Population abundance of indigenous ornamental fishes of...

Chapter 3

Population abundance of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kema

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius fi/amentosus (Valenciennes)

3.1. Introduction

Central Kerala covers five districts, viz., Palakkad, Trissur, Ernakulam,

Idukki and Kottayam with a small portion of Alappuzha. Out of the 15 major

river systems of Kerala, this portion is blessed with seven major and three

minor river systems. Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Muvattupuzha, Chalakudy,

Manimala, Meenachil and Achencoil are the major river systems and

Keecheri, Puzhakkal and Karuvannur are minor river systems of central

Kerala. These river systems and their elaborated network of tributaries and

distributaries harbour a rich and diverse fish fauna. This unique pool of

germplasm has to be preserved and utilised judiciously. The Ichthyofaunal

Germplasm inventory of Kerala was initially reported by the outstanding

works of Jerdon (1849) and Day (1865,1878), followed by several other

investigators down the years (Pillai, 1929; Mukerji, 1931; Hora, 1941; Hora

and Law, 1941; Hora and Nair, 1941; Chacko, 1948; Silas, 1950, 1951 a, b,

1952; Rajan, 1955; Remadevi and Indra, 1986; Shaji and Easa, 1995a, b,

c; Shaji et al., 1995; Zacharias et al., 1996; Easa and Shaji, 1996;

Manimekalan and Das, 1998; Biju et al., 1999a, b, 2000; Bijukumar and

Sushama, 2001; Kurup, 2002; Kurup et al., 2002,2004). But the diversity

and population abundance in larger river systems of Kerala is yet to be

explored in detail. In this study, an attempt is made to quantify the

population abundance of ornamental fishes in from north to south, the three

important river systems of Kerala namely, Bharathapuzha, Chalakudy and

Periyar, with a view to estimate their potential as a commodity in the

national and international ornamental fish trade.

3.1.1. Bharathapuzha and its fish fauna

Bharathapuzha is the second largest river system of Kerala, with a length of

209 km i.e., 6.5 % of the total river length in Kerala (CWRDM, 1995).

Bharathapuzha originates in the Anamalai hill ranges at an elevation of

1964m above msl and flows westwards. It is bordered by Palakkad,

Malappuram and Trichur districts, and finally flows into the Arabian Sea at

Population abundance of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala 79

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

Ponn~ni. The river has a basin area of 4,440 Sq. Km in Kerala. The main

tributaries are Gayathripuzha, Chitturpuzha (Kannadipuzha or

Amaravathipuzha), Kalpathipuzha and Thuthapuzhha.

Extensive studies have been undertaken in the past to study the freshwater

fish fauna in the Bharathapuzha river system and its tributaries. Day (1865)

has mentioned about the fish fauna of Bharathapuzha in his famous book

Fishes of Malabar. Silas (1951b) described the fishes of Anamalai and

Nelliyanpathi hill ranges with notes on their zoogeographical significances.

Remadevi and Indra (1986) reported 11 species from Silent Valley National

Park, upper stretch of Kunthipuzha, which included 2 new species

Homa/optera pillai and Garra menoni. Easa and Basha (1995) studied the

Kunthi river system as part of the faunal studies in the Nilgiri Biosphere of

Western Ghats and reconfirmed the presence of these 11 species.

Remadevi and Menon (1992b) found the extension range of Horalabiosa

joshuai from Silent valley. Biju et al. (2000) reported 67 species from

Bharathapuzha and its tributaries. Recently Bijukumar and Sushama (2001)

recorded 61 species from Bharathapuzha river system with a focus on the

threats to faunal diversity and conservation measures.

3.1.2. Chalakudy and Its fish fauna

Chalakudy is the fifth longest river (144 km) in Kerala and its watershed lies

between 10°5' to 100 35' N latitudes and 76°15' to 76°55' E longitudes and

flows through Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala state.

The river originates from the Anamalai and Nelliampathy hill ranges and

joins Periyar at Elanthikkara. The main tributaries of this river are

Parambikkulam, Sholayar, Kuriarkutty and Karappara. The Sholayar and

Parambikulam rivers originate from the Anamalai hills, at 1066 meters

above msl and 1686 meters above msl respectively. The Sholayar flows

westwards for 44.8km, and then turns northwards and joins the

Parambikulam river near Orukombankutty, which is at 473 m above msl.

The Parambikulam river flows parallel to and north of Sholayar. Kuriarkutty

river also originates in the Anamalai hills and joins Parambikulam river.


Resource abundance and sUNival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

Karappara river originates in Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad district (914m

above msl), and finally joins the Parambikulam river at Orukombankutty.

From this point this river is known as Chalakudy river. Some smaller

streams such as Charappathodu, Kannamkuzhi, Pillaparathodu and

Arurmuzhi also joins this river before it meets Periyar. Till it reaches the

plains, the river has a rocky bottom with deep crevices and pools, and with

many rapids and falls, well known being the Athirappilly falls (Biju et al.,

2000) Chalakudy river has a catchment area of 1704 Sq. Km and has a

total annual runoff of 3121 million m3. There are a number of reservoirs in

the river system, viz. Parambikulam, Thunakadavu, Peruvaripallam,

Malakkapara, Lower Sholayar and Peringalkuthu.

Numerous reports have been published with reference to the fishery

resources of the Chalakudy river. Silas (1951a) studied the Ponnani

drainage system and considered Chalakudy as a part of Periyar because it

is connected with Periyar just before it joins the Arabian Sea. He recorded

8 species from the Nelliampathy hills. The works of Thobias (1973), Antony

(1977) and J nasu (1991) were concentrated in the wetland areas of

Chalakudy river in Thrissur District. Hence their list of species also includes

fishes from Karuvannur and Keecheri rivers. Thobias (1973) collected 58

species of fresh water fishes from Thrissur district of which 51 were found

in the Chalakudy river. Antony (1977) described hill stream fish species

from Chalakudy river. Inasu (1991) studied the distribution of inland fishes

and recordrd 57 species of which 17 species were from Chalakudy riv~r.

