013055   Sethi S (NO, Madras Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, 75, Santhom High Road R.A. Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: sethisatyanarayana@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence of isopod parasites in clupeids off Chennai coast, India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 153-5.

Study was carried out to investigate the incidence of isopod parasites in clupeids, with special emphasis on the Indianpellona fish, Pellona ditchela. Two species of isopods, Joryma hilsae and Joryma sawayah were found infecting this fish. The isopods of the genus Joryma are typical Indo-Pacific genus, found infecting the gills of marine fishes. However, this isthe first report of these two species in Indian pellona, P. ditchela along the Bay of Bengal off Chennai coast, India. Theprevalence (%) of J. hilsae and J. sawayah in P. ditchela recorded during the present investigation were 17.7 and 32.3 respectively. Cymothoids are common isopod parasites of marine fishes and their infection can cause serious damages to the fishes.

^ssc4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

013054   Sengar K;Singh D;Nair N;Vyas A;Singh N P (Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 055, Email: kapila_sengar@yahoo.co.in) : Historical background, epidemiology and pathogenicity of Candida species. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 89-93.

Over the past two decades, Candida species have come to be regarded as important agents of nosocominal infection. Candidiasis is a life threatening infection in immune-compromised hosts. Langenbeck first discovered the fungus in scrapings of buccal thrush from a patient with typhus. The generic name Candida was finally accepted by the eighth botanical congress at Paris in 1954. Several studies have documented that 60-70% of patients in the intensive care units (ICUs) are colonized with Candida species. Candida is one of the most common causes of vaginal infection and occurs in all the age groups. Candida is harmless commensal, but can become pathogenic due to its extensive variety of virulence determinants that are selectively expressed under suitable predisposing conditions. Its ability to switch between the yeast and the hyphal mode of growth has been implicated in its pathogenicity.

69 ref

013053   Sajan S;Malika V;Anna Mercy T V (College of Fisheries, Kerala Univ of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Panangad, Kochi-682 506, Email: sajanpolayil@gmail.com) : Use of an eo-friendly anaesthetic in the handling of Puntius denisonii (day, 1865) - an endemic ornamental barb of the western ghats of India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 131-5.

Anaesthesia is essential to minimise stress and physical damage while handling live fish. Present study evaluated theefficacy of clove oil as an anaesthetic (at four different concentrations viz., 20 mg l^-1, 30 mg l^-1, 40 mg l^-1 and 50 mg l^-1) forhandling the endemic ornamental barb Puntius denisonii. The onset of individual phases of anaesthesia and recovery rateswere studied. Induction time decreased with increasing concentration. Concentration between 30-40 mg l^-1 of clove oil wasfound to be the most effective dose for P. denisonii and 30 mg l^-1 was recorded as the lowest concentration that inducesanaesthesia in less than 3 min. Clove oil appears to be highly effective as a fish anaesthetic with potentially no side effects,which is safe for both fish as well as human and also less expensive.

2 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

013052   Sahu V K;Srivastav A K;Singh R (Zoology Dep, J.N.R.M., Port Blair (A&N Island), Email: viveksahu6@rediffmail.com) : First record of Pseudobatrachus sengarii N. sp. from Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) from central India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 277-82.

Four cat fishes, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) were examined for the study of piscine cestodes and single cestode obtained from the intestine of one host. Morphological studies of the worm revealed that it is the new record in the genus, Pseudobatrachus5 Family, Capingentidae2, Order Caryophyllidea1 and regarded as n.sp. Pseudobatrachus sengarii.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

013051   Sahu B P;Patel A;Sahoo L;Das P;Meher P K; Jayasankar P (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: pdas77@hotmail.com) : Rapid and cost effective development of SSR markers using next generation sequencing in indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 21-4.

Development of species specific microsatellite markers using conventional approaches such as partial and enriched genomic library screening are costly and time consuming. Next generation sequencing is a promising methodology for acquisition of abundant microsatellites from the genome. In an effort to enrich the present microsatellite database for marker map generation in Labeo rohita, Roche-454 GS-FLX sequencing platform was used and results were compared with the enriched library screening. A library enriched for 'GT' repeat was prepared and screened using Sanger sequencing. Screening of enriched library produced 1840 clones resulting in only 238 sequences having enough flanking region for primer designing. Roche- 454 sequencing of 10 MB of rohu genome generated 387 sequences containing microsatellite repeat with enough flanking region. Enriched library preparation, screening and Sanger sequencing took nearly one and half year, whereas data generation by next generation sequencing took just two months. Moreover equally good number of markers could be generated by high throughput sequencing platform which worked out to be one third cheaper.

14 ref

013050   Sada N M;Tanko Y;Mabrouk M A (Human Physiology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello Univ, Zaria, Nigeria) : Effect of soya beans supplement on blood glucose levels and haematological indices on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats. Ann Biol Res 2013, 4(2), 208-13.

Aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of soya bean supplement blood glucose levels and haematological parameters on alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. The animals were grouped into four groups of five rats in each group. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 150mg/kg body weight. The animals were fed with 25% and 50% of the soya beans supplement for two weeks. Glibenclamide was used as a standard anti-diabetic drug and was given orally to the positive control diabetic group. The fasting blood glucose levels were determined at intervals of 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days respectively. The animals were sacrificed and blood samples were taken from all the groups for the determination of haematological parameters. As regard to the blood glucose levels there was a significant decrease (p<60>0.05) when compared with the control non supplemented group. The highest activity resides at the group supplemented with 25% soya beans. In relation to the haematological parameters there was a significant increase in the white blood cell count, while packed cell volume, Red blood cell count diferential count and haemoglobin level there was no significant different between the control and soya beans supplemented groups.

48 ref

013049   Ruhela S;Pandey A K;Khare A K (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001, Email: akpandey_cifa@yahoo.co.in) : Haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in Clarias batrachus (Linn.) induced by experimental Procamallanus infection. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 189-204.

