023343   Raje S G;Zacharia P U (NO, Mumbai Research Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,, Mumbai-400 061, Email: sgraje@yahoo.co.in) : Investigations on fishery and biology of nine species of rays in Mumbai waters. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 95-101.

Annual landings of rays by trawlers operating from New Ferry Wharf, Mumbai during 1990-2004 ranged from 205.7 t to 765.1 t with an average of 502.8 t constituting nearly 1% of trawl catches. The trawling effort increased from 0.95 million hours (mh) in 1990 to 1.73 mh in 2004, whereas the catch rate declined from 0.65 kg h^{-1 in 1990 to 0.24 kg h-1 in 2004. There were two peak periods of abundance, September-December and February-April. Fourteen species of rays constituted the fishery, of which Himantura alcockii (50.1%), Himantura bleekari (13.9%), Amphotistius imbricatus (8.5%) and Himantura uarnak (8.1%) formed the mainstay of the fishery. Information on biology of H. alcockii, H. bleekeri, A. imbricatus, Pastinacus sephen, Dasyatis zugei, Gymnura japonica, G. poecilura and Mobula diabolus is also presented. It appears that the resource of rays off Mumbai may not be able to withstand any further increase in fishing effort. Innate biological characteristics such as limited brood size, late maturation and capture of spawning stock are the causes of continuous decline. Conservation measures are required to protect this resource from further depletion.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

023342   Rahmatullah M;Das N N;Rahman A;Sultana T; Jahan R (Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Dep, Univ of Development Alternative, Dhaka-120 5, Email: rahamatm@hotmail.com) : Preliminary study on co-cultivationn of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis Mossambicus) with broze featherback (Notopterus notopterus) in shallow homestead ponds. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 43-5.

Mixed-sex population of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and bronze featherback or chital (Notopterus notopterus) were co-cultivated in three 136 m^{2 shallow ponds of 1 m depth at a ratio of 100:1 with a stocking density of 2 tilapia and 0.125 chital m-2 for 308 days during 2003-2004. The ponds were manured with semidried cow dung alone during the culture at the rate of 3.5 kg week-1. The weight (mean ± SD) of Mozambique tilapia at harvest was 39.3 ± 12.4 g. Chital exhibited spectacular growth from an initial weight of about 0.8 g per fry to a final weight of 1073 ± 246 g (mean ± SD) at harvest. The survival rate of chital at the end of culture period was 47%. The extrapolated annual yield of tilapia and chital were 2.8 and 0.9 ha-1 respectively. The results indicate that tilapia and chital can be co-cultivated in small shallow ponds.ion.}

1 table, 4 ref

023341   Pandit M A;Sexena R N (Zoology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: manishaarora_@yahoo.co.in) : Galanin regulation of LH release in male rats. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(6), 544-8.

The study examines the role of cerebroventricular administered (III^{rd ventricle) galanin on LHRH and LH release in adult and immature male rats. In both age groups, galanin stimulated LHRH synthesis and release from the hypothalamus, leading to a higher release of pituitary LH which in turn increased plasma LH levels. Galantide, a galanin receptor blocker, on the other hand, drastically reduced hypothalamic LHRH and plasma LH while increasing pituitary LH. In vitro incubation of anterior pituitary cells with galanin followed by LHRH resulted in increased release of pituitary LH but not by galanin alone. Galantide exhibited no such effect either alone or with LHRH. These results indicate that galanin is an important regulator for both hypothalamic LHRH and hypophysial LH and its role is independent of age in the case of male rats.}

2 illus, 29 ref

023340   Pande G S;Patil M U;Prabhakar J D;Sherkhane U D;Bhalsing D G (Zoology Dep, B. P. H. E. Society's Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar-414 001, Email: pande7777777@rdeiffmail.com) : Effect of photoperiod and temperature on egg laying activity of freshwater pulmonate snail Lymnaea acuminata (Lamarck, 1822) (Gastropoda: mollusca) kept under laboratory breeding conditions. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 717-20.

The physiological activities of organisms are influenced by a number of environmental parameters. The organisms, in turn, have evolved various functional adaptations to maximize chances of survival and reproduction. Freshwater pulmonate snail Lyrnnaea acuminata is abundantly available in various parts of Indian subcontinent. Like most of the pulmonates L. acuminata is a hermaphrodite in which male and female reproductive organs are present in one and the same individual. Although these snails are hermaphroditic, they do not self fertilize. They copulate reciprocalSy with exchange of sperms which results in cross fertilization. Both temperature and photoperiod are important environmental factors that have profound effects on growth, metabolism and reproduction of animals. In the present probe, effects of both these factors on egg laying frequency of L. acuminata (Pulmonata: Gastropoda) was investigated by subjecting snails to different photoperiodic regimes and different temperature treatments. It was found that long day lengths (16L/8D) and increase in temperature enhances the egg mass production in this snail. On the other hand, both the short day lengths (8L/16D) and low temperature reduced the egg mass production considerably indicating the impact of these environmental factors on egg laying activity of the snail L. acuminata.

1 table, 28 ref

023339   Pal D;Joardar S N;Roy B (Fishery Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur-741 252) : Yeast cell wall preparation from Saccharomyces cerevisiae enhances immune effector cells of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 33-8.

The study was designed to assess the effect of oral administration of yeast cell wall (YCW) preparation from Sacchammyces cerevisiae on non-specific immune responses of catla, Catla catla (Ham.). Fish fed with experimental diet (for 15 days) were switched back to control diet and fed for a period of 30 days. Non-specific immune responses, viz,., superoxide anion production, phagocytosis, nitrite production and proliferation of leukocytes along with haematological parameters were assessed at 10 days interval during post YCW feeding period. Although there was no significant difference in mean haematocrit values, dynamic changes of differential leucocyte count was observed in treated group as compared to control. Superoxide anion production, in vitro phagocytic activity and nitrite production of leucocytes increased significantly (p<0.01) and reached peak on 10th day post-treatment. In vitro lymphocyte proliferation also showed similar trend throughout the experimental period. The results showed that supplementation of YCW preparation in feed for 15 days had significant immunostimulatory effect on C. catla.

6 illus, 25 ref

023338   Nerkar A A (Zoology Dep, Institute of Science, R. T. Road, Civil, Lines, Nagpur-440 001, Email: archana_nerkar1@yahoo.co.in) : Cyclical changes in thyroid activity in the female Indian emballonurid bat, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke). Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 607-12.

