proliferation was not detected. Prominent features in developing oocytes were the increase in size and synthesis of nucleoli in follicle and cortical alveolar stages, and the presence of yolk granules and lipid droplets in vitellogenic oocytes. A high percentage of vitellogenic and maturing oocytes, as well as the presences of atretic oocytes, were indicative of advanced maturation phases of development. During oocyte growth, shape of the nucleus changed dramatically and the nucleolus exhibited a series of transformations from two to three at the beginning of the growth period to multiple during vitellogenic stages. During folliculogenesis, pre-follicle cells developed between the oocytes, surrounding each oocyte and were completed when the oocyte and new follicle cells were completely surrounded by a basement membrane. These results suggest that ovarian follicle formation is a conserved process in S. intermedius and provide valuable foundation for further studies.

2 illus, 54 ref

013999   Noriega E A A;Mata M A C;Quiroz G R (NO, Nort-West Biologcal Research Centre, Sonora Campus, 2.5 Highway to las Tinajas, Predio El Tular Tinajas, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, Email: grquiroz@ipn.mx) : Artisanal fishery of elasmobranchs within two marine protected areas in the upper gulf of California. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 1-6.

Rays and sharks are among the most important marine species caught in the Upper Gulf of California (UGC) by local fishers of the three communities of the area viz., San Felipe in Baja California, El Golfo de Santa Clara and Puerto Pe¤asco in Sonora. Though the number of small-scale fishers have increased, elasmobranch catches have been maintained at <126>550 t year^-1. The Sustainable Fishery Index (SFI) identified two production periods, one of low-capture before 1999 with 567 t year^-1 and since then a recovery period with over 768.85 ± 260.83 t year^-1. Results of a GIS survey indicated that 53% of the elasmobranch fishery in the UGC occurs within marine protected areas. Elasmobranchs captured in the marine protected areas generate a gross profit of <126>US$ 343,000 annually, with a return rate of 87%. From the results of the present study, it is evident that there is a need for undertaking an interdisciplinary and intensive evaluation of the elasmobranch fishery in the marine protected areas considering the presence of endangered species in the region, in order to formulate an adequate management plan for conservation without major repercussions to the local fishers' livelihood.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

013998   Narayan A;Srivastav A K (Zoology Dep, Institute of Basic Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Interesting tapeworm, Mastacembelobothrium lalitpurensis N.G., N. Sp. from mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) from Lalitpur (U.P.) India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 93-7.

Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) were procured from fish market Lalitpur (U.P.) India. Morphological studies of the cestodes revealed them to belong to a new genus, Mastacembelobothrium n.g. of the family Parabothriocephalidae.

8 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

013997   Mondal S;Manna B (Zoology Dep, Parasitology Research Unit, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: bmanna59in@ryahoo.com) : Teratorhabditis giraffae sp. Nov. (Nematoda : Rhabditida) from alipore zoological garden, Kolkata, India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 109-15.

Teratorhabditis giraffae sp. nov. is described and illustrated herein. Total 85 specimens were collected from the faecal samples of the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis12) remaining captive at the Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata, India . The present specimens are characterized by the body size and the presence of 9 pairs of genital papillae, arranged as 2 + 4 +1 + 2. Spicules slender, long (72.6-85.8 μm) with rounded heads and fused up to 41-54% of their length in male specimens.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

013996   Mojjada S K;et.al. (NO, Veraval Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Veraval-362 269, Email: sureshkumar.mjd@gmail.com) : Capture based aquaculture of mud spiny lobster, Panulirus polyphagus (Herbst, 1793) in open sea floating net cages off veraval, Northwest coast of India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 29-34.

Capture based aquaculture (CBA) of the mud spiny lobster, Panulirus polyphagus was conducted in two cylindrical floating net cages of 6 m diameter and 4.5 m depth, made of HDPE sapphire netting of 18 mm mesh size. The cages were installed at a depth of 8 m, about 900 m away from the shore off Prabhas Patan, Veraval, India. Live lobsters were collected from lobster fishing centres of Veraval and Mahua regions of Gujarat and segregated into two groups: animals weighing 80-120 g (Group-1) and animals weighing <60> 80 g (Group-2). One thousand numbers of sub-adults of Group-1 with initial body weight of 99.75 ± 8.4 g, were stocked in Cage-1 and 1500 juveniles of Group-2 with initial body weight of 46.44 ± 8.8 g were stocked in Cage-2. The lobsters were fed twice daily with trash fish @ 8% of the body weight by tray feeding. After the culture period of 90 days, no significant difference (p <62> 0.05) was observed in the survival rate (overall survival = 93.7%) whereas, juvenile lobsters in Cage-2 showed weight increase of 1.49 g d^-1 and specific growth rates of 1.51% d^-1 which was significantly higher (p <60> 0.05) than the weight increase of 1.17 g d^-1 and specific growth rates of 0.80% d^-1 recorded from Cage^-1. Results suggest that P. polyphagus has potential for capture based aquaculture in sea cage culture systems along Gujarat coast.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

013995   Mansor Mat Isa;Doroh N I A;Ambri F K;Keong N W (NO, School of Biological Sciences, Sins Malaysia Univ, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malayaia, Email: drmansor@usm.my) : Reproductive biology of the sleepper goby, Butis gymnopomus (Bleeker, 1853) from the Merbok Estuary, Kedah, Malaysia. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 147-55.

