Length-weight relationships (LWRs) are reported for four freshwater fishes from the Koyna and Nira Rivers of northern Western Ghats of India. Specimens were collected using the cast and gill net (3.5-7.5 cm mesh size) during June 2017 to July 2018. The b values for LWRs varied from 2.941 to 3.336 (r 2 >0.96 and p < 0.0001 for all species).New maximum total length was recorded for Hypselobarbus kolus, which is presently categorized as vulnerable. The results provide baseline information for the sustainable management and conservation of the studied species.
Nematode parasites of the family Anisakidae infect definitive hosts, such as fish‐eating birds and mammals, through primary intermediate hosts like copepods and secondary intermediate hosts like fishes. However, consumption of raw or undercooked fish can lead to nematode infection called anisakidosis in humans. We observed the presence of nematode infection in hillstream loaches of families Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae available for human consumption in the local markets in the northern parts of Western Ghats, India. Scanning electron micrograph and genetic identification employing mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II, identified the nematode to the genus Contracaecum. Histology of infected host revealed the presence of the parasite in muscles. Antioxidant enzyme analysis of host liver suggested that infection leads to oxidative stress in the fish. We suspect that a gradual increase in parasite infection of the loaches in the last decade could be attributed to various anthropogenic stressors that are altering riverine habitats. Since loaches are consumed by tribal people who often prepare the fish without degutting and possibly undercooked, there is a potential threat of human infection.
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