The study was designed to investigate changes in thyroid activity during the reproductive cycle in Taphozous longitnanus. This bat is a continuous breeder with pregnancies follow in quick succession throughout the year. In the present study, there was a correlation between body, ovary and thyroid weights during estrus and mid-pregnancy. The weight of the thyroid gland is more during pregnancy than the non pregnancy. Thyroid follicles, amount of colloid and epithelial cell height showed a significant variation during different stages of the reproductive cycle. Thyroid gland during estrus showed heterogenous population of follicles. During pregnancy (early and mid -), the thyroid gland contained more or less homogenous population of small to medium sized follicles. At the end of gestation, the large follicles along with medium follicles are also observed in the thyroid gland of late pregnant bat. It is suggested that in T. fongimanus thyroid gland is active during early part of pregnancy and thyroid activity decreases at the end of pregnancy as indicated by largo follicles in the thyroid gland of pregnant bat.

6 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

023337   Negi K S;Malik D S (Zoology and Environmental Science Dep, Gurukula Kangri Univ, Hardwar-249 404) : Piscine diversity of Hillstream Chhirapani in Champawat district of Kumaon Himalaya. J Mountain Res 2006, 1, 129-33.

The streams play a vital role in maintenance of the fragile aquatic ecosystem and provide a natural habitat for aquatic biodiversity of Himalayan region. But the fast changing ecology of these upland streams seems to have primarily affected the well being of the fish species inhabiting in coldwater bodies. Chhirapani is a third order perennial stream of Champawat district and represents a typical hiil stream of the region. The stream harbors only two fish species Schizothorax richardsonii and Nemacheilus rupicola in upper stretch and another 12 species of Labeo, Tor, Puntius, Garra, etc are found in the lower stretch of the stream near confluence of the Lohawati river. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) value on the basis of experimental fishing ranged from 0.0330 to 0.4609 gm/man/hr and Schizothorax richardsonii was always dominant (82-100%) in total catch in both sites of the stream.But the fish population is drastically affected due to the soil erosion as a result of deforestation in catchment areas, human interference and over exploitation of the fish resources in the stream.

2 tables, 15 ref

023336   Neeraj Kumar;Sangwan S;Gupta A (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut, U.P.) : Macroinvertebrate drift in a Garhwal Himalayan hillstream. J Mountain Res 2006, 1, 21-9.

Macroinvertebrate drift was investigated in third order spring fed Western Himalayan stream Khandagad located in the Garhwal region. The aim of the study was to explore the drifting pattern of various macrozoobenthos belonging to the major groups namely Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Plecoptera.

2 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

023335   Naik M;Benakappa S;Rajesh K M;Rajesh M (Fisheries Resources and Management Dep, College of Fisheries, Mangalore-575 002, Email: drsbenakappa@rediffmail.com) : Seasonal abundance of commercially important shrimp seed in the Mulki estuary, south west coast of India. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 61-4.

Shrimp seed of five commercially important penaeid species viz., Fenneropenaeus indicus, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, Peneaus monodon, Metapenaeus monoceros and Metapenaeus dobsoni were encountered in the Mulki Estuary during the present investigation. F. indicus was predominant in the samples in the early pre-monsoon period (25 to 28.3%) and late post-monsoon period (18.2 to 21.4%) at all the stations. F. merguiensis seed showed distinct variations and was dominant during pre-monsoon months (30 to 89.3%) whereas P. monodon seed was predominant during early pre-monsoon season (22.1 to 26.6%) at all the stations. Both M. dobsoni and M. monoceros were dominant during the later part of post-monsoon season (22.1 to 26.6%; 9.8 to 47.6% respectively). Among the hydrographical parameters tested salinity (r = 0.6954) and temperature (r = 0.7307) showed significant positive correlation with shrimp seed availability in the Mulki Estuary.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

023334   Nahdi A A;Marzouqi A A;Rasadi E A;Groeneveld J C (Marine Science and Fisheries Center, Ministry of Fisheries Wealth, PO Box 1546 P C 133 Alkhuwair, Sultanate of Oman, Email: alnahdi22@hotmail.com) : Size composition, reproductive biology, age and growth of largehead cutlassfish trichiurus lepturus linnaeus from the Arabian sea coast of Oman. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 73-9.

Largehead cutlassfish caught by traditional and commercial fishers along the Arabian Sea coast of Oman between January 2001 and December 2002 were studied to determine size composition, size at first maturity (L₅₀), reproductive season, age and growth. The total length (TL) of cutlassfishes sampled ranged from 16 to 126 cm and the average size of specimens caught by trawlers (92.6 ñ 15.3 cm) was smaller than those caught by traditional fishers (98.8 ñ 10.4 cm), suggesting gear selectivity. Females dominated samples (1F:0.12M), matured at an average TL of 79 cm and females with ripe ovaries occurred almost throughout the year. The gonado-somatic index of females (GSI) peaked in May and declined sharply in June and a spawning season at the onset of the SW monsoon winds is also supported by the hepato-somatic index (HSI) and condition index (CI) trends. The length-weight relationship was TW = 3xl0^{-4TL3.3155 and the conversion factor from TL to preanal length was 0.55. Growth rings were counted on the otoliths of 378 cutlassfish and an age-length relationship was estimated with von Bertalanffy growth (VBG) parameters of L_α (127.4cm TL), K (0.399 yr-1) and t₀ (-0.9815 yr). Length frequency data analyzed with ELEFAN software estimated the VBG parameters of L_α, K and t₀ as 129cm, 0.459 yr-1 and - 0.69 yr respectively.}

31 ref

023333   Motlagh S A T;Shojaei M G (NO, Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, PO Box 141 55-611 6, Email: mghshojaei@yahoo.com) : Population dynamics of nattow-barred spanish mackerel (scomberomorus commerson) in the Persian gulf, Bushehr province, Iran. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 7-11.

The kingfish, Scomberomorus commerson fishery in the Iranian waters of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea has increased from 3,939 t in 1997 to 8,149 in 2003, recording a two fold increase over the period. Bulk of the catch is landed by gillnets followed by handlines. Monthly samples of S. commerson for length-weight measurements were collected from the Bushehr province for the period from May 2000 to May 2001. The data were used to estimate length-weight relationship as well as growth parameters, using the modal progression method. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters, Lα, K, and t^{0 were estimated as 189 cm, 0.24 year-1 and -0.29 year-1, respectively. Using the length-converted catch curve, total mortality (Z) was estimated as 1.65 per year. Subtracting the natural mortality value from this estimate (F= Z-M) resulted in a fishing mortality (F) of 1.3, which gives an exploitation rate (E) of 0.78. The results confirm that exploitation of kingfish in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea appears to be heavy, which is consistent with similar studies in Omani and Saudi waters. Considering the decline of kingfish catches in Omani waters, the possible implementation of management measures in Iranian waters should be formulated.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

023332   Mishra M;Kotwal P C (Faculty of Forestry, Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal (M.P.)) : Current harvesting practices and quality of bach (Acorous calamus) L. Rhizomes traded in the market of Dhamtari, Chattisgarh, India. Asian J envir Sci 2009, 4(1), 5-11.