Biological aspects of the sleeper goby, Butis gymnopomus were studied based on samples collected from the Merbok Estuary between May 2010 and April 2011 using barrier nets. The catch rate fluctuated between 162.5 g per boat trip (g bt^-1) in August and 5,000.0 g bt^-1 in November. The total length ranged between 14.5 and 33.5 cm and body weight ranged from 25.8 to 276.8 g. The exponent values (b = slope) of the length-weight relationship in males and females were 2.9627 and 3.0542, respectively, indicating an isometric growth pattern for both sexes. Two pronounced peaks of gonadosomatic index observed in females were in January and in August. Synchronous reproductive behavior was observed in both males and females coinciding with the secondary and primary rainy seasons. At first maturity, males were slightly longer (22.8 cm) than females (21.3 cm).

13 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

013994   Manojkumar P P;Zacharia P U;Pavithran P P (NO, Calicut Research Centre of Central Fisheries Research Institute, Calicut-673 005, Email: manojppin@yahoo.com) : Fishery of elasmobranchs with some observations on the biology and stock assessment of Carcharhinus limbatus (P. Muller & Henle, 1839) exploited along Malabar coast. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 35-41.

Elasmobranchs are caught in trawls, gillnets and longlines along the Malabar region of Kerala and they are landed almost round the year, accounting less than 1% of the total catch. The catch of elasmobranchs during the period 2001-2011 has shown a declining trend, but towards the end of this period the fishery has improved marginally. The contribution of trawl, gillnets, longlines and other gears were 43.1%, 31.3%, 21.1%, and 4.5% respectively. The contribution of sharks, rays and skates were 70.8%, 24.2% and 5.0% respectively. Twenty four species of sharks, 8 species of rays and 2 species of skates were recorded in the catch. Length-weight relationship was estimated for Carcharhinus limbatus and the regression equation for both the sexes was W = 0.00001486L^2.80214 (r=0.9661). The overall F: M ratio was estimated as 1:1.59; females predominated the catches in almost all months. The growth of this species is described by the equation L_t= 302 (1-e^{-(0.45)[t-(-1.2)]}). The species grows fast during the early stages of its life. The annual average exploitation ratio (E) is estimated as 0.74 which is higher than the optimum exploitation rate estimated. The present study showed that C. limbatus is heavily targeted, hence this species is at risk of being overexploited and is in need of immediate management.

7 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

013993   Kunjir L (P.G. Zoology Dep, New Arts, Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar-414 001, Email: kunjirlalita@gmail.com) : Influence of Bacillus thuringiensis on post embryonic development time of Spodoptera litura. (Fabricius). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 151-2.

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) is the most widely exploited microbial biopesticide. In this investigation the post-embryonic development time was studied in third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) treated with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki. The preparation is commercially named as Bioasp. The sublethal concentration of Bioasp was used. The developmental time was considerably extended as compared to untreated larvae. There was also significant reduction in percent fecundity of the treated larvae.

1 table, 9 ref

013992   Kundu N;Chaudhuri A;Mukherjee S;Sen S; Homechaudhuri S (Aquatic Bioresource Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: sumithomechaudhuri@gmail.com) : Seasonal fish diversity under tidal influence in the intertidal mudflats of Indian sundarbans. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 43-52.

Seasonal fish diversity and assemblages in intertidal mudflats in the Indian Sundarbans were compared between the two tidal phases (high tide and low tide). In terms of number of species per family, Gobiidae was most diverse followed by Engraulidae, Congridae and Muraenidae in submerged mudflats. A total species richness of 31 was recorded in the present study. Two-way analysis of variance was applied to assess the differences in species richness, fish diversity, density and standing stock amongst tidal phases and seasons, while fish assemblage composition was analysed using multivariate analysis (MDS, ANOSIM, SIMPER). The analysis indicated significant fluctuations in fish assemblage during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons supporting specialised and recognisable fish assemblages at low tide. Post-monsoon season, irrespective of tides, was characterised by high species richness, fish density and standing stock. The findings indicated that the intertidal mudflat is a unique system and provides a favourable environment for large variety of estuarine species assemblages. The sustainability of diversified fish assemblages in mudflats depends on constant monitoring and conservation efforts of this unique habitat.

7 illus, 3 tables, 66 ref

013991   Kumaran M;Ravichandran P;Panigrahi A;Sinha M K;Nagarajan S;Vimala D D;Ponniah A G (NO, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Santhome High Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: mkumaran@ciba.res.in) : Effectiveness of sensitisation on the awareness levels of fihery extension officers on pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming in India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 123-9.