Comparative haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes were recorded in Clarias batrachus experimentally infected with Procamallanus for 60 days. Blood parameters like TEC, Hb and PCV declined whereas TLC increased during Procamallanus post-infection. MCV and MCH elevated on day 15 and 30 but MCHC displayed a significant decline on day 15 and 45 post-infection. Serum glucose, total protein and cholesterol levels decreased in the catfish during infection. Hypoglycemia was attributed to the disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism while hypoproteinaemia to alterations in protein metabolism leading to mal-absorption of the nutrients. Hypocholesterolaemia may probably be due to increased RBC destruction leading to anemia. Serum urea, SGPT and SGOT levels increased during the post-infection. The elevation in urea may be due to fraction of non-protein nitrogen component while elevation in SGPT and SGOT level may be due to the damage to various tissues. Intestine of the infected catfish exhibited separation of serosa and submucosa, pyknotic epithelial cells in mucosa, vacuolization in muscle layer and submucosa, ruptured serosa, strong inflammatory edema in villous processes, ruptured, shortened and blunted tips of villi and separation in muscle layer. Liver of the infected catfish showed infiltration of lymphocytes and mild dilation in central vein. A distinct necrotic zone was fairly common around the central vein and the hepatocytes revealed mild degenerative changes. Pyknosis and karyolysis were frequently observed while edema and cloudy swelling were also seen. Renal tissues of the infected catfish displayed glomeruli of variable sizes, enlargement of Bowmen's capsule, cloudy swelling in tubules, edema, vacuolar/atrophic degeneration, fibrosis, mild degenerative changes in proximal and distal convoluted tubules, necrotic changes in proximal convoluted tubules, increased granulation and hyperplasia in proximal convoluted tubules. Procamallanus infection in the catfish induced mild hypertrophy as well as hyperplasia in epithelium lining cells of secondary gill lamellae on day 15 and 30. Marked hyperplasia and telangiectasis were observed in secondary gill lamellae by day 45 and 60. The alterations observed in haematological, biochemical and histopathology of the vital organs of C. batrachus due to experimental Procamallanus infection appear to be caused by excretory/secretory metabolites (exotoxins/endotoxins) produced by the parasites harbouring the intestine.

22 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

013048   Rohit P;et al. (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Email: rohitprathi@yahoo.co.in) : Fishery and bionomics of the little Tuna, Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849) exploited from Indian waters. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 33-42.

Euthynnus affinis, with an average annual landing of 40,757 t during 2006-2010 formed the bulk (65.1%) of the total coastal tuna catch of the country. The fishery, biology, growth and stock structure of E. affinis was studied in detail. Hooks and lines, gillnets and purseseines were the major gears exploiting the fish. Fishery was sustained mainly by 1 - 2 year old fishes (34 to 50 cm). Size at first maturity was estimated at 37.7 cm and fecundity was 3,08,150 eggs. Spawning was observed round the year with peaks during July-August and November-January. E. affinis was found to be a nonselective generalist feeder foraging on fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. The length-weight is given by the relationship 0.0254 L^2.889 with no significant difference between males and females. Age and growth were estimated using length based methods. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated were L_∞ = 81.92 cm, annual K= 0.56 and t₀ = -0.0317. Mortality estimates were M= 0.93 and Z = 1.68 and F= 0.75 with the exploitation rate E=0.45. The maximum sustainable yield estimated was higher than the average annual catch indicating scope for further exploitation.

12 illus, 3 tables, 69 ref

013047   Rizvi A N;Bhutia P T (Zoological Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Dehradun-248 195) : Prevalence of helminth parasites in anuran amphibians of Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India. Ann For 2012, 20(2), 273-82.

Anuran amphibian hosts in Dehra Dun were investigated for helminth parasitic infections for four years. Seven species of amphibian hosts were examined for helminthes, of which 5 species were found to harbour 19 genera of helminth parasites. The prevalence, intensity and abundance were studied. Fejervarya limnocharis and Microhyla ornata were found in low population and no helminths were collected from them. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis harbored maximum parasite species followed by Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Duttaphrynus himalayanus, Nanorana minica and Duttaphrynus melanostictus.

3 tables, 7 ref

013046   Ritesh Kumar;Mishra B K P (NO, B.R.A. Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur-842 001, Email: ritesh2u2@rediffmail.com) : Behavioural and morphological changes induced in the freshwater fish, Clarias batrachus exposed to chlorpyrifos 50% + cypermethrin 5% EC. Int J Aquatic Sci Technol 2013, 1(2), 19-26.

The intention of the present study is to determine the detrimental effects of a hybrid pesticide, Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cyperrnethrin 5% EC on the behavior and morphological aspects of an air breathing fish, Clarias batrachus exposed to various concentrations of the pesticide. The study revealed marked behavioral changes like altered schooling behavior, localization at the bottom, irregular and erratic swimming pattern, frequent surface visit, caudal bending, spinning of the body and delayed response to touch. The morphological changes included body de-coloration, excessive mucus secretion, thinning of the body. These changes are indicative of the toxic effects of the pesticide on the behavior and morphological aspects of the fish, Clarias batrachus.

4 illus, 34 ref

013045   Regi S R;Bijukumar A (Zoology Dep, Sree Narayana College, Kollam-691 001, Email: abiju@rediffmail.com) : Diversity of fish fauna from Veli-Akkulam lake, Kerala, India. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(4), 1381-3.

Fish diversity of the Veli-Akkulam lake, a small bar-built estuary of South India was assessed based on data collected during 2008 to 2010. A total of 3 5 species of freshwater and marine fishes, classified under 9 orders, 26 families and 30 genera were recorded from the lake. The exotic Mozambique tila-pia, Oreochromis mossambicus was the dominant species in the lake, followed by the pearl spot Etroplus suratensis. Pollution from different sources, heavy eutrophication, and dominance of exotic fish species have been found to be the factors affecting ichthyo-faunal diversity of the lake.

1 table, 8 ref

013044   Reddy S J (Fishery Science & Aquaculture Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: sjreddy_7@yahoo.co.in) : Dimethoate toxicity on haemato-immune and biochemical indices of prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 111-7.

Rapid agricultural development in India over the last few decades has essentially aimed at increasing productivity. The aquaculture industry provides not only economic income and a high quality food product, but also employment to hundreds of thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. The Indian river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is the largest fast-growing freshwater prawn. It has gained popularity in Eastern India. Adoption of modern technology and the use of agricultural inputs, namely fertilizers and pesticides have been a key part of this development. Dimethoate is one of the organophosphate pesticide, highly toxic to fish and other aquatic invertebrates. In this study, an attempt is made to determine the effects of 1/5th sub lethal concentration of dimethoate on haemolymph osmolality, ion concentration, acid base balance and haemato-immune parameters in M. rosenbergii over a 45 day exposure period. A significant and continuous diminution in haemolymph osmolality, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Cl_-1 contents were observed. Similarly, PO₂, PCO₂, HCO₃^-, TCO₂ and pH of haemolymph were also notably decreased with increasing the exposure period and maximum percent decrease was observed on day 45. Contrarily, to the above haemolymph protein, oxyhaemocyanin content and ratio of oxyhaemocyanin to protein were showed an elevation upto 45 days. These results suggest that the animal switched to anaerobic pathways for energy production even when O₂ is present indicate that the prawn tried to use both aerobic and anaerobic pathways due to the existence of acidosis. Total haemocyte count, phenol oxidase activity and activities of SOD, CAT and XO were decreased significantly with increasing the exposure periods suggesting that the immune resistance of M. rosenbergii might be depressed by the sub lethal concentration of dimethoate.