Pethiyagoda and Kottelat (1994) reported 3 new species from this river

under the genera Travancoria, Osteochilichthys and Horabagrus. Shaji et

al. (1996) reported a new species under the genus Garra. The list of fishes

so far reported from this river including past records gives a total number of

98 species, 34 families and 10 orders (Ajithkumar et al., 1998). Biju et al.

(1999a) reported 41 species of freshwater fishes of Parambikulam wild life

sanctuary. Biju et al. (2000) revalidated species list available in the

Chalakudy river and recorded 83 species from the entire river system.

Population abundance of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala 81

Resource abundance and sU/vival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamentosu5 (Valenciennes)

3.1.3. Periyar river and its fish fauna

River Periyar is considered to be the longest river of Kerala, traversing 244

km, (PWD, 1974; CESS, 1984), i.e., 7.6 % of the total river length in Kerala

(CWRDM, 1995). The Periyar originates in the Western Ghats from

Chokkanpetty- Kallimalai side at an elevation of 1830 m above mean sea

level (msl) and flows westwards and empties in to the Arabian Sea. The

Periyar Tiger Reserve, where the major faunal studies have been

concentrated lies between 9° 216'and 9°40' lat and between 76'55' and

7i25' E. It is bordered by Kottayam district in the West, Pathanamthitta in

the South, Peermedu taluk of Idukki district in the North and Madurai district

of Tami! Nadu in the East. The elevation of the reserve ranges from 800 to

2019m. One of the tributaries, Mullayar joins Periyar 50 km down its course

from the origin and the combined river flows in to the Periyar lake. The

favorable slope of its course indicates a very turbulent flow in Periyar as

well as its major tributary, the Chalakkudiyar. After crossing Vandiperiyar in

its further flow downwards from Periyar lake, Perumthuraiyar and

Kattappanayar joins Periyar and the swollen river reaches the catchment

area of Idukki. After this, Edamalayar joins Periyar about 2 km away from

Bhoothathankettu. Periyar thus flows down to Kaladi through the

Malayattoor slope and take a twisted course to Aluva. At Aluva Periyar

gets split in to two, the one which flows in the North West direction is

Mangalapuzha and the other flowing in South West direction is the

Marthandavarmapuzha. Mangalapuzha joins Chalakudypuzha and falls

into the Arabian Sea. Marthandavarmapuzha further splits into two at

Thaikkattukara. The major branch flows through the industrial area of Eloor

and the minor one through Manjummel. At Varapuzha both flows into the

Arabian Sea through the Cochin Backwaters.

The river Periyar is inhabited by more than 60 species of indigenous fish

species. (Radhakrishnan and Kurup, 2003) Many endemic, endangered

and critically endangered freshwater fish species have been reported from

Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Periyar river. (Raj, 1941 a, b; Chacko, 1948;

Silas, 1951a, b). Chacko listed 35 species of fishes in the lake. Raj (1941a)


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamenlosus (Valenciennes)

described a small-scaled Shizothoracinae, Lepidopygopsis typus from

Periyar river and Hora (1941) recorded a Homalopterid loach, Travancoria

jonesi, from Travancore. Menon and Jacob (1996) have described a small

scaled barb, Crossocheilus periyarensis and rediscovered the Cyprinid fish

Puntius ophicephalus from Periyar river adding two more species to fish

fauna of Periyar Tiger reserve. Menon and Ramadevi (1995) described

Hypse/obarbus kurali from West flowing rivers including Periyar river.

Arun et al. (1996) added seven species to the Periyar including Bhavania

austra lis , Cyprinus carpio communis, Oreochromis mossambicus, Garra

mcCle/landi, Bhavania australis, Nemacheilus guentheri and Travancoria

jonesi. Recently, Gopi (2001) has reported a new Garra species, Garra

periyarensis from streams of Periyar.

All the above studies were concentrated on the taxonomical and biological

aspects of the fish fauna with a focus on the species inventory and

conservation measures. But the scope of utilisation of these resources in a

new avenue like aquarium fish industry has never been seriously

discussed. In the present chapter, an attempt has been done to investigate

this unexplored area with a view to understand the scope and potential of

indigenous ornamental fishes in the three river systems and their role as a

sustainable source of supply to the national and international ornamental

fishes markets. The pattern of fish diversity at different locations and the

influence of altitude on species diversity. evenness and richness in the

rivers are also presented in this chapter.

3.2. Materials and Methods

A detailed fish resource survey of the selected three major river systems

Viz., Periyar, Bharathapuzha and Chalakudy was carried out in the years

2002 January to 2003 December to find out the fish population abundance

and assemblage structure of freshwater ornamental fishes. Each river

system was classified in to upper, middle and lower stretches based on the

altitude of their flow. The river system in each stretch was further divided in


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

to several sampling locations with an approximate distance of 10 -15

kilometres based on the river breadth and distance. Sampling locations

were fixed based on the reports of Ramachandran et al. (2001). Nine

locations each were selected from Bharathapuzha (Fig. 3.1), Chalakudy

(Fig. 3.2), and Periyar river (Fig. 3.3), for periodic assessment of the fish

population abundance. The details of the locations in each river system

along with the latitude, longitude and elevation are given in the table 3.1.