Sensitisation is an effective extension technique to increase the awareness and inculcate basic knowledge about a technology or an innovation and its application. A study was conducted among 90 purposively selected Fishery Extension Officers (FEO) of three coastal states adopting `before-stimulus-after' research design to evaluate the effectiveness of sensitisation in enhancing their awareness levels on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming. The findings have shown that sensitisation workshops had significantly contributed to the increase in awareness levels of the FEOs on L. vannamei to the tune of 24.48%. The overall mean pre and post- awareness levels were 60% and 85% respectively. The mean pre and post-sensitisation awareness levels of FEOs in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were 54%, 65% and 60%, 79%, 86% and 89%, respectively. The study confirmed that the sensitisation had an impact on the awareness levels of FEOs on L. vannamei regulatory guidelines and subject matter. Therefore, similar programmes need to be conducted in other coastal states also to sensitise the key stakeholders to ensure sustainable development of L. vannamei farming in the country.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

013990   Khatri T;Sharma K K;Khatri T C (Zoology Dep, M.D.S. University, Ajmer-305 001, Email: tikamtulsi@rediffmail.com) : Immature stages of Andaman tailed jay: Graphium agamemnon Andamana - a rare endemic subspecies of Andamans. (Insecta:Lepidoptera:Rhopaloceral Papilionidae). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 89-92.

Butterfly was reared on Ashoka tree- Polyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae) and details of its immature stages are discussed.

8 illus, 5 ref

013989   Iswarya Deepti V A;Sujatha K (Marine Living Resources Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: sujatha.mlr@gmail.com) : Fishery and some aspects of reproductive biology of two coastal species of tuna, Auxis thazard (Lacepede, 1800) and Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849) off North Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 67-76.

Extensive efforts are under way in many research laboratories around the world to study commercially important epipelagic, highly migratory species of tunas. Acquisition of fishery data and information on reproduction of tunas is of utmost importance for proper management of tuna fishery. Reproduction in tunas is one of the least studied aspect and there is no information available on this aspect from the north Andhra Pradesh coast. The present paper incorporates information on fishery and results of the study undertaken to understand some aspects pertaining to reproduction, particularly spawning potential (fecundity), spawning period, maturity of gonads in relation to size of the fish, ova diameter measurements and gonado-somatic indices of two coastal tuna species, Auxis thazard (frigate tuna) and Euthynnus affinis (kawakawa) that are represented in the commercial catches of this region. The present data has been critically compared and discussed with the data from other regions.

11 illus, 6 tables, 45 ref

013988   Hantosh H A;Hassan H M;Ahma B;Al-fatlawy A (Vector Control Section, Communicable Disease Control Center (CDC), , Baghdad, Iran, Email: hantosh66@gmail.com) : Mosquito species geographical distribution in Iraq 2009. J Vector Borne Dis 2012, 49(1), 33-5.

We conducted an entomological survey to determine the mosquito species and their distribution in Iraq in 2009. Between January 20 and December 31, 2009, mosquitoes in houses in 12 Iraqi provinces were collected and speciated. Five to 10 villages were selected randomly in each province and in each village 10 houses were selected randomly to collect mosquitoes and the density of mosquitoes per room was calculated. Kits for entomological investigation were used and the collected mosquitoes were sent to the vector borne disease section laboratory for classification using the Naval Medical Research Unit 3 standard classification key. A total of 29,156 mosquitoes were collected, representing two genera: Anopheles (n=13,268, or 46% of the total collected) and Culex (n=15,888, or 54% of the total collected). Four Anopheles (An. pulcherrimus, An. stephensi, An. superpictus, and An. sacharovi) and one Culex (Cx. pipiens) species were identified. Anopheles pulcherrimus was found in 11 provinces, An. stephensi In 7, An. superpictus in 2 and An. sacharovi in one province, while Cx. pipiens was found in all the 12 provinces. Two peaks of mosquito density were found: the first from April-June and the other from September-October. There are clear differences in Anopheles mosquito species geographical distribution and density among Iraqi provinces, while Cx. Pipiens mosquitoes are distributed all over Iraq. All mosquito genera show clear seasonal density variation. The study highlights that the manual mosquito classification is not enough to identify all the species of mosquitoes in Iraq.

2 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

013987   Gaikwad A M;Chavan R J (Zoology Dep, Dr. B.A. Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Email: chavanrj@gmail.com) : Taxonomic study of chironomidae larvae (Chironomidae : Diptera) from Makani reservoir, dist. Osmanabad (M.S.) India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 145-50.

Present investigation deals with the taxonomic study of larval Chironomids from Makani reservoir, in Osmanabad district (M.S.). During the present work two subfamilies Chironominae and Tanypodinae were recorded. Genera Dicrotendipes14 and Rheotanytarsus1 were belonging to subfamily Chironominae and genara Procladius²², Clinotanypus¹⁴ were observed from subfamily Tanypodiae. The species diversity of genus Dicrotendipes is higher than genera Rheotanytarsus, Procladius and Clinotanypus.

5 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

013986   Faruk M A R;Patwary Z P;Hasan M M (Aquaculture Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh) : Clinical and histopathological investigations in exotic catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) under culture condition. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 183-5.