4 tables, 33 ref

013043   Raja A I;Sapkal H P (Zoology Dep, Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Akola-444 001) : Chromosomal diversity in some common butterflies of family Hesperiidae, from Akola district of Maharashtra. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(2), 173-6.

Chromosomal study has been carried out in 5 commonly Hesperiidae, butterflies from Akola district, in Western Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra. The aim of the study was to determine the variation in chromosome number in these butterflies. Testicular meiosis examined in all species demonstrated variation in haploid chromosome number. 4 genera, 5 species of family Hesperiidae showed a range of n =24- 32. In the present study chromosome numbers are less than n = 29 -31 and nearer or slightly more than 31 chromosomes. It is suggested that as in other several species of butterflies from different part of the world, the chromosome number in butterflies of Family Hesperiidae in Akola district of Maharashtra might have evolved due to chromosomal aberrations. However, conventional staining analysis has not revealed its origin and these data remain open to future research.

5 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

013042   Patil S B;Babare M G (NO, A.S.C. College, Naldurg-413 602) : New species of the genus Tylocephalum (Lecanicephalidae) from marine fish (Trygon sp.) from Sindhudurg region (Maharashtra) India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 305-10.

The present communication deals with Tylocephalum shivajiraovae n.sp.and Tylocephalum raoii n.sp. These differ from all other known species in shape of scolex, testes number, position of ovary, shape and position of vitellaria.

2 illus, 19 ref

013041   Nandurkar H P;Zambare S P (Zoology Dep, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati Univ, Amravati, Maharashtra-444 602, Email: hema_nagpure19@rediffmail.com) : Effect of tetracycline and chloramphenicol on protein contents in different tissues of freshwater bivalve, Parreysia cylindrica (Annandale&Prashad). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 259-64.

The freshwater bivalves, Parreysia cylindrica were exposed to tetracycline and chloramphenicol broad spectrum antibiotics. Acute treatment of tetracycline (166.54PPM) and chloramphenicol (369.09PPM) to P. cylindrica was given for 96 hrs and for chronic treatment they were exposed to the concentration of tetracycline 33.30 PPM, chloramphenicol 73.81 PPM for 21 days respectively. The protein contents were estimated in mantle, gill, foot, ovary, testis, whole body and digestive gland after 24 and 96 hours of acute treatment and after 7,14 and 21 days of chronic treatment. The protein content in P. cylindrica was changed after acute and chronic treatment of tetracycline and chloramphenicol. In P. cylindrica there was increase in protein contents in almost all tissues except in mantle after acute and chronic exposures of tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Gill is the most prominent organ, which showed the increase in protein contents after tetracycline and chloramphenicol exposures.

2 tables, 18 ref

013040   Naik M J;Naik A S;Pala I (Zoology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Guntor-522 510, Email: jagadish100naik@gmail.com) : Protein metabolism in silkworm Bombyx mori Linn. fed with tukra affected chawki leaves. Bull Indian Acad Seric 2012, 16(2), 11-8.

In the present study, fourth instar larvae PM x NB₄D₂ (Fl Multi Bivoltine hybrid) silkworm were selected for feeding due to the rapid growth at this period. The total protein content in the haemolymph and silkgland of the silkworm when fed with 25% and 50% tukra affected leaves are normal from day 2 to day 6. Relative to the respective controls, from day 2 to day 6 the protein content in both the tissues increased, this increase however, was significant (P<60> 0.05). From day 2 to 6 there was a slow decrease in 75% tukra affected leaves, in any day of 100% tukra affected leaves, the decrease in the total proteins was significantly greater in the haemolymph and silkgland. From day 3to day 4 also the free amino acid levels of both the tissues increased in the silkworm larvae when fed with 25% and 50% tukra affected chawki leaves. However, it was significantly lesser than the increase observed from day 2 to day 6 at 75% and 100% tukra affected leaves. Hence the situation of patho-physiologicai condition of the silkgland and haemolymph of silkworm was influenced when pest occur in mulberry leaves. The estimation of total protein and total free amino acids, indicates the stepwise break down of these biomolecules under pest stress. The findings suggest that the leaves which are affected with a mealybug, M. hirsutus at the level of 75% and 100% were found to be some what pathological to the PMxNB₄D₂ hybrid silkworm.

4 tables, 17 ref

013039   Mojjada S K;Joseph I;Maheswarudu G;Ranjan R; Dash B;Ghosh S;Syda Rao S (NO, Veraval Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Matsya Bhavan Bhidiya, Veraval-362 269, Email: sureshkumar.mjd@gmail.com) : Open sea mariculture of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) in marine floating case at Balasore, Odisha, Northeast coast of India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 89-93.

Study was undertaken to evaluate the survival, growth rate and culture potential of sea bass, Lates calcarifer(Bloch, 1790) in an open sea floating cage at Balasore, Odisha in the north-east coast of India. A total number of 4357juveniles of L. calcarifer weighing on an average of 25 g were stocked in HDPE cylindrical open sea floating cage of 6 minner diameter with 6 m net bag depth in the middle of May, 2009. The fishes were fed @ 5-8% of body weight thrice a daywith chopped trash fish throughout the experimental period and were harvested in the middle of November, 2009 after180 days of culture. Sea bass attained an average of 29.45 cm body length and 996.62 g in body weight at the time of harvest.Daily average increment in body length and body weight were 0.10 cm and 5.4 g respectively. Growth was allometric andaverage specific growth rate was 2.05. FCR was 1:6 and a survival rate of 79.6% was recorded. The cost benefit ratio was0.5. Open sea floating cage culture of seabass was much more advantageous than culturing in inshore waters as evidencedfrom their growth performance and survival.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

013038   Mohan A;Kripa V;Mohamed K S (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi-682 018, Email: ram.anjana@gmail.com) : Stock assessment and management options for whelks along south-eastern Arabian sea. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 69-76.