The raw material used by Ayurvedic industry is generally procured through market channels and are sometimes found adulterated. The efficient way to determine adulteration is through morphological and organoleptic studies. The objective of this study is to find out prevalent harvesting method of Bach (Acorns calamus), malpractices adopted by various stakeholders and ocular analysis of raw (dry) market samples collected from Dhamtari market, Chattisgrah. The observations reveled that rhizomes were collected in the month of October-November at unripe stage from the natural forests. During harvesting, gatherers often collects Kulanjan rhizomes (Alpinia galanga) unintentionally, due to similarity in appearance. On the other hand few market traders' mixes these rhizomes along with genuine material. Unsustainable harvesting also adversely affects the raw material quality. In the present study, major reasons for poor quality are mis-identification of species by gatherers, mixing of old, diseased parts of same species etc. The paper also suggests various ways and means to combat adulteration problems in raw (dry) material trade sector.

32 ref

023331   Mahadev J;Nagarathanamma;Ahmed A S (Environmental Science Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasa Gangothri, Mysore) : Physico-chemical factors in fluencing the growth of diatoms in two habitats of Mysore. Asian J envir Sci 2009, 4(1), 12-14.

Attempts to give an account of the periodicity of algae in two fresh water lakes of Mysore (Mandakkhalli and KukrahaJli). Various physio-chemical parameters were analyzed at monthly intervals (2007-2008) and average values were calculated. Samples were screened for phytoplanktons and number of diatoms found at both the habitats. It is interesting to note that there were significant physic-chemical factors influencing the growth of diatoms in the two lakes. Seventeen species of diatoms were recorded in Mandakkhalli lake and eighteen species in Kukrahalli lake during the study period. Higher pH, calcium and oxidizabie organic matter coupled with low concentration of nitrates and phosphates were found to favour growth of diatoms.

3 tables, 13 ref

023330   Madhusudhan N;Basha P M;Rai P;Ahmed F;Prasad G R (Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: pmbashabub@rediffmail.com) : Effect of maternal fluoride exposure on developing CNS of rats: protective role of Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(8), 830-6.

Fluoride is toxic to neuronal development and its excessive intake during pregnancy cause adverse effects on neonatal development. The present study examined the presence of oxidative stress during maternal exposure of fluoride and the therapeutic strategy of Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum extracts in functional prevention of fluoride led oxidative stress. The pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100 ppm fluoride in drinking water and pups born to them were supplemented with phytoextracts daily. On 21st postpartum day, the pups were sacrificed to analyse fluoride and oxidative stress markers. Fluoride exposure significantly increased its accumulation, lipid peroxidation and decreased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione levels in discrete regions of the central nervous system (CNS) of pups indicating oxidative stress and inhibited antioxidant defense. The results implied the vulnerability of developing CNS to fluoride toxicity. On phytoextract supplementation, the oxidant devastation was suppressed by regaining antioxidant homeostasis near normal level proving efficacy and therapeutic strategy. Among the phytoextracts supplemented the Ocimum sanctum is found to be more effective.

3 tables, 40 ref

023329   Leena K;Deshmukh V D (Mumbai Research Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,, , CIFE (old campus) Fishers Univ Road, Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Email: videshmukh@rediffmail.com) : Age and growth of Jhinga prawn Metapenaeus affinis Milne Edwards (Decapoda, Penaeidae) in Mumbai Waters. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 1-5.

The results of the studies on age and growth of Metapenaeus affinis, one of the dominant species of penaeid shrimps in the coastal waters off Maharashtra are presented. From monthly size-frequency data, the growth parameters for males and females were estimated employing modal progression and computer hased FiSAT software package using ELEFAN program, Bhattacharya method, Gulland-Holt plot, Faben's method, Appeldoorn's method and von Bertalanffy plot. The estimates obtained by Bhattacharya analysis and Gulland-Holt plot were: L_α= 162 mm, K = 2.25 for males and Lα = 204 mm, K= 1.91 for females. Males and females were found to attain 145 mm and 174 mm at the end of one year and their life spans were 1.16 and 1.4 years respectively.

3 tables, 19 ref

023328   Laskar B A;Das D N;Tyagi B C (Zoology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Rono Hills, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh) : Growth performance of the chocolate mahseer Neolossocheilus hexagonolepis (Mc clelland) in pond system in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 55-9.

Growth performance of the chocolate mahseer Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis (Mc Clelland) cultured in an earthen pond was studied separately for adults and yearlings in terms of specific growth rate and net length gain during October 2003 - June 2004 and September 2004 - August 2005, respectively. Forty five adult fishes having an average length of 190.30 mm and average weight of 88.05 g were cultured in the pond at a stocking density of 1 no./13.4 m^{2. The gross increment in size of adult fishes after 278 days of culture was 82.87 mm (29.80% days) in length and 119.01 g in weight. Four hundred fifty numbers of yearlings of average length 127.39 mm and weight 19.58 g were cultured at a stocking density of Ino. 71.34 m2 for 333 days. The yearlings gained a net length of 78.86 mm and a net weight of 61.40 g.iscussed in the light of previous reports and observations which employed green mussels as biomonitors of marine pollution.}

5 tables, 21 ref

023327   Kukreti M;Bisht M S (Zoology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Campus Puri, Uttaranchal-246 001) : Distribution and habitat ecology of chukar partridge Alectoris chukar (Gray) in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttaranchal. J Mountain Res 2006, 1, 123-7.

A study was conducted on the Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar in Pauri district of Garhwal, Uttaranchai from October 2002 to December 2003 and information on distribution, density, group size and habitat characteristics were collected. Chukar partridges were sighted between 700 to 1940 m altitude with overall 8.55 individuals per sighting and 5.88 group size. Chukar prefers open sparsely scrub-covered steep slopes adjacent to agricultural fields.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023326   Kizhakudan J K;Deshmukh V D (NO, Chennai Research Center Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Chennai-600 028, Email: jkizhakudan2rediffmail.com) : Fishery and population dynamics of the spider prawn, Nematopalaemon tenuipes henderson along the Saurashtra coast. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 81-6.