The position of the selected zones was determined using hand held GPS

and altitude was estimated using electronic Altimeter. The locations

include higher elevation zones (>250m), mid elevation zones (100 -250m)

and low elevation zones «100m). Thus, regional comparisons along a river

were made across the upper, middle and down stream sites. Fishing

methods appropriate for all the microhabitats of fishes were used. Selective

fishing gears used for the sampling operations include cast nets with

10mm, 15mm mesh size, gill nets with 20,3045,60 mm mesh size, scoop

nets with different sizes and other local implements suitable for fishing.

Destructive fishing methods were completely avoided in order to ensure

that there is no destruction and loss of habitat. Detailed monthly sampling

was carried out in each sampling station during pre monsoon, monsoon

and post monsoon seasons for a period of 1 year. Sampling was done at

both day and night hours, to ensure unbiased sampling. Catch per effort

(CPUE) was estimated as per Arun (1997). Special care was taken to

maintain uniformity in fish catch per effort so as to enable better

comparison of the populations at each location in a.1I the river systems.

Fishes were collected and preserved in 10% formaldehyde and brought to

the laboratory for identification and conformation of species. Total number

of fishes from each sampling station was taken separately to find out the

catch per unit effort. Fishes were also packed in polythene bags and

brought to the lab in live condition to take photographs without

compromising its natural coloration and aesthetic appeal. Fishes were

identified using the keys and descriptions of Jayaram (1981, 1991, 1999),

Talwar and Jinghran (1991).


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Table. 3.1: Sampling locations in the three rivers with latitude, longitude and altitude


The density of fish population at each location was estimated as

abundance index (AI), which was calculated according to Arun (1997).

Thus the abundance index of a fish species k is described as

AI= n (k)/NlTotal FU x100

Where n (k) is the number of individuals of a species of 'k' caught at the

study site and N is the total number of individuals of a species caught at the

site. A fishing unit (FU) is defined as the unit time spent for fishing (1 hour)

using fishing gears excluding the time spent for spreading and hauling the

gears. Further, the abundance index values were grouped into four classes

viz., Scarce, Moderate, Plenty and Abundant. The abundance index of

ornamental fish population in the three river systems was estimated

location wise and a comparison was made to understand the fish

assemblage structure in these rivers. Species diversity, richness and

evenness in the selected locations of each river system were calculated

using the statistical software Primer 5 (Clarke and Warwick, 2001). The

diversity indices so calculated for each location were further compared

using two way ANOVA (Snedecor and Cochran, 1962; Fisher and Yates,

1963) to confirm wheth~~ there is any significant variation in diversity at the

same altitude in different river systems and also between different altitudes

in the same river system. Shanon-Weiner (Shanon and Weiner, 1949),

diversity index wa's used to emphasize species richness. H' = -sigma pi loge

(pi) where pi is the proportion of the total count arising from the ith species,

The natural logarithm was used for biological interpretation. Margalef's

index (d) (Margalef, 1958) was used to measure the number of species

present for a given number of individuals and Pieleou's evenness index (J')

for determining for species evenness (Pielou, 1969).

3.3. Results

The tables 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 show the species collected from the various

sampling locations in the three river systems viz., Bharathapuzha,

Chalakudy and Periyar. A total no of 75 ornamental fish species, under 7


Table. 3.2: List of indigenous ornamental fish species collected from Bharathapuzha river from different locations

Sampling Locations

1 Cheruthuruthy 2 Kuttipuram

3 Kalpathipuzha

4 Malampuzha 5 Meenkara

6 Kanjirapuzha

7 Palakkayam 8 Thathengalam

9 Syrendri

Table. 3.3: list of indigenous ornamental fish species in collected from Chalakudy river from different locations

Sampling Locations 1 ChaJakkudy 2 Adichlli 3 Vettilappara

4 Athirapilly 5 VazhachaJ 60rukomban

7 Parambikulam 8 Thekkadiyar 9 Karappara

Table. 3.4: list of indigenous ornamental fish species in collected from Periyar from different locations

=,.."",.=

Sampling Locations 1 Desam 2 Kaladi 3 Bhoothathan kettu

4 Pooyamkutty 5 Parisakuthu 6 Karimban

71dukki 8 Vandiperiyar 9 Thekkady

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Centra! Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamenlosus (Valenciennes)

orders, 20 families and 41 genera were collected from these three river

systems. Out of this, 56 species were collected from Bharathapuzha, 54

from Chalakudy and 57 from Periyar river system. 49.33% of the total

number of fishes were found to be common in all the river systems studied.

57.33% fishes were common to Bharathapuzha and Chalakudy river

whereas 60% fishes were common to Bharathapuzha and Periyar. 57.33%

fishes were common to Chalakudy and Periyar rivers. 8% fishes were

particular to each river system. The dominant species found in all river

systems were Danio malabaricus, Garra mullya, Puntius filamentosus,

Barilius baker;, Par/usiosoma daniconius, Tor kudree, Etrop/us maculatus,

Punt/us fasciatus fasciatus, Barilius getensis , etc.

The maximum number of species from Chalakudy river were collected from

Athirappilly and Vettilappara (Table 3.2), and the lowest number of species

were from Thekkadiyar and Karappara. Arattukadavu, Kanjirapuzha and

Malampuzha were the locations in Bharathapuzha, where highest number

of species were collected (Table.3.3). Lowest numbers of species in this

river system were collected from Syrendri. Pooyamkutty and

Bhoothathankettu were the locations where highest number of species

occurred from Periyar river, whereas lowest numbers of fishes were

collected from Thekkady (Table.3.4).

