The Hindu Business Line : Four new species of fish spotted in Kerala rivers

FOUR new fish species have been spotted by the fisheries researchers of the School of Industrial Fisheries (SIF) at the Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kerala waters.

The four varieties spotted by the SIF included a Mahaseer variety from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tor remadevi (named after famous ichthyologist Dr K. Remadevi), Homaloptera silasi and Garra travancoria from Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Garra nilamburensis from Nilambur forest range.

The new varieties were identified as part of the efforts for preparing a database on river-based biodiversity status of freshwater fish and its utilisation.

The identity of the species was confirmed by the scientists of Zoological Survey of India, Chennai, a statement issued by Prof B. Madhusoodana Kurup, who headed the research team, said. The study also aimed at preparing a database on indigenous ornamental fish resources of Kerala.

The researchers were of the view that 10 species, which are currently exploited for ornamental trade, have undergone stock depletion to the tune of 40 to 90 per cent during the past four years. They had also quantified the exploitable number of ornamental fish varieties from each river.

Researchers warned that eight of the 148 fish species in Kerala waters were facing extinction and suggested conservation measures for saving them.

Among the various river systems of Kerala, River Periyar housed 80 fish varieties. Of this, 37 had ornamental value and seven were highly endemic to the river system. About 70 fish varieties were identified from Chalakkudy River followed by Bharathapuzha (68 species) and Kabani (51 species).

The study also pointed out the freshwater fishery wealth of the State was on the decline due to habitat destruction, use of destructive fishing methods and over-exploitation of ornamental species without considering the stock size and its recruitment capability.