Two species of whelks viz., Babylonia spirata and Babylonia zeylanica belonging to the family Buccinidae are commerciallyfished from Kollam, south-west coast of India, since early 1990's and are exported from India under the trade name `Baigai'. The species is present all through the year in the fishing grounds, caught as by-catch in shrimp trawlers and is a targetedfishery from April to June, when more than 50% of the annual whelk catch is taken. B. zeylanica dominates the whelk catch(61% of the annual catch). The average catch rate in the modified trawlers for whelk was 400 kg unit^-1 day^-1. Following thevon Bertalanffy growth function, asymptotic length and growth rate were estimated as 68.7 mm and 1.08 respectively forB. spirata and as 76 mm and 1.15 respectively for B. zeylanica. The L₅₀ estimated for B. spirata and B. zeylanica were35.2 and 41.7 mm respectively. The optimum length of capture and mean generation time were 40 mm and 0.55 years forB. spirata and 44 mm and 0.48 years for B. zeylanica respectively. The annual mean length of B. spirata showed an increasefrom 37.4 mm in 2001 to 40.1 mm in 2002 and multiple cohorts have been observed. The relative yield-per-recruit analysisshows that, present rate of exploitation of B. spirata has reached the optimum and that of B. zeylanica has nearly attained theoptimum. The faster growth rate, early maturity and continuous breeding behaviour explain the sustained fishery of B. spirata and B. zeylanica under a high fishing pressure along Kollam coast.

9 illus, 38 ref

013037   Loka J;Janakiram P;Geetha G K;Sivaprasad B; Kumar M V (NO, Karwar Research Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Instit, Karwar-581 301, Email: lokasree@gmail.com) : Loose shell syndrome (LSS) of cultured Penaeus monodon - microbiological and histopathological investigations. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 117-23.

Investigations were undertaken on loose shell syndrome (LSS) of cultured Penaeus monodon during the period 2009 - 2010. The infected shrimps were collected from culture ponds of east and west Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh, India and were subjected to microbiological and histopathological studies. Four species of Vibrio were isolated from the diseased shrimps and were identified as V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. metschnikovii and V. fluvialis based on morphological characteristics and biochemical tests. Histopathological studies revealed the presence of occlusion and inclusion bodies of monodon baculovirus (MBV), hepatopancreatic parvo-like virus (HPV), and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in hepatopancreatic and gill tissues. All the LSS affected shrimps collected during the present study were found infected with V. harveyi and concurrent infections of other Vibrio species were observed in 40% of the samples. Prevalence of infection with WSSV, MBV and HPV was less compared to Vibrio infections. Granuloma formation was observed in the affected tissues due to bacterial invasions. Multiple viral infections in association with Vibrio sp. were also observed in 2% of LSS affected shrimp.

5 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

013036   Kulkarni D S (Zoology Dep, Bharatiya Mahavidyalaya, Amravati, Maharashtra) : Eugenol induced changes in reproductive cycle of female albino rats. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(1), 98-101.

Eugenol, one of the potent bioactive components of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) was used to study its effect on reproductive cycle of female albino rats. Eugenol plus olive oil (0.2ml) was administered intramuscularly (im) in female albino rats up to 30 days. Vaginal cytology was studied by vaginal smear technique. Thin sections of ovary and uterus were taken and stained for histological observation. Body weight and gonadal weight were also recorded. Vaginal cytology revealed that estrous cycles of the experimental rats were disturbed by significant increase in the duration of diestrous phase. The weight of reproductive organs, ovary and uterus were reduced. Histological observations of ovary revealed significant decrease in healthy follicles as compared to control. Uterine endometrium found to be degenerated after 30 days treatment of eugenol. The observed effects of intramuscular administration of eugenol on estrous cycle and gonadal histological suggest antigonadotropic action ofeugenol.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

013035   Kizhakudan S J;Reddy P S (NO, Madras Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Chennai-600 028, Email: shobajoe@rediffmail.com) : Length-weight relationship in three species of silverbellies from chennia coast. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 65-8.

Length-weight relationship in three species of silverbellies - Photopectoralis bindus, Secutor insidiator and Gazza minutawas studied based on the data obtained from 742, 862 and 1900 samples of each species respectively, collected during theperiod January 2004 -February 2006. Analysis of covariance revealed no significant difference between males, females andindeterminates in all the three species. The coefficients `a' and `b' of the LW equation were derived as 0.000011989 and3.0515 for P. bindus, 0.00002369 and 2.905 for S. insidiator and 0.00002088 and 2.9228 for G. minuta. Statistical test forisometric growth (H₀:b=3) carried out using student's `t'-test on the regression coefficient `b' revealed that the values of bestimated for the three species do not deviate significantly from the isometric value of `3' at 5% level.

3 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

013034   Khatri T;Sharma K K;Khatri T C (Zoology Dep, M.D.S. Univ, Ajmer-305 001, Email: tikamtulsi@rediffmail.com) : Immature stages of common Awl: Hasora badra badra from Andaman islands (Insecta:Lepidoptera:Rhopalocera:Hesperiidae). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 286-8.

The plantation of Pongamia glabra (Fabaceae) caused sudden change in population of Common Awl. The immature stages of the butterfly are described.

8 illus, 4 ref

013033   Kharat A;Nikam S;Gurule S (P.G. Zoology Dep, K.T.H.M. College, Gangapur Road, Nashik-422 002, Email: agneskharat@gmail.com) : Pattern of butterfly diversity from Nashik and Dhule districts, Maharashtra. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 243-52.

Butterfly diversity from Nashik and Dhule was recorded. A total 88 species involving 61 genera belonging to five families were recorded. The data were analysed for α and β diversity. Diversity index was high in Nashik District (1.5361) as compared to Dhule District (1.4823). Sorenson's similarity index between two districts was 0.8266 suggesting less uniqueness in the diversity of butterflies. This study would support for planning the conservation strategy of the study area.

10 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

013032   Kamble S M;Tapale B K (Post Graduate Zoology Dep, S.M.D. Mohekar Mahavidyalaya, Kallam Osmanabad-413 507) : Effect of sub lethal concentrations of a household detergent on certain biochemical constituents of catfish, Mystus seenghala. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(2), 198-204.

Mystus seenghala were exposed to sublethal concentrations of a commonly used detergent to study biochemical constituents of muscles, liver, kidney, testis and ovary. The changes in the biochemical constituent (total protein, total fat and total glycogen) content in muscle, liver, kidney, testis and ovaries was observed in a freshwater catfish; Mystus seenghala when it was subjected to increasing sublethal concentrations of a house hold detergent (6.5 mg/lit, 13.0 mg/lit and 19.5 mg/lit) for increasing time periods (24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs) of exposure. At the end of each exposure period the total protein decreased in muscles, liver, kidney and testis but increased in ovaries; total fat content increased in muscles, liver and ovaries while decreased in kidney and testis; total glycogen content decreased in muscles, liver and kidney but increased in testis and ovaries. These changes are observed and are discussed in relation to the sublethal concentration of the detergent and control group of fishes.