3.3.1. Seasonal abundance

Seasonal abundance index of the indigenous ornamental fishes collected

from Bharathapuzha, Chalakudy and Periyar river systems are illustrated in

the table 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7 respectively. The most abundant species in the

Bharathapuzha were Barilius gatensis, Danio malabaricus, Chela fasciata,

Puntius filamentosus, Etrop/us maculatus, Parlusiosoma daniconius and

Xenentodon can cilia. Puntius fasciatus fasciatus, Danio aequipinnatus,

Garra mullya and Barifius bakeri were also available in plenty. Most of the

popular ornamental fishes (71 %) like Puntius denisonii, Barilius canarensis,

Mastacembalus armatus, Chela dadiburgori, Tetraodon travancoricus

Gonoproktopterus curmuca, Puntius jerdoni, Channa striatus, Pristo/epis


Table. 3.6: Abundance index of species in Chalakudy river during different seasons

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Pun/ius lilamentosus (Valenciennes)

marginata, Aplochei/us lineatus, etc., were found to be scarce in

Bharathapuzha (table.3.5). The most abundant species in Chalakudy river

were Garra mullya, Barilius bakeri, Danio malabaricus, Puntius

filamentosus, Parlusiosoma daniconius, Tor khudree, Gonoproktopterus

curmuca and Etroplus maculatus (Table. 3.6). Puntius fasciatus fasciatus,

Tetraodon travancoricLls, Garra surendranathanii, Barilius getensis were

the species available in plenty. 10 species, viz., Barilius bendelisis,

Nemacheilus triangularis, Danio aequipinnatus, Parambassis dayi, Puntius

jerdoni, Esomus danricus, Garra mcClellandi, Ap/ocheilus lineatus,

Saimostoma boopis and Puntius ticto were moderately available in this river

system. Out of the 54 ornamental fishes obtained from Chalakudy river, 32

species comprising the well known aquarium species such as Puntius

denisonii, Barilius can ere nsis, Etrop/us suratensis, Pristo/epis marginata,

Horabagrus brachysoma, H. nigricol/aris, Channa marulius, C. striatus,

Sicyopterus grise us, Mastacambelus armatus, Glyptothorax

madraspatanam, etc. were found to be least abundant. Species exhibiting

highest abundance in Periyar river were Puntius filamentosus, Barilius

bakeri, Garra mullya, Parlusiosoma daniconius, Danio malabaricus, Garra

surendranathanii, Danio aequipinnatis and Etrop/us maculatus (Table.3.7).

Species like Salmostoma boopis, Puntius fasciatus fasciatus, Barilius

gatensis, Puntius denisonii, Gonoproktopterus curmuca, Tor khudree were

available in plenty. 'Moderate species' category in Periyar river system

include Puntius amphibius, Parambassis dayi, Chanda nama, Horabagrus

nigricol/aris and Puntius ficto. 38 species were found to be very scarce

during the present study, the important ones being Nemacheilus

triangularis, N. guentheri N. semiarmatus N. denisonii denisoni, Tetraodon

travancoricus, Mastacambelus armatus, Horabagrus brachysoma, Mystus

vittatus, Channa straitaus, Barilius canerensis, Pristo/epis ma rgina ta,

Notopterus notopterus, Ap/ochei/us lineatus, etc.

3.3.2. Diversity indices

The species diversity, evenness and richness in Bharathapuzha river

locations are summarised in tables.3.8, 3.9 and 3.10 respectively. The


Table. 3.8: Species diversity index in different sampling locations of Bharatha ha river Cv.~t,"lm

~-~~

Table. 3.9: Species eveness index in different sampling locations of Bn ... -........ n

Table. 3.10: Species richness index in different sampling locations of B uzha river ""u.~rDlrn

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius fiiamentosus (Valenciennes)

Shanon- Weiner diversity index (H') varied from 0.80-3.65 and the highest

average of 3.65 was observed in Kanjirapuzha «100m height) and the

lowest observed at Syrendri (>500m) Pie Iou's evenness index, (J') was

calculated for all the locations which ranged between 0.55 and 0.89. The

maximum value (0.74) was recorded in Thathengalam (>250m) while the

lowest was noticed in Syrendri. Species richness index varied from 0.89 to

3.58. Highest was observed at Kanjirapuzha and the lowest at Syrendri.

The results of species diversity. species evenness and richness in the

locations of Chalakudy river system are given in tables 3.11. 3.12 and 3.13

respectively. The Shanon-Weiner diversity index (H') ranged between 2.76-

3.74. Highest species diversity of 3.74 was observed at Vettilappara

«100m height) and the lowest of 2.76 was found at Karappara (>500m

altitude). Species evenness (Pielou's evenness index, J') ranged between

0.77-0.88 (Table 3.12). Highest was observed above 550m i.e., in

Orukomban (0.88) and the lowest was noticed Chalakudy (0.77) which is

below 100m height. Margalef's species richness index (d) varied from 1.72

-3.37. Highest was observed at Athirappilly « 1 OOms!) and the lowest at

Karappara (> 500m).

The species diversity, evenness and richness in Periyar river locations are

given in tables 3.14, 3.15 and 3.16. In Periyar river, the Shanon-Weiner

diversity index (H') ranged from 2.80 -3.77 (Table. 3.14). The highest

species diversity was observed in Pooyamkutty (3.77) which is <100 m

elevation from the sea level and the lowest was observed Vandiperiyar

(2.80) and Thekkady (2.97) i.e., 800m above msl. Pielou's evenness index,

(J') varied from 0.71-0.86. Highest evenness was observed at Kaladi «100

m) and the lowest at Bhoothathankettu (<100 m). Species richness Index

(d) ranged from 1.98 - 4.31. Highest was observed at Pooyamkutty

(>108m) location and lowest at Thekkady (>860m).

