Journal of Fisheries

First report of Halimeda magnicuneata Verbruggen & Dumilag 2020 from the northern coast of Sri Lanka

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:05:44 +0000

The genus Halimeda is a group of calcifying green algae that play a crucial role in sediment production and reef stabilisation. During a field survey in November–December in Mathagal, Northern Sri Lanka, the previously unreported species Halimeda magnicuneata was identified. This marks the first record of the species in Sri Lankan waters and was confirmed through morphological analysis, segment cross-sections and comparisons with established taxonomic descriptions. The collected specimens had segment widths of 8–21 mm (mean 13.1±4.6 mm), lengths of 9–17 mm (mean 9.9±3.8 mm) and thicknesses of 0.50–1.25 mm (mean 0.75±0.31 mm). The holdfast measured 4–8 mm (mean 6.17±2.02 mm), with an overall algal height of 95–110 mm (mean 102.3±7.51 mm). The branching pattern was dichotomous, a typical characteristic of the genus. The species was found attached to coral rubble in shallow waters (~3 m depth). The microscopic view of segment surface showed hexagonal cells with thick cell walls and cross-section of segment revealed medulla and cortex which consists of layers of primary and inflated secondary utricles. These microscopic characteristics further authenticated the species identification. The present finding contributes to the growing knowledge of the region’s marine biodiversity and highlights the importance of continuous biodiversity assessments. The documentation of H. magnicuneata underscores the need for further studies on its ecological interactions, distribution patterns and response to environmental changes.

Spawning dynamics and maturity patterns of the Indian squid, Uroteuthis (Photololigo) duvaucelii (A. d'Orbigny, 1835), along the southeastern coast of India

R. John Peter, A. John Chembian, K. Silambarasan, A. Tiburtius — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:57:30 +0000

Uroteuthis (Photololigo) duvaucelii (A. d’Orbigny, 1835), is an economically important squid species along the southeastern coast of India. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of its reproductive biology, based on the specimens collected during an exploratory fishery resources survey in the region. The results provide valuable insights into the reproductive patterns of this important fishery resource. The overall sex ratio was 0.9:1 (Male:Female), indicating a predominance of females over males. The length at 50% maturity (L₅₀) was estimated at 138 mm dorsal mantle length (DML) for Males, and 118 mm for females, showing that females tend to mature earlier. Observation of maturity stages revealed that sexually mature (stage V) males and females were found throughout the year, with a reproductive peak in April, though no spent individuals were observed during the study. The maximum number of total eggs recorded in the ovary was 69,629 with 841 mature ova. Potential fecundity ranged from 544 to 20,865 eggs, with an average of 9,114. Relative fecundity (RF) value ranged from 8 to 115, while potential reproductive investment (PRI) values ranged from 0.01 to 0.196. The maximum egg weight was observed between 1.6 and 1.7 mg. Histological examination of the ovary and oviduct (stages IV and V) confirmed that this species follows an iteroparous spawning strategy, characterised by multiple spawning events throughout the year.

Effects of carbon sources on production performance, enzymatic efficiency and biochemical indices of Nile tilapia under biofloc culture system

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:47:53 +0000

Biofloc technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture system based on the principle of nutrient recycling. This study evaluated the effects of starch, molasses and corn flour as carbon sources on water quality, growth performance, proximate body composition, hematological indices, immune responses and antioxidant status of Nile tilapia in biofloc system. A 12-week trial was conducted with juvenile Nile tilapia (25.3 ± 0.6 g), which were randomly assigned to four treatments. The treatments were BFT with corn flour (BFT+CF), molasses (BFT+M), starch (BFT+S) and a control group. Physicochemical parameters of water were affected by the carbon sources but remained within the optimal range for tilapia culture, with the highest biofloc volume (34.1 mL L^–1) observed in BFT+M. Growth performance was significantly increased in BFT+M, which yielded the superior weight gain (125 g), survival rate (99.03%) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (17.1). Proximate analysis revealed the highest crude protein levels in fish reared under BFT+M and BFT+S. Hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, WBCs and RBCs) and non-specific immune responses (albumin, globulin, immunoglobulin and lysozyme activity) were significantly improved in BFT+M and BFT+S groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of biofloc system with molasses and starch as carbon sources significantly improved growth performance, hematology, immunity and antioxidant capacity of Nile tilapia.

Exploring shellfish diversity, utilisation and conservation threats in the Chalan Beel, Bangladesh

Goutam Singha, M. Nazrul Islam, Shams M. Galib — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:51:29 +0000

Shellfish are important components of aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater wetlands. In this study, we examined shellfish species diversity and their utilisation by humans in the largest wetland of Bangladesh, the Chalan Beel. Through systematic, standardised field surveys, we recorded 19 shellfish species, including 14 molluscs and five arthropods. The global conservation status of the recorded species was retrieved from the IUCN Red List database, and all were classified as Least Concern. Among the 19 recorded species, the majority—11 species—are used for human consumption, followed by use as animal feed (e.g. for fish, shrimp and poultry) (eight species), as fish bait (eight species), in traditional medicine (eight species), as ornamental species in aquariums (two species) and in freshwater pearl culture (one species). Six threats to shellfish populations have been identified: (i) harvesting for commercial trade, (ii) use of illegal fishing gear, (iii) construction of irrigation canals, (iv) destructive ‘katha’ fishing methods, (v) changes in land use and (vi) duck farming in the wetland. The findings of this study will serve as baseline data for future research. To ensure a sustainable supply of shellfish for human consumption and animal feed, we recommend focusing on shellfish aquaculture rather than harvesting from the wild. This approach may be particularly beneficial for mollusc populations. We also advocate for the formulation of conservation regulations for shellfishes in the country.

Optimizing paddy spacing for co-production: effects on rice-fish yields and soil-water quality in integrated farming systems

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:19:49 +0000

Integrated rice-fish farming (IRFF) is a promising agronomic strategy that enhances crop and fish productivity while improving soil health and resource use efficiency. This study aimed to assess the effects of different rice planting spacing on the growth and yield of rice and fish and evaluate soil fertility and water quality within an IRFF system. A field experiment was conducted using four (T1–T4) planting spacing; T1: 10 cm × 10 cm, T2: 15 cm × 15 cm, T3: 20 cm × 20 cm, and T4: 25 cm × 25 cm. Each treatment with three replicates was randomly allocated in a randomized complete block design. Growth and yield parameters of rice and fish were measured along with soil and water quality indices. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Spacing influenced both rice and fish performance significantly. The 15×15 cm spacing provided the best balance, supporting high yields for both rice and fish without adverse effects on soil fertility or water quality. Narrower spacing enhanced total rice yield through higher plant density but reduced individual plant performance. Wider spacing improved individual plant growth yet lowered total yield. Soil nutrient levels (N, P, and K) and organic matter (OM) significantly increased across treatments, with T2 showing the highest enrichment. Water quality parameters (pH, EC, temperature, DO, NO₃^–, NH₃) remained within non-toxic limits. This study suggests that 15×15 cm spacing optimizes rice-fish yields and enhances soil quality without compromising water quality in IRFF systems.