3 tables, 14 ref

013031   Kalse A T;Bhosale Y M (Zoology Dep, Helminth Research Laboratory, Nanasaheb Y.N. Chavan ASC College, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon-424 101) : Reporting a new pseudophyllidian worm from a fresh water fish, Mastacembellus armatus. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(2), 194-7.

Present communication deals with the morphology of a new species Circumoncobothrium sahayi collected from the small intestine of freshwater fish Mastacembellus armatus from Chalisgaon. Out of nine worms, five worms were stained with Harris haematoxylin and prepared whole mount slides. All slides were observed under microscope, for detail morphological studies. The worms having scolex rectangular, rostellar hooks 40-44 in number; mature segments broader than long; testis 270-280 in number; ovary bilobed, compact with many rounded acini; vitellaria follicular small, round; gravid segments broader than long; uterus large saccular, occupied by numerous eggs; eggs oval and operculated. As the characters are different from all other known worms, the worm is erected as new and the name Circumoncobothrium sahayi n.sp. is proposed in honor of Prof. Umapati Sahai.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

013030   Kalidas C;Sakthivel M;Tamilmani G;Ramesh Kumar P;Abdul Nazar A K;Jayakumar R;Balamurugan R;Jothi P;Gopakumar G (NO, Mandapam Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institut, Mandapam-623 520, Email: dascift@gmail.com) : Survival and growth of juvenile silver pompano Trachinotus blochii (Lacepede, 1801) at different salinities in tropical conditions. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 95-8.

Objectives of the present study were to evaluate the tolerance of juvenile silver pompano to different salinity conditionsin order to determine the minimum salinity required for survival and also to study the effect of different salinities on survivaland growth. Wild caught juveniles of the silver pompano Trachinotus blochii (average initial length: 4.38±0.44 cm, averageinitial weight: 1.6±0.09 g) were used in the experiments. The experiments were conducted in triplicate with 15 fish per tank.Control groups were maintained at 34±1 ppt. Juvenile silver pompano reared at ambient salinity (34±1ppt) were transferreddirectly to lower salinities (25, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3 and 1 ppt) and monitored for survival. Results indicated that the minimumsalinity required for the survival of juvenile T. blochii is 4 ppt and 100% mortality was observed within 7-8 h in 1 ppt salinity.In another experiment, three salinity reduction protocols were followed and the three treatment groups were exposed to 25,15 and 5 ppt salinity for a period of 56 days and the growth and survival were monitored. Survival and growth in terms ofweight was not significantly different in the treatments from the control group except in the case of 5 ppt, which showedcomparatively lower survival and specific growth rate (SGR). The results indicate that the culture of juvenile pompano mightbe feasible in salinities up to 15 ppt in tropical conditions.

3 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

013029   Kailash Chandra;Kushwaha S (NO, Zoological Survey of India, "M" Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053, Email: kailash611@rediffmail.com) : Additions to the true bugs (hemiptera) faunab of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Ann For 2012, 20(2), 250-4.

Deals with the addition of 25 species of true bugs belonging to 22 genera spreading over 9 families from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. Of these, seven species are new record to the state.

2 tables, 14 ref

013028   Joshi K K;Abdussamad E M;Said Koya K P;Rohit Prathibha;Ghosh S;Sreenath K R;Beni M;Bineesh K K;Akhilesh K V (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi-682 018, Email: joshyguru@gmail.com) : Taxonomy and key for the identification of Tuna species exploited from the Indian Eez. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 53-60.

Tuna samples were collected from the commercial landings at Kochi, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Veraval andLakshadweep at regular intervals during 2006-2010. Detailed morphometric data, viz., height of dorsal and anal fins, eyediameter, snout length, head height and height of body were collected. Otoliths were collected from eight species andanalysed. Results indicated that structure and shape of the otoliths show species specific differences. Taxonomic details oftunas and tuna like species have been generated from the present as well as past studies and the species were redescribedwith color photographs and keys for identification. The species included Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788), Thunnusobesus (Lowe, 1839), Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851), Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844), Katsuwonus pelamis(Linnaeus, 1758), Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849), Auxis thazard (LacepŠde, 1800), Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) andGymnosarda unicolor (Ruppell 1836).

11 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

013027   Jayasankar V;Kizhakudan J K;Muthu A M; Santhosi R I;Rajendran P;Thiagu R (NO, Madras Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, 75, Santhome High Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: vidyajay@hotmail.com) : Manipulation of fatty acids in the estuarine clam Meretrix casta (Gmelin, 1791) by supplementation with microalgal diet, Isochrysis galbana. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 99-102.

Study evaluated the changes in fatty acid profile of the estuarine clam Meretrix casta, an important foodorganism used in the larval rearing of scyllarid lobsters, after supplementation with the microalgal species Isochrysis galbana. The uptake and assimilation of lipids from the microalgal feed were verified by gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acidsin the clam tissues after eight days of feeding with I. galbana. Increase in concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) and C18:2n-6, was observed in clams supplemented withI. galbana. Changes in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) composition were less marked and related to the increasingproportions of C18:1, after supplementation. Feeding with I. galbana also induced a decrease in the proportion of saturatedfatty acids, which was related to decrease in proportions of both C16:0 and C18:0. Although the fatty acid compositionshowed significant differences, the gross lipid content of the clam tissues did not seem to be excessively influenced by thealgal feeding. Tissues from clams supplemented with I. galbana are being evaluated as feed for sand lobster larval trials.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

013026   Jain N;Jain A (P.G. Zoology Dep, Govt. College, Kota, Email: nitajain0@gmail.com) : Butterfly diversity of Hadoti region, Rajasthan, India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 274-6.

Four sites of Hadoti region of Rajasthan, India were studied for butterfly diversity. The butterflies were collected by transect sampling method in day time. A total number of 18 species, belonging to 4 families, were identified. Maximum species richness was in herbal park, Jhalawar and species abundance was greatest in Kota park.

4 tables, 6 ref

013025   Haidar Ali;Ansari K K (Zoology and Research Studies Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) College, Balrampur-271 201) : Haematological and biochemical changes in Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala due to myxosporean parasite myxobolus. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 253-8.

The present investigation was carried out to compare the haematological and biochemical parameters in healthy and Myxobolus infected Cirrhinus mrigala. The haematological analysis showed significant reduction (P<60>0.01) in RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit (PCV), Basophils and Eosinophils in Myxobolus infected fishes, whereas ESR, Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, and Monocytes significantly increased (P<60>0.01 and P<60>0.05) in infected fish. The biochemical analysis showed significant reduction (P<60>0.05) in bilirubin content, whereas blood glucose, SGOT and SGPT increased significantly(P<60>0.01 and P<60>0.05) in the same infected fish.