Diseases of farmed exotic catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) were investigated by clinical and histopathological examination. Fishes showing clinical signs of disease (anal protrusion, hemorrhage, red eyes and mouth, ulcer on the body surface, grayish cotton wool patches on skin, eroded tail and fins) were sampled from the fish farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and a private fish farm viz., Al-Falah Agro Farm (AAF) of Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. Gills of fishes were found to have the most prominent pathological conditions followed by kidney, skeletal muscle and liver. Loss of epidermis, massive infiltration of blood cells in the dermis and necrosis with vacuolation were observed in the affected fishes of BAU fish farm. In addition to these pathological changes, fishes of AAF were found to have pyknotic nuclei in dermis. General gill pathology of fishes from two farms included lamellar hypertrophy and hyperplasia, telangiectasis, haemorrhage, lamellar fusion and necrosis of lamellar epithelial cells. Liver pathology included necrotic and vacuolated hepatocytes. Mild haemorrhagic lesion, pyknotic nuclei and melanomacrophage centers were also found in the liver of fishes of both farms. Major renal pathology included necrotic and ruptured kidney tubules and renal corpuscles, severe haematopoietic necrosis, presence of melanomacrophage centers and haemorrhages.

^ssc4 illus, 14 ref

013985   Das S N;Ghazi R R (Zoology Dep, University of Karachi, Karachi (Pakistan) 75270) : Brachylecithum heckmani sp. nov. (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) from a new host Egretta alba in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 135-40.

Brachylecithum heckmani sp. nov. is reported from the Great Egret or large Egret, Egretta alba in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The new species is characterized by an elongated, slender body, narrower anteriorly and provided with a blunt spike like structure at the posterior, bluntly rounded end, shape and position of the gonads, in having anterior testis larger than the posterior testis with some distance in between; in having ovary smaller than the testes; in having vitelline follicles arranged laterally in the ovarian zone, in having genital opening prebifurcal; and a new host and locality record.

4 illus, 13 ref

013984   Chakrabarti P;Ghosh S K (Fisheries Laboratory Zoology Dep, The Burdwan Univ, Golapbag, Budwan-713 104, Email: dr.chakrabarti@yahoo.in) : Comparative histophysiology of pancreas in Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822), Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 93-9.

Disposition, cellular organisation and biochemical nature of the exocrine pancreas were studied in three species of fishes viz., the mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala, the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus and the wallago, Wallago attu using histological and histochemical techniques. Histological analysis demonstrated that the pancreatic tissues were dispersed within the hepatic parenchyma as a hepatopancreas in C. mrigala and O. nilotica. The structural analysis also showed that in C. mrigala, pancreatic tissues were also diffused within the spleen and in the adipose tissues among the intestinal coils. However, in W. attu, the discrete pancreatic tissue formed distinct acini interspersed with clear islet of Langerhans. In all the three species, the exocrine acinar cells were pyramidal, triangular or rhomboid in shape containing basal nucleus and apical densely packed zymogen granules. Histochemical study revealed that the zymogen granules of exocrine acinar cells of all the three species exhibit different intensities of tryptophan content, which is the precursor of various pancreatic enzymes. This is probably due to the variation in feeding habits of the species concerned.

12 illus, 23 ref

013983   Bhattacharya P;Banik S (Fisheries Resources Management Dep, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra-799 210, Email: pampa_bhattacharjee@yahoo.com) : Length-weight relationship and condition factor of the pabo catfish Ompok pabo (Hamilton, 1822) from Tripura, India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 141-8.

Length -weight relationship and condition factor (K) of Ompok pabo, (Hamilton, 1822), were studied. Length- weight relationship of the species followed the cube-law, indicating an isometric growth pattern. The regression co-efficient (b) of this relationship varied due to sex, size and seasons, showing maximum variation due to size. The overall length -weight regression equation (Log W = -2.67610654 + 3.231 log TL, r = 0.907), and also the length-weight equations of males, females and juveniles (Log W = -2.580495 + 3.266 log TL (r=0.940), Log W = -3.27312 + 3.730584 log TL (r=0.823) and Log W = -1.79226 + 2.836639 log TL (r=0.959) respectively), indicate positive correlation between length and weight in O. pabo. Variations in the condition factor were found to be influenced by the gonadal maturity and spawning season. General wellbeing of the fish is found to be good, as indicated by the values of condition factor, which were nearer to or greater than 1. Condition factor of the fish also reflected its gonadal maturity and spawning season. The species has undergone significant decline due to overexploitation as a food fish.

4 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

013982   Anbarasu M;Kirubagaran R;Vinithkumar N V (NO, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Tambaram, Pallikaranai, Chennai-600 100) : Diet and eyestalk ablation induced changes in lipid and fatty acid composition of female spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 163-8.