Nematopalaemon tenuipes Henderson forms about 20% of the non-penaeid catch by dol nets operating along the Saurashtra coast. The length-weight relationships were obtained with, a = 2.153x10^{-5 and b = 2.699 for males and a = 1.905 x 10-5 and b = 2.783 for females. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was derived as L_t = 73 [1-e-1-38(t+0.02)] for males and L_t = 78.6 [1-e-1.32(t+0.04)] for females. The lengths attained at the end of 0.5 to 1.5 year/s were estimated as 37.3, 55.1 and 64 mm for males and 40, 59.2 and 69.5 mm for females. The mortality coefficients Z,.M and F were 6.31, 3.23, 3.08 and 5.97, 3.08, 2.89 for males and females respectively. The annual exploitation rate U was 0.49 for males and 0.48 for females. The MSY was estimated to be 1,678 t and 5,346 t for males and females respectively, and 7,024 t for the species in Saurashtra. With an average annual production of 5,600 t, the resource does not appear to be under threat of over fishing at present.}

8 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023325   Kishor Kumar;Bisht K L;Dobriyal A K;Bahuguna P K;Joshi H K;Goswami S (Zoology Dep, Government Degree College, Daak Patthar, Dehradun) : Length weight relationship and condition factor in a hillstrteam fish Botia dayi hora from Uttaranchal. J Mountain Res 2006, 1, 73-80.

Deals with the study of length weight relationship and relative condition factor in the hilistream fish Botia dayi Hora. The study aims at the investigation of health condition and well being of the rare fish in river Khoh of Uttaranchal.

3 tables, 20 ref

023324   Jonshi S K;Pathani S S (Zoology Dep, S.S.J.Campus, K U, Almora-263 601) : Spawning biology of a hill stream fish, Botia almorhae day of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 151-5.

Almora loach, Botia almorhae is a beautifully coloured hill stream fish which breeds once in a year. Spawning biology of B. almorhae from Kumaun Himalaya was studied. The breeding season extended from May to August in the River Suyal, Kumaun Himalaya and the fish preferred to spawn in small rivulets (Gadhera), where the water velocity is very slow. The fecundity ranged from 908-3616 (76-154 mm fish). The length-weight relationship was W= -6.728+2.216L. The correlation between fecundity and total length (F=178+21.34x) and body weight and fecundity (F=109.2+431.7x) was highly significant (r=0.986682 and 0.96793, respectively). The K-values ranged from 0.52 (76-80 mm length group) to 0.63 (146-150 mm length group) in males, while in female fish, this value ranged from 0.53 (76-80 mm length group) to 0.65 (146-150 mm length group).

10 illus, 18 ref

023323   Indumathi S P;Ramalingam K;Radha T;Venkatesh C (Post Graduate and Research Dep of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai-600 008) : Transmission electron microscopic study on the niche induced ultrastructural changes in digestive gland cells of the green mussel Perna viridis (L.). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 27-32.

Ultrastructural studies by transmission electron microscopy revealed significant changes at cellular level in both digestive gland and digestive tract of Pema viridis collected from polluted water near the coast as compared to those collected 1 km off the shore line. The digestive gland cells of polluted group showed distorted and enlarged nuclei along with several inclusions and lipid granules in the cytoplasm. The cells lining the digestive tract also revealed the presence of large number of lipid granules, inclusions, vacuoles, disturbed epithelium along with lytic areas, necrosis and enlarged nucleus. The morphological changes in the digestive cells of mussels are attributed to environmental stress i.e., due to the sequestration of heavy metal pollutants in the specimens collected from the coast. The damage to tissues at cellular level has been discussed in the light of previous reports and observations which employed green mussels as biomonitors of marine pollution.

27-32

023322   Gupta B B P;Yanthan L;Singh K M (Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: gupta@nehu.ac.in) : In vitro effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan, indoleamines and leptin on arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) activity in pineal organ of the fish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) during different phases of the breeding cycle. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(8), 786-92.

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) is the rate-limiting enzyme of melatonin biosynthetic pathway. In vitro effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and indoleamines (serotonin, N-acetylserotonin and melatonin) were studied on AA-NAT activity in the pineal organ of the fish, C. gariepinus during different phases of its annual breeding cycle. Further, in vitro effects of leptin on AA-NAT activity in the pineal organ were studied in fed and fasted fishes during summer and winter seasons. Treatments with 5-HTP and indoleamines invariably stimulated pineal AA-NAT activity in a dose-dependent manner during all the phases. However, leptin increased AA-NAT activity in a dose-dependent manner only in the pineal organ of the fed fishes, but not of the fasted fishes irrespective of the seasons.

2 table, 33 ref

023321   Ghosh S;Pillai N G K;Dhokia H K (NO, Veraval Resional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institut, Matsya Bhavan, Bhidiya, Veraval, Gujarat-362 269, Email: subhadeep_1977@yahoo.com) : Fishery and population dynamics of Harpadon nehereus (Ham) off the Saurashtra cost. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 13-19.

The fishery and population dynamics of Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus Ham.) from Nawabunder, Rajpara and Jaffrabad were studied for the period from 2003 to 2006. The average annual landings of Harpadon nehereus was 25,079 t, which contributed 31.12% to the total dol net catches. The seasonal peak in catch was recorded during September - January and in May. The length-weight relationship showed that growth was isometric and there was no significant variation between the sexes. The overall sex ratio was 1:0,99 with gravid and ripe females encountered in most months with a peak during September - December. The length at first maturity of female was 20.2 cm. The growth parameters were estimated as Lα = 35.39 cm and K = 0.86 and the length attained at the end of 1, 2 and 3 years were 20.66 cm, 29.16 cm and 32.75 cm respectively. The length at first capture was 3.42 cm with recruitment occurring in most months of the year with a peak during February - June. The natural mortality, fishing mortality and total mortality were 1.52, 1.73 and 3.25 respectively and the exploitation ratio was 0.53. The maximum sustainable yield was 23,557 t, which was lower than the average annual catch indicating overexploitation of the species. The yield per recruit and biomass per recruit was 6.565 g and 3.79 g and increase in relative yield by 111.45% would be obtained by decreasing the present level of fishing by 40%.

7 illus, 27 ref

023320   Dineshbabu A P;Manissery J K (NO, Mangalore Research Center, Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mangalore-575 001, Email: dineshbabuap@yahoo.co.in) : Food and feeding of the ridgeback shrimp, Solenocera chiprai Nataraj along Karnataka coast. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 21-6.