1 table, 36 ref

013024   Gupta S;Prakash S;Ashok Kumar (Zoology Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) College, Balrampur-271 201, Uttar Pradesh) : Prevalence of paramphistomum infection in dairy animals in district Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh) India. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 311-2.

Out of 900 dairy animals, 153 were infected with Paramphistomum. Overall prevalence of Paramphistomum was found to be 17.0 and species wise prevalence was 16.22 (73/450) in cow and 17.77 (80/450) in buffaloes. The prevalence of infection in both cows and buffaloes was highest in rainy season and lowest in winter season.

1 table, 7 ref

013023   Gangadhar B;Keshavanath P (Peninsular Aquaculture Division, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR), Hesaraghatta Lake P.O. Bangalore-560 089, Email: gbarlaya@yahoo.co.in) : Growth performance of Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) in tanks provided with different levels of sugarcane bagasse as periphyton substrate. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 77-82.

Provision of biodegradable substrates in culture systems results in the production of biofilm/periphyton which serves as anadditional natural food source for cultured fish. The effect of sugarcane bagasse on water quality, growth performance andproduction of the Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita) was investigated through a 180 days experiment, by providing it atlevels of 0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 t ha^-1 and designating the treatments as T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 respectively. Dried cattle dung wasapplied initially to each tank @ 5.0 t ha^-1, followed by fortnightly doses of 1.0 t ha^-1. Bagasse did not adversely affect waterquality. Only minor differences in periphyton and plankton biomass were observed between treatments. Survival of fish didnot differ (p<62>0.05) among treatments. The substrate affected fish growth and production significantly (p<60>0.05) at all thedensities tested. Fish production of 3456 g per 25 m² was obtained in the control (T0) without periphyton. In T1, T2, T3 andT4 treatments, yield increased by 68, 129, 123 and 119% respectively. The results demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse canbe applied in pond bottom as a substrate at a density of 2.0 t ha^-1 for increasing the production of rohu.

1 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

013022   Ganga U;Pillai N G K;Akhilesh K V;Shanis C P R;Beni N;Manjebrayakath H;Prakasan D (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin-682 018, Email: ganga@cmfri.org.in) : Population dynamics of cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) off Cochin coast, Southeast Arabian sea. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 15-20.

Estimated landings of cobia from the Indian EEZ by the commercial fishing vessels are mostly as bycatch in hooks and line cum gillnet and trawl nets. However, the catches are substantial compared to that reported in several other countries of Asia. The species is also gaining considerable importance as a favoured candidate species for sea farming using cages. Very little is known about the fishery and biological characters such as maturation, fecundity and feeding preferences of cobia in Indian seas. Study indicated a fast growth rate with estimates of L_∞ = 184 cm (FL) and K = 2.6 (yr^-1) in cobia. The total mortality rate (Z) was estimated as 5.18, natural mortality (M) was 2.01 and fishing mortality (F) was 3.17 with an exploitation rate (E) of 0.61. The length at first capture (Lc₅₀) estimated from the catch curve was 72 cm. Fecundity was found to be high and variable, with mean fecundity estimated as 12,37,545 eggs with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 16.7. As inferred from the oocyte development pattern, spawning activity is brief and fish is classified as synchronous ovulatory type. The growth parameters and condition factor estimated in this study indicate that relatively high growth rates are also possible in wild stocks considering that food is abundant and the environmental temperature is in the optimum range. Feeding preferences indicated balistid fish and shrimps with a wide variety of food items including finfishes, crustaceans and molluscs present.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

013021   Ganga U;Elayathu M N K;Prakasan D;Rajool Shanis C P;Akhilesh K V;Retheesh T B (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Email: ganga@cmfri.org.in) : Resource dynamics of the indo-pacific sailfish Istiophorus platypterus (shaw, 1792) from the south-eastern Arabian sea. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 61-4.

Average billfish catch from the Indian EEZ during 2002-2007 was 4561 t which increased to 7856 t during 2008-2010,and nearly 80% of this was caught from the Arabian Sea by drift gillnet cum longline units. In the Indian Ocean region,billfishes (marlins, swordfish and sailfish) are considered as data deficient resource in the IOTC database. The sailfishIstiophorus platypterus (Shaw, 1792) was the major component of the billfish catch at Cochin Fisheries Harbour from wherea fleet of gillnet cum longline units are regularly operated for oceanic fishes such as yellowfin tuna, seerfishes and pelagicsharks, besides billfishes. Length range of sailfish landed during 2005-2008 was 80-230 cm with inter-year variations in sizegroups contributing to the fishery. Length-weight relationship was estimated as 0.024 L^2.65 while growth parameters L_∞ and K (annual) were estimated as 262 cm and 1.0 respectively. Diet preferences of fishes in the size range 180-227 cm indicatedpercent occurrence of fish as 81% followed by crabs (31%) and molluscs (25%). Trigger fishes (Balistes spp.) dominated thegut contents, followed by carangids like Selar spp. and Decapterus spp. Ova diameter of vitellogenic oocytes in ripe gonadwith hydrated eggs ranged from 200 to 1300 μ with a major mode at 700 μ and a minor mode at 1200 μ, indicating hydrated eggsare released in batches at probably close intervals. Absolute fecundity from a ripe stage ovary was estimated as 20,97,481 eggs(1750 eggs per g ovary weight) with hydrated eggs forming about 31% of the total eggs, giving a batch fecundity of about541 eggs per g ovary weight. Exploitation rate (E) indicated that although billfishes are considered as bycatch in the targetedfisheries for yellowfin tuna and pelagic sharks, the considerable number of fishing units operating for targeted tuna fishinghas resulted in heavy fishing pressure (E=<62>0.6) on the sailfish resource during certain years.

3 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

013020   Gaherwal S;Prakash M M;Wast N (Biotechnology Dep, Government Holkar Science College, Indore) : Gastrointestinal nematodes of Rattus rattus from, Indore region, India. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(2), 177-80.

In the present study, diversity of gastrointestinal nematodes in Rattus rattus was siudied. Seven species were recorded in the studied rodents. They were Syphacia muris, Trichenella spiralis, Trichuris muris, Ancylostoma duedenum, Heligmosomoides polygyrous, Nematospoiroideus dubius, Aspiculuris tetraptera. Among them, Syphalia muris dominated throughout the study, while Aspiculuris tetraptera was least available parasite. Incidence of infection, intensity of infection, density of infection, relative density and index of infection has been discussed in the present communication.