The figures 3.4 and 3.5 present a comparison of species diversity and

species richness with altitude along the river systems studied. Both the


Table. 3.11: S pedes diversity index in different sampling locations of Chalakudy river C:VC.~A'''''

Table. 3.12: Species eveness index in different sampling locations of Chalakudy

Table. 3.13: Species richness index in different sampling locations of Chalakudy

Table. 3.14: Species diversity index in different sampling locations of Periyar

Table. 3.15: Species eveness index in different sampling locations of Periyar

Table. 3.16: Species richness index in different sampling locations of Periyar

4.00 ..--------------------,

~ 3.50 f 3.00 ~ 2.50 i 2.00 U 1.50

! 1.00 0.50 0.00

<100 100-250

Altitude

>250

• _ Bharathapuzha I'

I_Chalakudy .

i~~~~~ ___ i

Fig. 3.4. Species diversity at different altibJde ranges in the three rivers of Central Kerala

4.00 ,..-----------------------. : 3.50 ! 3.00 "5 2.50 ;:200

.I 1:50 !. 1.00 en 0.50

0.00 <100 100-250

Altitude

>250

- - --- -, I

'1_ Bharathapuzha i I

_ Chalakudy 1' I ,

l!~~~~_~

Fig. 3.5. Species richness at different altibJde ranges in the three rivers of Central Kerala

80.00 -r--------------------, 70.00

• ~.OO ~-----------------------; 50.00

i 40.00 f-------------~ 30.00 -1------------------1 Q. 20.00

10.00 0.00

Abundant Plenty Moderate

Status of abubdance

Scarce

I_ Bharathapuzha I ~ _Chalakudy ,

!_P~ya! ____ _

Fig.3.6: Percentage composition of ornamental fishes In the rivers of Cental Kerala based on the population abundance

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing sfTess in Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

species diversity and richness were found to be reduced in high altitude

locations (>500m) of all river systems. Species diversity and richness in

Bharathapuzha showed a gradual increase towards low altitudes. Species

diversity and richness were highest in Periyar river along the middle

altitudes, i.e., 100 -250 m. Similarly, in Chalakudy river also highest species

richness was recorded along the middle altitudes.

Catch data of the fishes collected during the pre monsoon, monsoon and

post monsoon seasons of Bharathapuzha for a period of 1 year were

statistically analysed by ANOVA (Table 3.17). Species abundance was

highest for Danio malabaricus and Puntius filamentosus and there was

significant difference between them (p<O.01). Fishes were sorted in to

different clusters based on the ANOVA mean values. There was no

significant difference in abundance among the species within 7 clusters

(Appendix.2). But between the clusters the difference was significant

(p<O.01). Highest species abundance was recorded from Malampuzha

followed by Kanjirapuzha, Palakkayam, Cheruthuruthy and Kalpathipuzha.

But there was no significant difference observed among these locations.

Significant difference in fish abundance could not be seen at Meenkara,

Thathengalam and Kuttipuram. Syrendri showed significantly lower

abundance than rest of the locations. Between seasons, highest species

abundance was recorded in post monsoon followed by pre monsoon.

However, the difference was not significant between them. Significantly

lower species diversity was observed during monsoon season.

The ANOVA results of catch data from Chalakudy river for a period of I year

is given in the table. 3.18. Species abundance was highest in Garra mul/ya.

The species within the clusters 1-8 did not show any significant difference

among them, but between the clusters difference was significant (p<O.01)

(Appendix. 3). Athirappilly and Vettilappara showed highest species

abundance than the rest. Between these locations, there were no

difference in species abundance. Parambikulam was observed as the

location with least abundance followed by Karappara and Thekkadiyar. But


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamenlosus (Valenciennes)

the difference in abundance between them was not significant There was

no significant difference between Chalakudy and Vazhachal. Similarly

significant difference could not be seen between Adichili and Orukomban.

Even though highest species abundance was recorded during the post

monsoon season, the difference between pre and post monsoon seasons

were not statistically significant. Monsoon season showed significantly

lower fish abundance.

In Periyar, highest species abundance was observed for Puntius

filamentosus followed by Danio malabaricus (Table.3.19). Between these

two species the difference in abundance was significant (p<0.01). There

was significant difference observed between the 7 clusters, but within the

clusters the difference in abundance was not significant (Appendix.4).

Highest species abundance was recorded from Parisakuthu, Pooyamkutty

and Karimban respectively. But there was no significant difference among

these locations. Idukki and Thekkady showed lowest abundance and the

difference between these locations were not significant. The rest of the

locations did not show any significant difference between them. Highest

species abundance was observed during post monsoon followed by pre

monsoon and monsoon. Between the post and pre monsoon, there was no

significant difference in species abundance.

ANOVA of Shanon -Weiner diversity index of Bharathapuzha river is given

in the table 3.20. Significantly lower diversity was observed in Syrendri

followed by Palakkayam. The differences between these two locations were

significant (p<0.01). Differences were not significant among the other

locations. Higher diversities were observed at Kanjirapuzha and

Malampuzha. There were no significant differences between the seasons,

but post monsoon showed higher values followed by pre monsoon.

ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the locations of

Bharathapuzha is given in the table 3.21. Significantly high species

evenness (p<0.01) was recorded at Thathengalam whereas the lowest was


Table. 3.17: ANOVA of species collected from Bharathapuzha during different

Table. 3.18: ANOVA of species collected from Chalakkudy during different

Table. 3.19: ANOVA of species collected from Periyar during different seasons

SS -Sum of squres df- degree of freedom

ms- Mean squres F- Variance ratio

Table. 3.20: ANOVA of Shanon -Weiner index of species diversity in the sampling locations of Bh

=~~-.:-&.:-...,..,..=

Table. 3.21: ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the sampling locations of of

Table. 3.22: ANOVA of Margalefs index of species richness in the sampling locations of of



Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius fi/amentosus (Valenciennes)

noticed at Syrendri. No significant difference could be seen among the

locations as well as seasons in this river system.