Though Solenocera choprai is an important shrimp resource from Karnataka coast, information on food and feeding of the species is lacking. 'Index of preponderance' method was used to study the food and feeding habit of the species. The food contents found were decapod crustaceans, unidentifiable mass, 'fish remains', molluscan shells, polychaete worms, sand, foraminiferans and small crustaceans (other than decapods) in the decreasing order of abundance. In_adults, annual index of preponderance for decapod crustaceans, detritus and 'fish remains' were 43.82, 19.27 and 11.17 respectively. In females, the major component of the food was decapod crustaceans with indices above 40. Annual feeding intensity of adult S. choprai was 28.88% with the highest value of 54% observed in February and lowest value from June to December. The change in monthly feeding intensity of the species is found to be influenced by the disturbances in the sea bottom caused by upwelling. Feeding intensity was the highest in immature females (40.71%) followed by spent females.

7 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023319   Chaube R;Joy K P (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: chauberadha@rediffmail.com) : Inhibition of hCG-induced spawning by α methylparatyrosine, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(6), 549-53.

The effect of pharmacological inhibition of catecholaminergic activity on hCG-induced spawning was evaluated and correlated with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. Gravid female H. fossilis collected in both prespawning and spawning phases were given α-methylparatyrosine (α-MPT: 250μg/g body weight, ip, an irreversible inhibitor of TH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG: 100 lU/fish, ip) alone or in combination. The fish were sampled at different intervals for measuring hypothalamic and ovarian TH activity and checking spawning response. The administration of hCG resulted in ovulation and spawning in both phases with a higher response in the spawning phase. The administration of α-MPT did not induce any response, like the control fish. In the hCG + α-MPT groups, the spawning response of hCG was significantly inhibited and delayed by the inhibitor. The spawning response of hCG was accompanied by a significant increase in both hypothalamic and ovarian TH activity at 6 and 12 h of the injection. However, at 24hr the activity decreased except in the spawning phase. The α-MPT treatment inhibited TH activity significantly in a duration-dependent manner. In the hCG + α-MPT groups, enzyme activity was inhibited at all duration. The results indicate the involvement of catecholamines during the hCG-induced spawning and the specific functional nature of the involvement needs further investigation.

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

023318   Chandrasekhara Rao A;Krishnan L (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PO Box. 1603, Cochin-682 018, Email: phani_babu@rediffmail.com) : Studies on the reproductive biology of the female spiny cheek grouper, Epinephelus diacanthus (valenciennes, 1828). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 87-94.

Morphological and histological examination of gonads and detailed classification and description of maturity stages were carried out in the female Epinephelus diacanthus. Maximum ova diameter of 650 μm was observed in the ripe ovary. Oocyte size increased with the maturation of gonads. Gonado-somatic Index (GSI) values also increased with the maturation of gonads. Fecundity was in the range of 13.1 x 10^{3 to 145.7 x 103.}

8 illus, 35 ref

023317   Bindu V S;Geetha P R (P.G. Dep of Zoology and Research Center, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram) : Effect of organochlorine pesticide endosulfan on blood plasma of fresh water teleost, Anabas testudineus. Asian J envir Sci 2009, 4(1), 1-4.

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide which is less persistent in the environment but more toxic to fish than other organochlorines. An acute static renewal test was conducted to determine the LC₅₀ concentrations of endosulfan for 24,48,72 and 96h. For stress response study, the healthy male fishes were exposed to 7 ppb (LC₁₀ 96 hour) of endosulfan for 48 hours and sampling were made at different time intervals of 0, (control) 2,12,14,20,24,36 and 46 hours and recovery for a period of 48 hour (sampled at 2,12 and 48 hours) were studied after transferring the 48 hour exposed animal to toxicant free water. Several new bands which were not present in the control plasma were detected at different time intervals (20,24,36, and 46 hour) in the treated plasma and these bands had tendency to disappear during the recovery phase (2,12 and 48 hour) arid were comparable to the known protein bands in the molecular weight markers. Since these bands appeared during exposure period and disappeared in recovery phase, it seemed to be stress induced.

1 illlus, 22 ref

023316   Basavarajappa S;Ragunandan K S;Hegde S N (Studies in Zoology Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: apiraj09@gmail.com) : Nest host trees of Asian giant honeybee, Apis dorsata F. in southern Karnataka, India. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 647-52.

The study was conducted on the nest host trees of Asian giant honeybee, Apis dorsata at different districts of southern Karnataka during 2008-2009, The data revealed that the trees belong to Moraceae, Caesalpinaceae, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae and Mimosaceae families were commonly selected by A. dorsata for nesting. The density, abundance, frequency and relative dominance of these tree species varied considerably. Among the trees selected for nesting, the Ficys religosa, f. faenghialensis, Cebex petandra, Mangifera indica, Terminallia sp., Tamarindus indica and Eucalyptus species have extended suitable nesting site to host huge population of A. dorsata. There was a significant variation (X^{2-18.25; p<0.05) recorded among the tree species selected for nesting by A. dorsata in different districts of southern Karnataka. Further, the broader or narrow eaves of thick and rough limbs of these tree species often spread parallel to the ground surface, become congenial for the construction of single or multiples of colonies of A. dorsata at different elevations. Moreover, the occurrence of combs at different elevations depended on the thickness of tree limbs, capable to tolerate fluctuations due to wind blow, and to bear the weight of single or dense colony aggregations of A. dorsata. Thus, to avail certain trees with broader canopy and rough surfaced thick limbs, A. dorsata adopted elite strategy to safeguard its colonies from ecological factors (Viz., wind, rain and sun rays), and biological constraints (Viz., top predators, enemies including man) in the wild. Therefore, preservation of these tree species is essential to conserve giant honeybees in the nature.}

2 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

023315   Athithan S;Sanjeeviraj G (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Timal Nadu Veterinar, Namakkal-637 002, Email: sathithan1966@yahoo.com) : Growth performance of carps in a hardwater seasonal pond. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 69-71.