One of the obstacles to successful spiny lobster farming is the lack of a suitable formulated feed to rear early juveniles to marketable size. An experiment was carried out to examine the effect of diet and eyestalk ablation on the fatty acid profiles of the female spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus). The normal and ablated juvenile lobsters were stocked separately in three FRP tanks, each holding 1000 l filtered seawater. Experimental (pelleted feed) and control (green mussel) diets were fed ad libitum daily at 1830 hrs for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days trial, the total lipid content was high in the hepatopancreas and muscle tissue (162.2±8.1 and 110.2±5.8 mg g^-1 respectively) of unablated lobsters fed with pellet diet compared to that of green mussel fed lobsters (104.6±6.1 and 76.4±4.7 mg g^-1, respectively). The fatty acid composition of the hepatopancreas and muscle of ablated and unablated lobsters reflected the respective dietary treatments. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content was high in the muscle of unablated lobsters fed pellet diet (21.94±0.36%) compared to that of other groups. The formulated diet played a major role in maintaining the essential fatty acids levels, especially PUFA in the muscle tissue of juvenile lobsters.

4 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

013981   Ananda Raja R;Sujeet Kumar;Sundaray J K;De D; Biswas G;Ghoshal T K (NO, Kakdwip Research Centre of Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquacult, Kakdwip, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal-743 347, Email: anandarajars@gmail.com) : Hematological parameters in relation to sex, morphometric characters and incidence of white spot syndrome virus in tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon Fabricius, 1798 from Sunderban, West Bengal. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(4), 169-74.

Seasonal influence on the hemato-immunological parameters and prevalence of white spot disease (WSD) in wild-caught tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon was studied. A total of 210 specimens of P. monodon were collected from the Sunderban estuarine mangrove ecosystem during pre-monsoon (March to May) and monsoon (June to September) seasons in 2010. The animals were sexed, measured (total length and carapace length) and weighed. The hemato-immunological parameters such as total hemocyte count (THC), granular hemocyte (GH) and nongranular hemocyte (NGH) count, phenoloxidase activity and serum protein levels were analysed. The animals were diagnosed for WSSV by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significant difference (p<60>0.01) in THC, GH and NGH count was observed between seasons in both sexes. However, no significant difference was noticed in serum phenoloxidase activity and serum protein level in both sexes between seasons. None of the animals were diagnosed positive for WSSV in first step PCR throughout the study period. However, few samples were diagnosed positive in the second step PCR in the month of September. No significant difference was observed in any of the hemato-immunological parameters studied, between second step positive and negative samples, which suggests that level of infection in the second step PCR positive samples might not be sufficient to alter the immunological parameters.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

013072   Virani R S;Makode P M (NO, S.M. College Pandharkawada Arts & Science College, Murtizapur) : Role of rotifer diversity in a tropical lentic ecosystem with reference to eutrophication. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(1), 55-64.

Water is important natural resource for the survival of all living beings. Zooplankton constitute an important link in food chain as grazers (primary and secondary consumers) and serves as food for fishes directly or indirectly. Rotifers were found to contribute to the zooplankton richness and plays a key role in the tropho-dynamics, ecological energetic, cycling of material and aquaculture productivity due to incredibly high reproductive rate characterized by parthenogenetic production During the course of an extensive faunistic survey of lentic ecosystems at Chilai, twelve species of rotifers have been recorded for the first time. Taxonomic notes with a key for their identification are appended and their role as indicators of eutrophication is discussed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

013071   Vijayakumari K N;Murali D (Zoology Dep, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, Kochi-682 011, Email: k.n.vijayakumari@gmail.com) : Peripheral haematology of Puntius filamentosus (valenciennes) in relation to sex, maturity, standard length and season. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 125-30.

Peripheral haematological parameters such as total erythrocyte, leucocyte and thrombocyte counts (TEC, TLC, TTC),haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), RBC/WBC ratio, mean corpuscularvolume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) ofPuntius filamentosus in relation to sex, maturity stages, standard length of the fish and seasons were analysed. The results ofthe present study shows that peripheral haematological make-up is not much affected by the sex of the fish. However, mostof the haematological parameters (TEC, TLC, TTC, Hb and Ht) registered higher mean values in males than in females.Gonad maturity has only little influence on the peripheral haematological make-up. But there was a general tendency fordecrease in the mean values of TEC, TTC, Hb and Ht in fish at maturity stage IV. Simple linear correlation analysis (r)revealed that TTC (p<60>0.01), Hb and MCH (p<60>0.05) had significant negative association and Ht (p<60>0.05) showed significantpositive association with standard length (SL). Majority of haematological variables (TEC, TLC, TTC, Hb, Ht, MCH andMCHC) recorded higher mean values during pre-monsoon (February - May) than during monsoon (June - September) andpostmonsoon (October - January) seasons.

3 tables, 35 ref

013070   Vartak V R;Makesh M;Rajendran K V;Sivakumar N;Kundan Kumar;Singh R K (NO, Khar Land Research Station, Bandar Road, Panvel-410 206, Email: vivekvartak_arombrs@yahoo.com) : Investigations on the mortality in semi-fry seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 157-60.

Study was undertaken to investigate the cause of mortality in semi-fry of wild collected Asian seabass Lates calcariferduring weaning on Artemia nauplii. The samples tested negative for nervous necrosis virus by PCR. On bacteriologicalanalysis Vibrio alginolyticus was isolated from kidney tissue of infected seabass. The pathogen identity was confirmed bybiochemical tests and further confirmed by automated bacterial identification system. The likely transmission of infectionmight be from rearing tanks or Artemia nauplii used for feeding semi-fry as they are considered to be the prime vectors ofthese bacteria.

