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Present Biodiversity Status of Freshwater Loaches of Bangladesh

Md. Robiul Hasan
Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali- 3814, Bangladesh

Mostafa Ali Reza Hossain
Department Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Md. Mahbubul Alam Miah
Department Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Md. Rashedul Kabir
Department Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An experiment was conducted to study the biodiversity status of freshwater loaches of Bangladesh. Data and fish sample collection were carried out mainly in the Sylhet-Mymensingh basin comprising the two districts namely Sylhet and Mymensingh. Fish samples were also collected from Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts. The study was based on fish landing centre and fish market visit, on the spot data collection, interview of the fishermen and the fish traders, sample collector and secondary data collection. According to the available literatures, the number of freshwater loaches in Bangladesh is 24. However, during the study, only 16 species under 3 families were found. The highest numbers of loach species (9) were found from the family Cobitidae. Among the collected species, some are used as food fish in Bangladesh and the rest can be considered as ornamental fish. Among the total number of species found during the study, 2 species were considered as threatened based on IUCN list of threatened fishes of Bangladesh and categorized as endangered (EN). The threatened loach species, Botia dario and Botia lohachata were rare. The non-availability and less availability of some of the species indicate the alarming decline of the biodiversity of loach in the surveyed area and in the country as a whole. With the appropriate evaluation and proper documentation general people, researcher and policy makers would be able to know the valuable loaches of Bangladesh and their present biodiversity status.

Keywords: Biodiversity and freshwater loach

Location: Sylhet-Mymensingh basin

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Aquatic animal

Objectives:

1. To study the biodiversity status of freshwater loaches of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Selection of study sites - The sites were selected on the basis of the possibility of getting more specimens. Several places under some districts were selected for sample collection and survey. Data and sample collection were carried out mainly in the Sylhet-Mymensingh basin comprising the two districts namely Mymensingh and Sylhet. Fish samples were also collected from Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts. Collection and preservation of fish samples - Fish samples were collected from the catch of fishermen in the rivers and other natural waterbodies. Samples were also collected from fish-landing centers and fish markets. The specimens thus collected during the field visit were identified primarily in the field. Those, which appeared difficult to identify, were marked properly. All the identified and unidentified fish samples were preserved with 10% formalin in the plastic jars. The preserved specimens were labeled properly with site of collection, date of collection, number, locality and ecology of the sites. Data collection - Primary data on the concerned species were collected from the fishermen, fish traders, local people and also from the on the spot situation. Relevant data such as local name of the collected fish samples, source, distribution and availability of the species etc. were collected from the study sites. Secondary data were also collected from the District Fisheries Offices, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Department of Fisheries (DoF), Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh etc. Along with these data, published and unpublished relevant documents were also collected from various government agencies, autonomous bodies and NGOs. Research papers on the freshwater fish fauna of Bangladesh were also consulted towards compiling the past data of abundance and availability for assessing biodiversity status. Taxonomic study - Morphometric and meristic characters of the collected species were studied. Measurements for total length, standard length, height of body, snout length, eye diameter, depth of caudal peduncle etc. were taken for each species. The counts of meristic characters such as number of scales, number of fin rays (branched or unbranched) etc. were also done. Identification of the collected samples - The collected fish samples were identified by evaluating their morphometric and meristic characteristics as well as the color of the specimens referring the books, Fish Base etc. The taxonomic guide by different authors were also used for their identification. Final preservation - Finally all the collected specimens were preserved in these glass jars with 10% formalin.

Source of Information: BANGLADESH RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL; ISSN: 1998-2003, Volume: 8, Issue: 3, Page: 203-214, May - June, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Improvement of fish habitat is essential in this very moment to conserve the valuable loaches of our country. Strengthening and enforcing fishing law is also essential. Considering the importance and biodiversity values, quantitative and qualitative study on the availability of loaches and thorough and countrywide habitat study are undeniable. Therefore, in-depth, long-term investigation on loaches is urgently needed not only for the conservation and rehabilitation but also for creating awareness among the policy makers to the government and non-government organizations, groups and general mass. This will pave the way for better-protected biodiversity of loaches. Biodiversity is a cross-sector activity where the contribution of each institution is important. Therefore, the Government, NGOs, national and international organizations should come forward to conserve and make the best use of our biodiversity.

Knowledge Management: Journal