26 ref

013019   Farrukh S;Ali A S (Postgraduate Biotechnology Dep, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal-462 001) : Effect of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide on growth, reproduction and avoidance behavior of earthworm Eisenia foetida. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2011, 4(1), 84-9.

Growth reproduction, and avoidance behavior of earthworm Eisenia foetida have been investigated in response to the exposure of an organochlorine pesticide endosulfan for a period of 28 days. Growth was found to be significantly affected at all three concentrations of pesticide used, whereas, the earthworms of control group showed normal increase in growth during the entire period of experiment. Reproduction seemed to be deliberately affected and the avoidance test of 48hrs was also found to be a sensitive parameter in evaluation of the toxic chemical.

3 tables, 21 ref

013018   De H K;Chattopadhyay D N;Radheyshyam;Saha G S;Dash A K;Pal S;Satpati T S (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: hkde@sify.com) : Strengthening the livelihoods of rural women through polyculture of carps in seasonal ponds. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 137-41.

Investigation was carried out with an objective to disseminate the technology of carp polyculture among rural womenin Boudh District of Odisha to strengthen their livelihood. Polyculture of carps was demonstrated in four seasonal pondscovering 9.5 ha of water spread area through participatory approach. Mixed fingerlings of Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinusmrigala, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella were stocked @ 6500 fingerlings ha^-1 and cultured for six months. The mean fish yield of the adopted ponds was 795.79 kg ha^-1 in 6 months against the pre-adoption production level of378.95 kg ha^-1. Involvement of rural women in polyculture of carps proved to be economically beneficial and it is hoped thatthis would go a long way in strengthening their livelihood.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

013017   Das S N;Ghazi R R (Zoology Dep, Karachi Univ, Karachi-75270, Pakistan) : New record of Conspicuum fulicatensis sp. nov. (Trematoda:Dicrocoeliidae) from Saxicoloides fulicata in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 299-303.

A new species, Conspicuum fulicatensis is proposed belonging to the genus Conspicuum, from the gall bladder of an avian host Saxicoloides fulicata in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The new species is characterized by a: fusiform body with more sharply pointed posterior end, irregularly wavy cuticle, oral sucker smaller than the ventral sucker, testes situated in a straight plane, ovary roughly tri-lobed and larger than the testes and compact vitellaria.

4 illus, 12 ref

013016   Chattopadhyay C;Barik A (Ecology Research Unit Zoology Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104, Email: cchattppadhyay@yahoo.com) : Biomass, biochemicals and bioenergetics of netzooplankton in a freshwater lake at Burdwan. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(4), 1357-61.

The present investigation deals with biomass, biochemical analyses and bioenergetics of netzooplankton (NZP) inhabiting a shallow freshwater lake, Krishnasayer, Burdwan (23° 16' N and 87°54' E) over January to December 2008. The NZP were sampled three times in a month from six sampling sites of the lake by filtering surface water column (≤ 1m depth) with 75 μm mesh-size monofilament nylon plankton nets. The biomass (mg ash-free/g dry biomass) was maximum in May, and minimum in January, while moisture and ash contents (%) were maximum in January and May, and minimum in May and January, respectively. The concentration (μg/mg ash-free biomass) of total carbohydrates, proteins and lipids were maximum in September, December and July, and minimum in May, March and December, respectively. Energy contents (J/mg ash-free biomass) were maximum in March, and minimum in December implicating a possible rise in the productivity of this lake ecosystem during spring (March-May).

4 illus, 19 ref

013015   Charn Kumar;Rose H S;Sidhu A K (Biology Dep, A.S. College, Khanna-141 402, Email: charnkumar@yahoo.com) : Status and taxonomic notes on the genus Anthene doubleday from Indian Himalayas (Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae). J Insect Sci 2012, 25(4), 409-16.

Status of two species of genus Anthene Doubleday from Indian Himalayas has been assessed and the species A. lycaenina R. Felder has been found to be quite rare in this area. The genitalic organs of both the species have been illustrated and described for the first time in details.

9 illus, 25 ref

013014   Boudemagh N;Saoudi F B;Soltani N (Laboratory of Applied Animal Biology, Biology Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar Univ, 23000-Annaba, Algeria) : Inventory of Culicidae (Diptera:Nematocera) in the region of collo (Northeast Algeria). Ann Biol Res 2013, 4(2), 94-9.

Mosquito's survey was conducted in the region of Collo (North-East of Algeria) between November 2011 and October 2012 where the collection of specimens was performed twice a month in urban and rural sites. Species were identified using the software of Schaffner et al., (2001). Thirteen species representing five genus were identified: Uranotaenia unguiculata, Edwards, 1913; Orthpodomyia pulcripalpis, Rodani, 1872; Culex pipiens, Linnaeus, 1758; Culex Laticinctus, Edwards, 1913; Culex impudicus, Ficalbi, 1890, Culex pusillus, Macquart, 1850; Culex hortensis, Ficalbi, 1889; Culex theileri, Theobald 1903; Culiseta annulata, Schrank 1776; Culiseta ochroptera, Peus, 1935; Culiseta glaphyroptera, Schiner, 1864; Culiseta longiareolata, Macquart, 1838; and Anopheles maculipennis sacharovi, Favre, 1903. Ecological parameters such as diversity, richness indices and centesimal frequency were calculated to analyze changes in diversity, similarity, and dominance of species for each site: Culex pipiens was dominant in both urban and rural sites with 52, 38% and 51% respectively.

21 ref

013013   Bisht A;Singh U P;Pandey N N (College of Fisheries, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: muskaan_bisht@yahoo.com) : Bacillus subtilis as a potent probiotic for enhancing growth in fingerlings of common carp (Cyprinus carpio linnaeus). Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 103-7.

Feeding trial of 180 days was conducted to examine the effect of Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic bacterial strain isolated fromthe gut of common carp, on weight gain and growth performance in fingerlings of common carp. Three isonitrogenous dietswere prepared and B. subtilis was incorporated in the experimental diets, D2 and D3 at two different levels viz.,4 x 10⁶ and4 x 10⁸ cells per 100 g of feed, respectively along with a control diet D1 without incorporation of probiotic. Rearing offingerlings on diet D3 (supplemented with 4 x 10⁸ cells per 100 g) resulted in better growth, specifit growth rate (SGR), feedconvertion ratio (FCR), feed convertion efficiency (FCE) and condition factor compared to D1 and D2. IncreasedRNA-DNA ratios were recorded in probiotic fed group with best result for D3. The results clearly indicate that B. subtilis canbe used as a growth promoting probiotic in the diet of common carp fingerlings.