^ssc1 table, 21 ref

013069   Vaitheeswaran T;Prabakar K;Anbuarasu K; Mariappan P (P.G. Research Zoology Dep, Jamal Mohamed College, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 020, Email: frs69@rediffmail.com) : Record of the frog crab, Ranninoides personatus Henderson, 1888 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Raninidae). Tamilnadu J vet Anim Sci 2013, 9(5), 362-5.

Frog crab, Ranninoides personatus Henderson, 1888, were caught in the trawl net operated off Thoothukudi at a depth of around 305-310 m during April 2013. One female specimen of the said species was collected as an incidental by-catch in the trawl fisheries off Thoothukudi coast of Gulf of Mannar, from India, between 08° 35'22.5"N lat. 78°27'40.9" E long and 08° 31' 91.2"N lat. 78° 25' 32.7"E long at a depth of 305-310 m. Ranninoides personatus Henderson, 1888, reported in India during (Alcock, 1896) from coast of Bay of Bengal and further there are no published reports on occurrence of this species along the Thoothukudi coast of Gulf of Mannar.

2 illus, 10 ref

013068   Tyagi R (Laboratory of Biochemical Studies, Zoology Dep, M.M.(P.G.) College, Modinagar-201 204, Ghaziabad, Email: drrtyagi@yahoo.in) : Pathological effects of methyl parathion on lipid and cholesterol of fresh water fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 105-10.

Channa punctatus (Bloch) was exposed to the sub-lethal doses of methyl parathion- a pesticide, at a different period of 3, 7, 15 and 30th days. The LC50 value of fish was found 35μg/l. During the experimental phase total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were determined. During the experiment great changes were observed between the pesticide treated fish and the control fish. It is conducted that the lipid metabolism is effected by the technical grade of methyl parathion.

10 illus, 41 ref

013067   Tewari G;Ram R N (Fishery Biology Dep, College of Fisheries, G.B. Pant Agricult. & Technol. Univ, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: grishmatewari11@gmail.com) : Effect of diet supplemented with papain on ovarian development of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 95-104.

Present investigation was carried out to assess the effect of papain on gonadal development of Cyprinus carpio. The fishes were fed with conventional diet mixed with three different sources of papain (i.e. papain powder, unripe fruit and green leaves of papaya) for a period of 150 days. The better results regarding gonadosomatic index (GSI) and maturity of oocytes were obtained in feeding groups supplemented with papain powder @ 1.0% followed by papaya leaves @ 2.5% and comparatively lower in papaya fruit @ 1.25% and control. The histophysiological changes in liver correspond well to the progression of gonadal development. Successive granulation and vacuolization of hepatocyte cytoplasm were indicative of augmented synthetic activity and probably mobilization of energy content for oocyte growth. During the experimentation period impact of different forms of papain on water quality as well as on behavioural response of fish were regularly monitored and no adverse effect was reported. The findings of the results indicated normal ovarian development of common carp fed with different sources of papain and stated its use as an efficient feed additive.

24 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

013066   Suryawanshi S G;Bhagwan H K;Mhaske D K;Shinde G B (Zoology Dep, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maha. Shrigonda, Ahmednagar) : New species of genus Davainea blanchard from Gallus domesticus of Shrigonda Ahmednagar, India. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(2), 247-9.

Present paper deals with the description of a new species under the genus Davainea Blanchard, 1891 as Davainea snrigondaensis n.sp collected from the common fowl, Gallus domesticus. It differs from all known species of the genus in many characters, in having scolex medium, with four suckers, rostellum oval, rostellar hooks 72, neck medium, mature segment broader than long, testes 37-39 (38) in number, cirrus pouch medium, oval, opens marginally, cirrus thin, vas deferens thin tube, coiled, ovary distinctly bilobed, vagina thin, posterior to the cirrus pouch, receptaculum seminis sac like, ootype oval, genital pores small, vitelline gland medium, postovarian, gravid segments were not available.

2 illus, 19 ref

013065   Sunita K;Rajyalakshmi M;Kalyan Kumar K; Sowjanya M;Satish P V V;Madhu Prasad D (Zoology & Aquaculture Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjunanagar-522 510, Email: sunitamichael@yahoo.com) : Human malaria in C57BL/6J mice: an in vivo model for chemotherapy studies. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(1), 67-72.

Present work deals with the development of Plasmodium falciparum stages in mouse model and its potential for the study of efficacy of antimalarial drugs. C57BL/6J mice were infected with multidrug resistant P. falciparum strain then treated with arteether and artesunate. A response was observed to antimalarial drugs in terms of decrease in parasitemia. Mice infected with P. falciparum strain were successfully cured after treatment with either arteether or artesunate. The speed of parasite clearance time and burden of parasitemia differed for each drug and matched the previously reported observations, hence stressing the relevance of the model. These findings thus suggest that P. falciparum. infected human RBC (iRBC) - C57BL/6J mice can provide a valuable in vivo system and should be included in the short list of animals that can be used for the evaluation of P. falciparum responses to drugs.