Experiments were carried out to assess the growth performance of carps under extensive composite culture in a hardwater seasonal pond, where water hardness ranged from 150 to 758 mg 1^{-1. Carp seed (catla - Catla catla; rohu - Labeo rohita; mrigal - Cirrhinus mrigala; silver carp - Hypothalmichthys molitrix; common carp - Cyprinus carpio and grass carp-Ctenopharyngodon idella) were stocked at the rate of 1537 no./ha. During the study period, the carp production recorded was 1846.14 kg/ 2.7 ha/300 days. The performance of carps on the basis of growth and survival under hardwater condition was encouraging.tive cells of mussels are attributed to environmental stress i.e., due to the sequestration of heavy metal pollutants in the specimens collected from the coast. The damage to tissues at cellular level has been discussed in the light of previous reports and observations which employed green mussels as biomonitors of marine pollution.}

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023314   Athithan S;Ramanathan N;Ramadhas V (NO, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: sathithan1966@yahoo.com) : Chemical speciation of sedimentary nitrogen and phosphorous in integrated fish/pig farming system. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(2), 107-14.

Experiments were carried out to investigate the temporal variations of different chemical species of sedimentary nitrogen and phosphorus in fish/pig integrated farming system particularly in a hardwater seasonal pond. In sediments, exchangeable ammonia contributed to an average of 14.87 and 16.10% of total exchangeable inorganic nitrogen in treatment and control pond respectively. Highest percentage contribution of exchangeable nitrate (average contribution above 77.05%) to total exchangeable inorganic nitrogen could be recorded in these ponds. Availability of exchangeable nitrate in the sediments of these ponds confirmed the total absence of denitrification. The percentage contribution of different speeiation of phosphorus such as exchangeable phosphorus (E-P), apatite phosphorus (A-P), phosphorus bound to organic matter (0-P) and phosphorus bound to oxides of iron and manganese (O-Fe-Mn-P) to total sedimentary phosphorus (TSP) observed in the present study ranged between 23.40 and 30.56%, 14.55 and 21.97%, 3.55 and 12.96% and 3.55 and 6.3% respectively.

10 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

023313   Archna Kumari;Sharma K K (P.G. Zoology Dep, Jamshedpur Co-operative College, Jamshedpur-831 001, Email: kksharma.jsr@gmail.com) : From and function of acoustic signals in the tropical weaverbird, Ploceus philippinus (Linneaus). Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 731-34.

The acoustical communication system in the tropical common weaverbird (Ploceus philippinus) rests primarily upon the temporal organization of its included elements. The situation- specific sounds of the weaverbird are strikingly different in temporal structure. The pulse-type sounds that comprise the repertoire of the weaverbirds enable them for use in the vocal systems. Additionally, the temporal structural differences in the acoustic signals show clear correlation between variations in properties of the vocal signals used and in responses elicited. Thus, it is inferred that the acoustic signals of this bird species carry prime informations for evoking appropriate responses in time.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

023312   Adarsh Kumar;Patiyal R S;Mahanta P C;Qureshi T A;Punia P;Lakra W S (Applied Aquaculture Dep, Barkathullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : Food and feeding habits of Tor putitora (Ham.) under pond conditions. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 51-3.

Investigation was undertaken to analyze the food and feeding habits of Tor putitora under pond conditions at the fish farm of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow. Gut analysis showed that animal matter formed the main component of the gut contents and constituted about 52.63% of the total food consumed, while plant matter constituted only 18.94%. The percentage of artificial feed (composed of rice bran and oil cake) was 18.42% and almost equal to the plant matter. Presence of fish scales and sand particles in the gut along with other food materials indicated the bottom feeding tendency of the fish. However, the average relative gut length (RGL) of 2.7 and average gastro-somatic index (GSI) of 2.4, indicated their omnivorous tendency. The RGL values increased with increasing length of the fish, indicating suitability of the gut for omnivorous diet. Survival of T. putitora in pond conditions during the present study also showed that the fish has the capability to adapt to the new eco-biological conditions.

3 illus, 12 ref

022394   Verma K K (HIG 1/327, Housing Board Colony, Borsi, Durg-491 001, , , Email: kkverma.sheel@gmail.com) : Phenotypic plasticity in insects: is it a non-genetic phenomenon. Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 89.

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022393   Thilak J (Central Zone Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, , Vijay Nagr, Jabalpur) : On a collection of rotifers from Veerangana Durgavati wildlife sanctuary, Damoh district, M.P.. Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 91-2.

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022392   Tembhurne M C;Joshi V R;Balange A K;Pagarkar A U;Phadke G G (Fish Processing Technology Dep, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: vithalrjoshi@gmail.com) : Effect of modified starch on lizard fish (Saurida tumbil) ball in curry. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 199-203.

Fish ball in curry product using the lizard fish Saurida tumbil was prepared by mixing fish ball with different combinations of ordinary starch (OS) and modified starch (MS) viz., 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 100% MS and 100% OS. The products were frozen at -40 °C, stored at -20 °C and subjected to biochemical, organoleptic and physical tests at regular monthly intervals. Among the different combinations tried, it was observed that the fish ball in curry product prepared with a combination of 50% ordinary starch and 50% modified starch could be stored for six months with minimal changes in organoleptic, expressible water and folding test grades. The products were acceptable up to six months from the organoleptic and oxidative rancidity point of view.

7 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

022391   Suresh Babu P P;Venugopal G;Reddy A K (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Seven Bungalows, Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Email: venugopal_cofe@yahoo.com) : Production potential of early segregated all-male population of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) in tropical in tropical earthen pond condition. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 195-8.

Production potential of all-male culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii was evaluated by comparing the yield obtained from an early segregated all-male population (post-larvae of average size ≅ 50 mm) with a mixed population comprising males and females in 1:1 ratio. Nursery reared prawns were size graded, sexes segregated manually by observing the presence or absence of appendix masculina, stocked in four replicates in earthen ponds of 200 m^{-2 area at a density of 1 m~2 and reared for a period of 90 days. The results revealed an all-male population production of 30.7 g m-2 90 days-1 with an average individual weight of 42.2 g with 62.3% of marketable prawns whereas in mixed population, a production of 23.65 g m-2 90 days-1 with an average individual weight of 30.7 g with 47.14% of marketable prawns were obtained. The production of all-male population was 30% higher than that of mixed population.}

3 tables, 18 ref

022390   Sudheesan D;Jaiswar A K;Chakraborty S K; Pazhayamadom D G (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Seven Bungalows, Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Email: deepa_machingal@yahoo.co.in) : Predatory diversity of finfish species inhabiting the same ecological niche. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 169-75.