ANOVA of Margalef's index of species richness in Bharathapuzha river is

given in the table 3.22. Highest species richness in Bharathapuzha was

observed at Kanjirapuzha station followed by Kalpathipuzha,

Cheruthuruthy, Meenkara and Kuttipuram. But significant difference could

not be observed between these locations. Significantly lower richness was

observed in Syrendri. But between Palakkayam and Thathengalam the

difference was not significant. Eventhough higher species richness in

Bharathapuzha was observed during the post monsoon season, the

difference was not significant between post and pre monsoon seasons.

Significantly lower values were observed during monsoon season.

ANOVA of Shanon-Weiner diversity index of Chalakudy river is given in the

table 3.23. In Chalakudy river, Vettilappara station showed high species

diversity followed by Athirappilly, Adichili, Chalakudy, Vazhachal,

Orukomban and Thekkadiyar. But significant difference in species diversity

could not be seen among them. Karappara showed very poor species

richness followed by Parambikulam. There was no significant difference

observed between them. Higher diversity was observed during post

monsoon. Between pre monsoon and post monsoon the difference was not

significant. Significantly lower diversity was observed in monsoon season.

ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the locations of the

Chalakudy river is given in the table 3.24. Significantly high species

evenness (p<O.01) was observed in Chalakudy river locations at

Orukomban and lowest was recorded at Chalakudy. No significant

difference could be seen between the locations as well as seasons in this

river system.

ANOVA of Margalef's index of species richness in Chalakudy river is given

in the table 3.25. In Chalakudy river, highest species richness was

Populalion abundance of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Keraia 91

Table. 3.23: ANOVA of Shanon -Weiner index of species diversity in the sampling locations of

Table. 3.24: ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the sampling locations of

Table. 3.25: ANOVA of Margalefs index of species richness in the sampling locations of Chalakudy river



Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Pun/ius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

observed at AthirappilJy station followed by Vettilappara. There was no

significant difference between these two locations. The difference in

species richness was not significant among Adichili, Chalakudy and

Vazhachal locations. Lowest species diversity was observed in Karappara

followed by Parambikulam, Orukomban and Thekkadiyar. But no significant

difference could be seen between these locations. Among the seasons,

post monsoon showed highest species richness and monsoon the lowest.

Apparently, there was no significant difference between the richness of pre

and post monsoon seasons.

ANOVA of Shanon - Weiner diversity index of Periyar river is given in the

table 3.26. In Periyar river highest species diversity was observed at

Pooyamkutty, followed by Kaladi, Karimban, Desam, Parisakuthu, and

Idukki. The differences in diversity between these locations were not

significant. Vandiperiyar exhibited very poor diversity compared to the rest.

Among Vandiperiyar, Thekkady and Bhoothathankettu, significant

difference in diversity was not observed. Post monsoon and pre monsoon

showed significantly higher values than monsoon but between the post

monsoon and pre monsoon, apparently there was no significant difference.

ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the locations of the

Periyar river is given in the table 3.27. Significantly high species evenness

(p<O.01) in Periyar could be observed at Kaladi and lowest was observed

at Bhoothathankettu (p<O.01). But significant difference could not be seen

between the locations and seasons.

ANOVA of Margalefs index of species richness in Periyar river is given in

the table 3.28. In Periyar, higher species richness were observed at

Pooyamkutty and Bhoothathankettu locations. But the differences between

these locations were not statistically significant. Locations such as Desam,

Kaladi, Karimban and Parisakuthu did not exhibit any significant difference

in species richness. Thekkady station showed lowest species richness,

followed by Vandiperiyar and Idukki, but the difference among them was


Table.3.26: ANOVA of Shanon -Weiner index of species diversity in the sampling

Table. 3.27: ANOVA of Pielou's index of species evenness in the sampling locations of

Table. 3.28: ANOVA of Margalefs index of species richness in the sampling locations of

SS -Sum of SQures df- degree of freedom


Resource abundanoe and sUlVival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntiu5 filamenlosus (Valenciennes)

not significant. Monsoon season showed very poor species richness among

the seasons. Even though post monsoon showed higher values, the

difference between the pre and post monsoon was not significant.

3.4. Discussion

In general fish populations are monitored by abundance estimates. One of

the widely used approaches for estimating stream fish abundance involves

the selection of sites (Le., sampling units) within a stream and the

subsequent counting of fishes, collected from those sites with the help of

fishing gears (Thompson, 2003). Sampling units can, for example, be

defined as pools, riffles, and glides. Surveyed sites are either selected

randomly or are chosen based on how well they represent the population of

interest. Catch effort methods have been used in a number of studies to

estimate total abundances of riverine fish (Johnson, 1965; Mann, 1971;

Mahon et al., 1979; Mahon, 1980). In the present study. the catch effort

data was used to estimate fish species abundance from the three important

river systems of Central Kerala. This provided more accurate and sufficient

database on the spatial and temporal pattern of fish distribution and

abundance in the rivers during different seasons, which could be utilised as

ornamental varieties in the national and international ornamental fish trade

industry.