3 illus, 24 ref

013064   Sundaramoorthy B;Parivallal P;Neethiselvan N (Fishing Technology and Fishing Engineering Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: b_sundaramoorthy@yahoo.com) : Gillnet selectivity on Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) in Aliyar reservoir, Tamil Nadu, South India. Tamilnadu J vet Anim Sci 2013, 9(5), 352-61.

Study undertaken on the gillnet selectivity of Catla catla at Aliyar Reservoir revealed that the optimum mesh size for the commercial exploitation of this species is 13.7 cm. Among the gillnets presently being used, the usages of net A (mesh size 120 mm) is to be avoided to prevent the capture of immature and maturing animals. The net B (mesh size 140mm) and Net C (mesh size 160 mm) were not found to pose any threat to the fishery. The relationship between, gilled girth(X) and fork length(Y) was found to be Y = 1.19 + 0.73 X. The technical status of the gillnets of Aliyar reservoir need to be improved through correct attachment of floats and sinkers to enhance the catch efficiency of the nets.

2 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

013063   Stalin Raj;Vijayan K K;Alavandi S V; Balasubramanian C P;Santiago T C (NO, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, 75 Santhome High Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: vijayankk@gmail.com) : Effect of temperature and salinity on the infectivity pattern of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1837). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 109-15.

White spot disease (WSD) caused by the lethal white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) continues to be the major cause ofmortality among farmed tiger shrimp in India and elsewhere, resulting in an annual loss of about 4-6 billion US$. Among theenvironmental variables, temperature and salinity of the rearing water are considered to be major triggering factors for whitespot disease outbreak. In order to characterise the effect of salinity and temperature on the pathogenecity of WSSV infectionin giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, a laboratory challenge study was conducted at different levels of temperature(16, 25, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 36 °C) and salinity (0.5, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 g l^-1) with virulent white spot syndrome virus.Significant influence of temperature (p<60>0.05) on the percentage mortality and time until death of shrimp affected by the viruswas observed, whereas salinity did not show any effect. Significantly higher survival rate was recorded in animals exposed at 32 °C (37%) and 36 °C (14%), 21 days post-challenge (dpc). All the shrimp challenged at othertemperature levels, however, died after 21 dpc. These results demonstrated preference of WSSV for lower temperaturesand higher survival in temperature ranges of 32 °C to 36 °C. The present observation may help to develop amanagement option to control the WSSV inflicted mortalities by selecting favorable hyperthermic rearing conditions for theshrimp.

5 illus, 32 ref

013062   Srivastava R;Dabas A;Srivastava R;Gaur P (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: rakeshsrivastava_rs@yahoo.com) : Qualitative analysis of chromosomes from neural ganglia of flesh-flies Sarcopahga. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 149-52.

A simplified technique has been developed in order to obtain and visualize large number of mitotic chromosomes at metaphase stage in the neural ganglial cells to facilitate the detection of various banding patterns which play a significant role in cytogenetical analysis of flesh-flies. Several studies have been performed on the flesh-fly Sarcophaga related to their role in forensics, as vectors of pathogenic micro-organisms, in the isolation of many useful proteins, studies related to circadian cycle, developmental and metabolic processes which require enough time as well as a good infrastructure; yet basic cytogenetical methods remain the prerequisite for perusing genetical analysis. In view of this fact, the present study was conducted to determine a simple, rapid and qualitative method that is indeed helpful in the cytogenetical studies of Sarcophaga species as well as other dipterans even without the requirement of any special equipment.

3 illus, 17 ref

013061   Srivastava D P;Singh J P N;Srivastava A K (Zoology Dep, S.M.M. Town P.G. College, Ballia-277 001) : Impact of chromium on gill arch and gill rakers of a fresh water fish Puntius sophore. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 155-63.

Effect of lethal and sub-lethal exposure of chromium has been studied on the Gill arch and Gill rakers of a fresh water fish, Puntius sophore. The highly variable number and shape of gill rakers in teleosts is related to diet. The gill rakers of Puntius sophore like in other omnivorous fishes are teeth like processes, short and stump. All teleosts have gill rakers that play a role in filtering water, to protect the gill filaments and secondary lamellae. Besides protecting the tender gill filaments from abrasion by ingested materials that are coarse in texture, gill rakers are also specialized in food retention and provide an additional hold for gripping the prey. The function of gill rakers is to retain food particles in fishes, using either sieving or aerosal filtration mechanisms. In general, the mucous goblet cells are scattered over the gill arch and raker epithelium of Puntius sophore. Mucous on the branchial sieve might implicate a "sticky filter"and play an important role in preventing loss of small particles and may be used by fish to aggregate and transport particles that have already been retained by sieving. The mucous may be involved in lubrication of large food items and prey to assist their transport and the smooth passage through the pharynx towards the oesophagus for easy swallowing. The role of mucous secretions in the lubrication of food during its passage in the gut in different fish species is widely accepted. Increase in density and dimension of mucous cells at different durations of chromium treatment in gill arch and gill raker epithelium of Puntius sophore may be correlated with increased mucous secretion which is demanded to protect the gill arch epithelium of fish from the effect of chromium. Presence of taste buds on gill rakers of Puntius sophore is interesting. In teleosts, the gustatory system has evolved to facilitate feeding by discriminating and localizing food stimuli in the pharynx. Sorting and selection of food items in the pharynx is possible due to the presence of taste buds on the gill arch and gill rakers. Degeneration of cellular components and taste hairs at late exposure of chromium treatment in present investigation suggests that ability of the fish to sense the chemical nature of the surrounding water and food available in a particular feeding zone is greatly reduced. Tremendous increase in dimension of acidophil cells at 2d exposures is due to intensive rate of synthesis of secretory contents in these cells which may be correlated to cope with the influence of chromium.