A total of 211 specimens of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791) and 169 specimens of Saurida tumbll (Bloch, 1795) were examined for different morphological traits and stomach contents. N. japonicus has a laterally compressed and deep body, small mouth opening and villiform teeth only on the jaws, soft gill rakers with bristles, small stomach and long intestine. These adaptations are suited for predation on small preys. S. tumbil has an elongated cylindrical body, with wide mouth opening, different types of sharp depressible teeth, small spine-like gill rakers, well developed stomach and short intestine, which are again the adaptations to feed on larger preys. Both the fishes are cannibalistic and asynchronous feeders. However, N. japonicus seems to be an opportunistic feeder, predating on crustaceans (80%), fishes, cephalopods, gastropods and polychaetes while S. tumbil is more like a selective feeder, predating on fishes (90%), crustaceans and cephalopods. The study reveals that though these predators inhabit the same ecological niche of demersal waters and have the opportunity to utilize similar food resources, they are entirely different in morphology which is attributed to the difference in their diet.

2 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

022389   Sharma S R K;Seema Jayaprakash;Philipose K K; Radhakrishnan E V (NO, Karwar Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Karwar-581 301, Email: krupeshsharma@gmail.com) : Effect of salinity and pH on selected immune functions of the Indian white shrimp, Fenneropenaeus indicus (H. Milne edwards, 1837). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 183-7.

Indian white shrimp, Fenneropenaeus indicus, was subjected to environmental stresses like high (9) and low (5.5) water pH and decreasing water salinity (34% to 18%) for a period of one week and certain vital immunological functions like total hemocyte count, total hemolymph protein and phenoloxidase activity were analysed to understand the effect of the environmental stress factors on these functions. The results indicated that while stress induced by change in the salinity had no damaging effects on the immune functions, stress caused by lower water pH induced more immunological damage when compared to higher water pH. Significantly decreased total hemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity were observed in shrimps exposed to lower pH when compared to shrimps exposed to higher pH and control shrimps. Also, lower pH significantly reduced the hemolymph protein values. It is therefore concluded that Fenneropenaeus indicus that are exposed to extreme pH show lowered immunological activity which would render the shrimp susceptible to infectious agents.

3 illus, 19 ref

022388   Sen S;Shaha S;Dinendra Raychaudhuri D (Entomology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Estimation of capture area and mesh height of the webs of two orb weaving spider species (Arachnida : Araneae). Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 84-5.

Among spiders, members of orb weavers (Families Araneidae, Nephilidae and Tetragnathidae) are unique for their webs of geometrical precision. Web size ad design may vary with the prey size, food availability and developmental stage (Herberstein & Tso, 2000). The sticky silk (captue spiral) is costly to produce and reflects te investment devoted to foraging activities (Venner et al., 2001). In India no study has come across on the orb web paraneters. Present communication is an estimate on the Caputre Area and `Mesh Height' of orb webs, in order to throw light on the capture potential of two orb weaving species namely, Argiope pulchell Thorell (Araneidae) and Opadometa fastigata Simon (Tetragnathidae). It is worth while to note that these species are commonly encountered in the reserve forests on North Bengal.

1 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

022387   Sathianandan T V;Jayasankar J (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi-682 018, Email: tvsedpl@gmail.com) : Managing marine fishery in Kerala through simulation using surplus production model, genetic algorithm and spectral methods. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 163-8.

Outboard ring seines and mechanized trawl nets form the two major fisheries in Kerala accounting for about 72% of the total catch in the state. A genetic algorithm was developed for simulation of trawl net and ring seine fishery using surplus production model and spectral methods. Simulations were carried out for six different levels of exploitations and the average biomass and average yield were calculated and compared with the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The simulation results based on ring seine fishery revealed that the optimum level of exploitation is at 86.3% of the current level of exploitation to keep the annual average yields during 2005-2014 just below MSY, for both oil sardine and mackerel. Simulations based on trawl net fishery suggested maintaining the exploitation level at 87.9% of the current level to retain the average annual yields of penaeid prawns, cephalopods and threadfin breams below the MSY level during 2005-2013.

4 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

022386   Sarang N;Sharma L L;Saini V P (Aquaculture Dep, College of Fisheries, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technolo, Udaipur-313 001, Email: saranglimno@yahoo.com) : Age, growth and harvestable size of Cirrhinus mrigala from the Jawahar sagar dam, Rajasthan, India. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 215-18.

Age, growth and harvestable size of Cirrhinus mrigala from Jawahar Sagar Dam, Rajasthan, were determined using the key scales. Maximum three annual rings were found and used to assess various growth characteristics. These growth parameters indicated higher value of index of population weight growth intensity (QCW =7.43 g) and index of species average size (Qh =15.83 cm). The calculated weight of fish (Wg) was found to increase upto the third year of life. On the basis of growth parameters studied, a harvestable size of 66 cm has been assigned for Cirrhinus mrigala from the Jawahar Sagar Dam.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

022385   Samal S K;Das B K;Ghosh S;Sahu S (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: basantadas@yahoo.com) : In vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas sp. isolated from freshwater fish to antimicrobial agents. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 227-30.

Ten species of Pseudomonas isolated from healthy and diseased fish species such as catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), goldfish (Carassius auratus), climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) and magur (Clarias batrachus) were evaluated for susceptibility to a battery of antimicrobial agents. The bacterial species used for testing were Pseudomonas putida, P. aeruginosa, P. vesicularis, P. syringae, P. pickettii, P. compranosoris, P. alkaligenes, P. fluorescens, P. stutzeri and P. carboxydoflava. The bacteria were screened for susceptibility to 31 antimicrobial agents by the Bauer Disc diffusion method. Most of the bacteria were found susceptible to oxytetracycline, gentamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, ceftriaxone, netillin, tetracycline, and amoxycillin. Majority of the Pseudomonas spp. tested were resistant to cephotaxime, cephalexin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, furazolidone, norfloxacin, augmentin, fluconazole, clotrimazole, cefoxilin, cephalothin, carbenicillin, ceftazidime, piperacillin, tricarcillin, amphotericin-B, cloxacillin and cefuruxime. Testing of the bacterial pathogens belonging to the genus Pseudomonas against gentamycin, oxytetracycline, norfloxacin, tetracycline and amikacin gave larger zones of inhibition on agar plates indicating their usefulness against Pseudomonads' disease outbreak.

1 table, 13 ref

022384   Pradhan N K;Masanta N C (Physiology Dep, Jhargram Raj College, P.O. Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, Email: ncmasanta@gmail.com) : Effect of benzoic acid on male reproduction in rats. Green Technol 2009, 8(Aug), 46-7.