The relative abundance of fishes in Bharathapuzha river system on an

average showed that that out of the 56 species, 17.86% species were

abundant whereas 5.36 % were included in the plenty category. In this

river system 14.29% species were estimated to be moderately available

and the rest 62.50% were treated as scarce resource. In Chalakudy river

system, 14.81% of the total fishes were found to be most abundant and

7.41% were available in plenty. 18.52 % fishes were considered as

moderately available and the rest 59.26% were assessed to be scarce. In

Periyar river 14.04% fishes were very abundant and 10.53% were reported

to be available in plenty. Moderately available fishes contributed 8.77% of

Population abundanoe of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala 93

Resource abundance and survival of indigenous omamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Pun/ius filamen/osus (Valenciennes)

the total and the 2/3rd of the species (i.e., 66.67%) were found to be scarce

in Periyar river system. Similar works in fish abundance was carried out by

Arun (1997) in the Periyar lake-valley systems of Southern Western Ghats.

But extensive studies covering any of the three river system have not been

undertaken so far, which makes the comparison of the present results

difficult.

Species composition based on the relative abundance in the river systems

of Kerala have been investigated by Arun (1998) and Kurup et al. (2004).

Arun (1998) studied the population abundance of 27 fish species in Periyar

lake and streams and suggested that four species viz., Garra mullya, G.

mcClellandi, Barilius bakeri and Gonoproktopterus curmuca are most

abundant. The authors also reported that 6 species such as Nemacheilus

keralensis, Ompok bimaculatus, Travancoria jonesi, Channa gachua, C.

marulius and Glyptothorax madrasapatnam were scarce in Periyar lake and

streams. The findings of present study are in agreement with these results.

Kurup et al. (2004) studied the abundance of fish population in the river

systems in Kerala and classified the fishes on the basis of IUCN criteria in

order to assess the status of the species. According to them, 84 species

came under threatened category, which included 18 critically endangered,

38 endangered and 28 vulnerable species. 48 species were classified

under the non-threatened category, among which 21 were nearly

threatened with low risk whereas 34 species belonged to low risk of least

concern. Both these studies were focused on the distribution and

abundance in general, and have not attended to the potential of these

fishes for the ornamental fish industry.

Comparing the average species abundance during the different seasons,

post monsoon and pre monsoon season showed highest abundance than

monsoon. According to the previous studies (Arun, 1995; Shaji, 1998; Biju

et al., 2000) conducted in the rivers of Kerala, catches in the post monsoon

season were comparatively higher than pre monsoon season. The present

survey results found that even though there is a slight dominance in



experimental catch of the post monsoon season than the pre monsoon in

all the three rivers, statistically there was no significance among them

(Table 3.11-3.13). But monsoon season showed very lean catches

agreeing perfectly with the previous studies. The reason for this may be

that the fishes are being removed from their habitat due to heavy rainfall in

monsoon (Ramachandran et al., 2001) Only very few fast moving fishes

could withstand the heavy water current, as reflected in monsoon catches.

Further, by the end of pre monsoon season, most of the shallow areas of

river tributaries in the upper stretches become dry due to the water heat

and high temperature. Tributaries of water bodies can experience large

variations in water level during the dry season, which can reduce fish

abundance (Winemiller and Leslie, 1992; Jepsen, 1997).

Several studies have analysed the fish community structure along an

upstream down stream gradient in order to predict species richness based

on measurements such as altitude, order, stream gradient, distance from

source, etc. (Platts, 1979; Beecher et al., 1988; Oberdorff and Porcher,

1992). These abiotic factors can influence not only species richness but

also trophic composition (Schlosser, 1982; Angermeier and Karr, 1983). In

many studies, the number of species increased downstream with a marked

difference in species richness between the upstr~am and downstream

zones. The occurrence of such patterns of community structure have been

evaluated to be due to two complementary processes that occur at different

spatial scales: biotic zonation and continuous addition of species (Rahel

and Hubert, 1991). After latitude, altitude has been suggested as the

second most important natural factor controlling phytoplankton production

in water bodies worldwide (Brylinsky and Mann, 1973). The nutrient

concentrations and productivity of freshwater ecosystems increase along

the river continuum and downstream areas should be expected to be more

eutrophic. The present study also corroborates the view that altitude is one

of the major factors influencing the species richness as well as quantitative

and qualitative fish diversity in the rivers of Central Kerala (Fig.3.4 and 3.5).

The fish diversity studied on the basis of Shanon-Wiener (H') and Margalef


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius fi/amen/osus (Valenciennes)

species richness index (d) revealed that, the altitude showed an inverse

relationship with fish species richness and diversity. Fish communities were

distributed throughout the water bodies with a gradual increase in richness

towards downstream regions (Bhat, 2004). The author correlated the

species richness of fishes and environmental and stream characteristics of

rivers in rivers of Central Western Ghats and showed that species richness

is positively correlated to stream depth and width and negatively to altitude.

The present findings are in agreement with the findings of Dukes et al.

(2000), who proved that fish diversity increased with increase in the stream

order. i.e., the fish diversity reduce with the increase in the altitude of

streams. Schiemer and Zalewski (1992) reported that habitat complexity

creates conditions for the coexistence of a large number of fish species and

their life stages, reduce competitive interactions, pressure of predators,

catastrophic disturbances and provide feeding and spawning! rearing

grounds. The most frequently mentioned abiotic variables are increase in

habitat diversity and environmental stability (Gorman and Karr, 1978;

Schlosser, 1982). StreSSing physico-chemical conditions are common in

upstream zones, where very low temperatures and fluctuations in water

flow have direct influence on the fauna, with a decrease in species richness

(Schlosser, 1987; Rahel and Hubert, 1991; Paller, 1994). Species richness

increased with increasing structural heterogeneity and variability of the

ecotone in rivers wider than 2.5 m at altitudes below 500 m (Kirchhofer,

1995). The high speCies richness and diversity in the downstream reaches

of the rivers in the present study may also be due to the same reasons.