5 tables, 38 ref

013012   Biju Kumar A;Smrithy R;Sathasivam K (Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: abiju@rediffmail.com) : Dolphin-assisted cast net fishery in the Ashtamudi estuary, south -west coast of India. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 143-8.

This paper documents the traditional cast net fishery prevailing in the Ashtamudi Estuary situated along the south-west coast of India, taking advantage of the behavioural patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765). The feeding-related behaviours noted were sudden rush towards the prey with shuttling or speedy zigzagging backwards and forwards and fish-stunning by tossing them into the air. The artisanal fishermen cast their nets in front of the advancing dolphins and the primary prey of dolphins in Ashtamudi Estuary was recorded as mullets. In general, the total catch recorded in the dolphin assisted cast net fishery (DAF) was significantly higher than fishery without them. The principal threat to dolphins in the Ashtamudi Estuary is the heavy traffic of trawlers and other motorised fishing vessels. The first reported Indian case of DAF is `parasitic' as the benefit primarily remains with the fishermen.

^ssc3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

013011   Bansal G;Mukut S;Gupta R;Yeshovardhan (Zoology Dep, D.N. (P.G.) College, Meerut-250 004) : Effects of methomyl toxicity of albino rat, Rattus norvegicus. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 294-8.

Rats were administered orally with dose of 5mg/kg body weight/day and 10 mg/kg bodyweight/day dose of methoyal. Short term exposure through oral route of two different doses of methomyl was made to the animal maintained under laboratory conditions and observations were made after 7 and 15days. Variations in different biochemical parameters like glucose, protein, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, GOT, GPT, Bilirubin, G6PD were observed in hepatic tissue. The changes in these biochemical parameters showed that methomyl is highly toxic for hepatic tissue.

4 tables, 24 ref

013010   Bal R;Dua A (Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar, Punjab-143 005) : Scale structure of freshwater carp, Catla catla (Ham-Buch). J Inld Fish Soc India 2013, 45(1), 57-62.

^ssc13 illus, 21 ref

013009   Akhtar Y;Mujib B F (Biological Sciences Dep, Jinnah Women Univ, 5-C Nazimabad-74600) : New species of Cucullanus (nematoda:cucullanidae) from marine edible fish Otolithus ruber (sciaenidae) based on light and scanning electron micrscopy. Curr Nematol 2012, 23(1-2), 33-40.

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical observations, a new species of Cucullanus Muller, 1777 (Nematoda : Cucullanidae) is described from the intestine of marine edible fishes, Otolithus rubber (Schneider, 1801), were collected (February 2006 to July 2007) from fresh landing of Karachi coast, Pakistan. Detailed light and scanning electron microscopy revealed some important taxonomical features like, Broader anteriorly, posterior end pointed, provided with small bifurcated spike at the tip of the tail. Lateral alae absent. Oral opening dorsoventrally elongate, surrounded by narrow membranous flange or collarette supported by row of numerous teeth. Three submedian cephalic papillae and a pair of prominent lateral amphids were present. Pseudobuccal capsule or esophastome wider than posterior part of esophagus. Deirids simple, just anterior to esophagus and intestinal junction. Tail broadly conical, bifurcated at the tip.

2 illus, 54 ref

013008   Ahirwar V;Kusum Singh;Sapna Rani;Farhan Ali; Aali N S (Zoology Dep, Institute of Basic Sciences, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi) : Protective efficacy of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens on blood parameters of albino rats. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 265-70.

The single and daily oral administration of 300mg/kg b.wt and 600mg/kg b.wt doses of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens for the period of 7, 14 and 21 days did not cause any significant effect in the percent of Hemoglobin and RBC count, while levels of WBC, PCV, SGOT & SGPT were significantly increased. However levels of Blood Sugar significantly decreased as compared to their respective control rats. The results showed that ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens had protective effect on blood parameters due to the presence of various chemical constituents and remarkable pharmacological activities of plant.

1 table, 31 ref

013007   Agrawal S P;Saxena A K;Vijendra Singh (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Sex chromatin in Mus musculus. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(2), 313-6.

During the study author observed two types of sex-chromatin i.e. drum stick and sessile nodules. The incidence of the drum stick and sessile nodules was 2.66% and 2.36% respectively. During study, it was noticed that the incidence of sex chromatin was not influenced by age, exogenous and endogenous factors. The third type was not clearly remarked in the study.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013006   Abdussamad E M;Said Koya K P;Rohit Prathibha; Joshi K K;Ghosh S;Elayathu M N K;Prakasan D;Sebastine M;Beni M;Rao S G (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi-682 018, Email: emasamad2@yahoo.com) : Fishery of yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Indian eez with special reference to their biology and population characteristics. Indian J Fish 2012, 59(3), 43-51.

Fishery and population characteristics of yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares were monitored during 2006-'10. They were being caught as bycatch along the coasts of Indian mainland and island territories by several coast-based fishery for a long time. Their landings by coast-based fishery was very nominal (4,171 t year^-1 average for 1985-2000) with considerable annual fluctuations until targeted fishery for the species developed during the last decade. This resulted in considerable improvement in landings to a peak of 37,963 t in 2007. The production declined thereafter due to shift in the target resource of these vessels from yellowfin tuna to billfishes and elasmobranchs. The annual average catch by Indian flagged "letter of permit" (LOP) vessels during 2006-'10 was 85,928 t. The coast-based fishery exploit mainly surface tunas in the outer shelf, adjacent oceanic areas and seamounts. At national level, the pooled catch was supported by 22 - 202 cm fishes with 66.3 cm as annual mean. Relatively large fishes of 40 to 202 cm with 83.4 cm as mean length and dominated by 58-102 cm groups supported the catch in line fishery. The gillnet fishery comprised 22 to 123 cm fishes dominated by 44-82 cm size and other gears landed 26 to 110 cm size fishes dominated by 42 to 80 cm size. Length at capture was 44.8 cm in gillnets, 60.3 cm in hooks and lines and 42.7 cm in other gears. The length at first maturity was 57.6 cm and optimum length for exploitation was 61.1 cm. They spawn round the year with peak during August-January. The mean relative fecundity was 4,36,330 ova per kg body weight and it varied with size of the fish. Study shows that stock of yellowfin tuna in Indian waters remain very healthy with large proportion of spawning stock biomass. Exploitation range of coastal based fishery being very limited and LOP vessels fishing mainly in international waters, large area of Indian EEZ remain unexploited by the country. Overall assessment of fishery scenario indicates possibility of large proportion of yellowfin tunas, especially larger ones remain inaccessible to Indian fishers and hence considerable scope for expanding the fishery.

12 illus, 5 tables, 27 ref