13 illus, 46 ref

013060   Sreekanth G B;Chakraborty S K;Jaiswar A K; Nair J R;Pazhayamadom D G;Renjith R K;Ratheesh Kumar;Sandeep K P; Anuraj A (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai-400 061, Email: gbsree@gmail.com) : Site specific differences in food and feeding biology of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791) along indian cost. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 25-31.

Feeding biology of populations of a typical demersal carnivorous fish species, Nemipterus japonicus (Japanese threadfin bream) from four different locations of India was studied on the basis of percentage number, percentage weight and occurrence of food items. The basic indices viz., percentage number, gravimetric index and percentage occurrence were used to calculate preference indices like the index of relative importance (IRI) and index of preponderance (IP). Percentage similarity index (PSI) and dietary breadth (DB) were used for investigating the site specific variation in food and feeding biology from 4 sites viz., Mumbai and Cochin from the west coast and Chennai and Kakinada from the east coast of India. Some important food items like squid, lizard fish, Solenocera sp. and polychaetes which were common in other locations, were not reported from Kakinada samples. The PSI and DB indicated marked variations in feeding biology of populations from different sites on the east and west coast. Similarity index was maximum between Mumbai and Cochin while the second highest value was between Kakinada and Chennai. A narrow spectrum of food items was observed for Kakinada and Chennai populations in contrast to a broader spectrum for Cochin and Mumbai populations. The west coast individuals revealed abundance of shrimps, while east coast individuals showed abundance of crabs in the diet. The analysis reflected a coastwise variation in the food items of the species.

5 tables, 24 ref

013059   Singh R;Chaturvedi S K (Zoology Dep, Satish Chandra(P.G.) College, Ballia-277 001, Email: ramss09@rediffmail.com) : Photo thermal induced effects on testes and pituitary gonadotropic cells during resting phase of reproductive cycle in a murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 119-23.

Effects of various combinations of photoperiod and temperature (NL-NT, LD 15:9-28°C, NL - 28°C and LD 15:9 - NT) were studied on testicular activity and pituitary gonadotropic cells in Channa punctatus during resting phase of reproductive cycle. Long photoperiod and warm temperature (LD 15:9-28°C) and natural photoperiod and warm temperature (NL- 280 C) regimes were found to be more effective for testicular maturation and secretory activity of gonadotropic cells. Thus, testicular activity show a close correlation with gonadotorpics cells activity and seems to be influenced by photoperiod and/or temperature.

7 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

013058   Sharma N (Zoological Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: natendra@scientist.com) : Distribution of satyrid butterflies in Himachal Pradesh. Ann For 2012, 20(2), 283-9.

Forty-eight species and subspecies referable to 13 genera of the family Satyridae (Papilionoidea : Lepidoptera) were recorded from the different districts of the state, Himachal Pradesh. The maximum 25 numbers of satyrid species are represented by district Chamba and the minimum only one is present in district Bilaspur, whereas, in Hamirpur no satyrid species is found.

1 table, 10 ref

013057   Sharma B;Kousar R (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Analysis of light trap catches and influence of lunar periodicity on some insects. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 451-6.

The effect of lunar phases on insects belonging to four orders viz., Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Homoptera, trapped during the operatin of light traps have been discussed.

6 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

013056   Shahi N;Mallik S K (NO, Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Industrial Area, Bhimtal-263 136, Email: shahineetu@rediffmail.com) : Blood response in common carp, Cyprinus carpio infected with Aeromonas allosaccharophila. Int J Aquatic Sci Technol 2013, 1(2), 3-6.

Total and differential leukocyte count and the phagocytic activity in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, which were experimentally infected with Aeromonas allosaccharophila was evaluated in this study. Fish were divided into five groups in triplicates of un-injected fish, fish injected with sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and fish injected with 4.2 x 10⁴, 1.9 x 10⁶ and 7.3 x 10⁸ colony forming units (CFU) of suspension of A. allosaccharophila diluted in PBS. Forty eight hours after injection, the fish were anesthetized and blood was collected for white blood cell (WBC) counts, differential leukocyte count, and phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes. After infection the WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte count were increased significantly, while no significant changes in neutro-phils number was observed. The percentage of phagocytic activity in the blood were: 56.9, 57.1 and 61.5 in common carp injected with 4.2 x 10⁴,1.9.x 10⁶ and 7.3 x 10⁸ CFU/ml of bacterial suspension, respectively.

1 table, 18 ref