Benzoic acid is widely used as a common food preservative in different fields of food production. Few reports have been found about the harmful effects of benzoic acid in different systems in our body. In our recent studies, it has been found that, in male albino rats, treated with Benzoic acid for consecutive 40 days at the dose of 50mg. /kg. body wt. orally through drinking water, caused reduction in body growth rate, total sperm count in epididymis, testicular wt., wts. of other accessory sex glands, i.e., prostate, coagulating gland, epididymis, and seminal vesicle.

2 tables, 21 ref

022383   Majumdar R K;Basu S (NO, College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural Univ, Lembucherra, Agartala, Tripura-799 210, Email: majumdar_rk@yahoo.co.in) : Seasonal variation in the biochemical composition of the Indian shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 205-9.

An year round study on the macro and micro-nutrient constituents of the Indian shad (Tenualosa ilisha) was carried out. The average values of the proximate composition recorded were: moisture - 68.16%, ash - 1.42%, protein - 16.27%, fat - 12.04%, calcium - 55.09%, phosphorous - 184.58%, sodium - 66.10% and potassium - 179.95%. The summation of moisture and fat content was 80%. The correlation coefficient (r) between moisture and fat content obtained was - 0.987 indicating an inverse relationship. The correlation coefficients between weight and moisture and weight and fat content recorded were 0.670 and 0.7181 respectively. The maximum moisture content was observed in January (74.22%) when the average weight of the sample was 357.83 g and the minimum was found in September (58.82%) when the average weight of the sample was 788.35 g. The lowest fat content was recorded during January to April, whereas, the maximum fat content was found during July to September. In the rest of the period, the average fat content was 11.45%. The proportion of calcium and phosphorous in the flesh of hilsa was found to increase with increase in size of the fish. On the other hand, sodium, the most vital tissue component of fish, decreased considerably with growth of the fish, whereas no definite trend of variation was observed in potassium content of the fish.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

022382   Kirti J S;Simarjit Kaur (Zoology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab) : An inventory of culicidae mosquitoes of Patiala, Punjab. Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 97.

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022381   Khan F R;Hayat M (Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : On some chalcididae from India with several new records (Hymenoptera: chalcidoidea). Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 77-80.

Deals with a small collection of Chalcididae made in the years 2006 to 2008 in several Indian States. In all a total 40 species in 9 genera are recorded. Of these three species are recorded for the first time from India and 30 species from individual States as indicated in the text.

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022380   Kaleka A P S (Zoology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, Email: amritpalkaleka@indiatimes.com) : Lymantriid moths diversity in Punjab (Lepidoptera : Lymantriidae). Bionotes 2010, 12(3), 81-3.

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022379   Joshi K D (NO, Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal-263 136, Email: kdjoshi_nrccwf@rediffmail.com ) : Brood stock maturity and artificial breeding of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 219-22.

The Norwegian rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) was successfully reared and bred at the Experimental fish farm, Chhirapani, Champawat (Uttarakhand). The stock attained sexual maturity during peak winter (December to February). The male attained maturity after completion of 2 years (average body weight: 180-820 g) and female after 3 years (average body weight: 900-1850g). Potential male and female brooders were segregated in separate ponds in November 2001 and stripping was conducted during February 2002 and December 2002, by dry method. Fecundity recorded was between 547-1402 eggs kg^{-1 body weight. Eyed-egg stage was noticed after 23-46 days post-fertilization at ambient water temperature between 4.5 to 8.5 °C. Incubation period was complete within 51-58 days (water temperature 6.5-12.0 °C) and 86-100 days (water temperature 4.5-7.5 °C). The cumulative survival recorded was between 42.2 to 88.9%. The resultant yolk-laden hatchlings were of 14-17 mm size range.}

^ssc3 tables, 12 ref

022378   Ghosh S;Pillai N G K;Dhokia H K (NO, Veraval Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institut, Matsya Bhavan, Bhidiya, Veraval-362 269, Email: subhadeep_1977@yahoo.com) : Fishery, population dynamics and stock assessment of the spotted seer in gill net fishery at Veraval. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 157-61.

The fishery and population characteristics of Scomberomorus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider) from Veraval was studied for the period 2003 - 2006. The average annual catch was 378 t, forming 14.4% of the total gill net catches at Veraval. The post-monsoon and winter seasons (September to January) were the most productive seasons in terms of catch and catch rate. The length-weight relationship showed that growth was isometric for the species. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was: L_t = 61.27 [1 - e^{-14(t+0.0046)] and length attained at the end of 1 and 2 years were 46.3 cm and 57.6 cm respectively. The growth performance index was 3.721 and longevity was 2.138 years. Recruitment pattern was unimodal with peak recruitment from February - July and the length at first capture was 21.1 cm. The natural mortality, fishing mortality and total mortality were 1.79, 2.92 and 4.71, respectively and exploitation ratio was 0.62. The maximum sustainable yield was 305 t, which was lower than the average annual catch indicating over-exploitation of the species. The yield per recruit and biomass per recruit was 198.9 g and 66.9 g respectively. An increase in relative yield to 101.8% would be obtained by decreasing the present level of fishing by 20%.}

6 illus, 18 ref

022377   Ghosh S;Mohanraj G;Asokan P K;Dhokia H K;Zala M S;Bhint H M (NO, Veraval Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Matsya Bhavan, Bhidiya, Veraval, Gujarat-362 269, Email: subhadeep_1977@yahoo.com) : Fishery and stock estimates of the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen), landed bygill netters at Veraval. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(3), 177-82.

The fishery and population characteristics of silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen) caught by gillnetters off Veraval were studied for the period from 2003 to 2007. The average annual landing of P. argenteus was 114.5 t, which contributed 4.5% to the total gill net catches. The period from July to September was the most productive in terms of catch and catch rate. The length-weight relationship showed that the growth was isometric. The sex ratio was 1.75 in favour of females. Mature females occurred throughout the year, with maximum during June - November. The length at first maturity of female was 27.5 cm. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was: L_t = 41.57 [1 - e^{-0.64(t+0.0315)]. The length at first capture (Lc) was 8.2 cm with recruitment taking place throughout the year with two peaks during February-March and in August. The natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F) and total mortality (Z) were 1.20, 2.11 and 3.31 respectively. The exploitation ratio (E) was 0.64. The Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY: 90 t) was lower than the average annual catch indicating over-exploitation of the species. The yield per recruit (Y/R) and biomass per recruit (B/R) was 38.31 g and 18.16 g respectively. An increase in relative yield by 17.18% would be obtained by decreasing the present level of fishing by 60%.}

7 illus, 29 ref