Though altitude showed an inverse relationship with fish diversity and

richness, alternatively, the middle and upper reaches of Periyar showed an

unusual trend of high biodiversity, which could be due to the presence of

moderate populations of hill stream species (Fig. 3.4- and 3.5). Similarly,

the species richness in Chalakudy river system was also slightly high

compared to the species richness in the low altitude locations. In

Chalakudy river system the middle stretches were occupied with moderate

population of hill stream fishes such as Tor khudree, Danio malabaricus,

Population abundanoe of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala 96

Resource abundance and sUJVival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamenfosus (Valenciennes)

Bari/us baker;, Barilius gatensis, Garra mul/ya, Gonoproktopterus curmuca

and Garra surendranathanii which could survive well in the alternating

cascade and pool-riffle channel reaches prevailing in these areas of the

river system.

Pielou's evenness index, (J') is a measure of how evenly individuals are

distributed within a community when compared to the equal distribution and

maximum diversity a community can have (Pielou, 1969). Carol et al.

(2006) in their studies on the 14 Spanish reservoirs stated that species

evenness has no dependency on the altitude. Indian scientists also have

failed to find any specific relationship between species evenness and

altitude ranges (Kurup et al., 2002; Bhat, 2004). The present study also

could not find any specific relationship between species evenness and

altitude. In Chalakudy, highest evenness was observed in Orukomban

(470m), whereas in Karappara (950m) the species evenness was very less.

Contrary to the poor evenness in the down stream locations like Chalakudy,

better species evenness values were observed at Vettilappara (80m). In

Bharathapuzha, maximum species evenness was found in Thathengalam

at an altitude of 280m, but in Syrendri (551m) the evenness was observed

very low. In Periyar, highest evenness was noted in down stretches Le.,

Kaladi (18m msl) and very low evenness values in high altitude stations like

Vandiperiyar (803m) and Karimban (500m). Thus it can be concluded from

the present findings that unlike species richness and species diversity the

species evenness (J') had no correlation with the altitude in the rivers of

central Kerala.

The abundance index of the rivers of central Kerala showed that there is

potential for some species to be used in the ornamental fish industry. The

species that were categorised as abundant and plenty could be utilised as

ornamental fishes in the domestic and international fish trade (Table 4.4,

4.5 and 4.6). At present, there is no shortage in the number of fishes under

abundant category in the rivers for the commercial utilisation for trade, but

the captive breeding technology should be developed and standardised in


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Pun/ius filamenlosus (Valenciennes)

the long run as a management measure to prevent the depletion of the

natural population in the wild. Fishes available in plenty also have a

potential for utilisation, but here also, the captive breeding technology

should be developed simultaneously. The populations of species that come

under moderate category have only limited potential to be used in

ornamental fish industry directly from wild. The results show that majority of

the species in the river systems come under the scarce category. In

Chalakudy river 59.26% of the species were scarce whereas in Periyar and

Bharathapuzha they were 66.67% and 71.73% respectively (Fig.3.4). The

exploitation of these resources from the rivers would pose serious threat to

the natural population that might lead to resource depletion and species

endangerment in the future.

Anthropogenic activities are the main cause for the alarming decline of fish

populations in most of the rivers of Kerala (Kurup et al., 2002).

Unsustainable and unethical fishing by using fish poisons, dynamiting and a

wide array of prohibited fishing methods are rampant in the uplands and

lowlands of most of the rivers (Shaji et al., 1996, Kurup, 2002). Habitat

destruction of natural spawning and breeding grounds of the fishes through

sand extraction and construction of physical obstructions across rivers has

contributed to the population decline and the endangerment of the

freshwater fishes. Stocking of alien species in the natural water bodies like

check dams and reservoirs have now proved to be severe threats to the

native sp~cies especially the juveniles and smaller fish species

(Ramachandran et al., 2001). Natarajan (1989) conducted a thorough

investigation of the ecological implications of introduction of exotics in the

natural waters and has warned that it is an irrational step as all these

exotics infringe on the food niche of the native species. However, there is

no harm in utilising some of these resources in a judicious manner for the

economic benefit of the state.

Based on the export statistics of Marine Products Export Development

Authority, detailed marketing analysis was done by Ramachandran et al.


Resource abundance and survival of indigenous ornamental fishes of Central Kerala with emphasis on handling and packing stress in Puntius filamentosus (Va!enciennesj

(2002) and Sekharan (2006). According to them the present utilisation of

indigenous ornamental fishes for the benefit of developing international

trade is very negligible. Ramachandran et al. (2002) quantified the export of

indigenous ornamental fishes from India including the export from Kerala in

terms of numbers in the years 1999 and 2000 (Appendix. 4). This data

makes it clear that exploitation for export trade is very negligible. More

over, domestic marketing industry of indigenous ornamental fishes has not

so far been popularised (Ramachandran, 1999, 2001).

Rather than branding several potential species under the threatened

category, thereby shutting off their contribution to the economic scenario, a

better approach is to conserve them through judicious management,

balancing the twin challenges of realisation of commercial potential and

replenishment of stock (Ramachandran et al.. 2002). Most abundant

resources can be harvested from wild to the sustainable yield level. Even

otherwise these fishes are caught along with food fishes. Captive breeding

technique has to be developed and standardised simultaneously for all

commercially important indigenous ornamental fishes so that there is no

question of overexploitation of these species from the wild. The government

should take necessary steps for the efficient implementation of the various

A.cts and Regulations to prevent destructive fishing methods and enhance

the sustainable development of stock with active participation of the

stakeholders who are benefited by the riverine resources. River ranging

should be done only with endemic compatible species and that too in right

proportion. Development of breeding techniques especially in the case of

scarce resources to meet demand in ornamental fish industry, so that the

natural stock is not over exploited, is imperative.


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