chapter 3 habitat preference of critically
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 3
HABITAT PREFERENCE OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED AND ENDANGERED HILL STREAM FISHES
Introduction
An insight into the fish-habitat relations in streams was a major concern of fishery
biologists. By identifying habitat conditions that limit standing stocks, biologists can
focus management efforts on specific protection, enhancement and mitigation practices to
improve habitat conditions that are limiting. Knowledge of fish-habitat relations can be
used to protect instream flows (Bovee 1982; Gore and Nestler 1988), and enhance stream
habitats (House and Boehne 1985).
The diversity of the fish community increases from upstream to downstream. A
likely reason for the increase in the number of species downstream is the increase in
depth of water in areas of lower altitudes and plains. Gorman & Karr (1978) found that
the changes in fish communities along a stream-order gradient are due to changes in
habitat characteristics, and may bc reflected by an addition to the number of species,
replacement of species or by replacement of relative abundance of some species with a set
of another species.
The distribution and abundance of a particular species in a particular habitat is
correlated with a number of factors. These include (a) Changes in physical factors
affected by altitude and gradient, b) influenced by stream size and depth, c) Changes in
biotic conditions such as food and vegetation, d) influenced by the disturbances such as
habitat alterations, human settlements with agricultural lands, pollution, exploitative
fishing etc., e) Substrate distribution along the stream bed f) riverside vegetation and land
use pattern (Hynes 1970). Four basic elements that determine the habitat at a sampling
site are a) climate, b) geomorphology, c) the riparian vegetation, and d) quality of the
stream.
In this study, the following physical features of the habitat were analysed viz;
habitat type, substrate, width and depth of streams, altitude, flow, land use pattern, cover
and disturbances. The habitat preference of all fishes collected are not included, but only
critically endangered and endangered species are discussed below;
Habitat preference of typical hill stream fishes
I. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FISHES
1. Puntius melanostigma Day
This species prefers fast flowing waters of hilly areas. Occassionally seen as
single or in pairs along the banks of streams at the bottom. This species was also
collected from very deep pools of the river. Mud (lo%), sand (40%), gravel (35%) and
cobble (15%) were the main substrates of the habitat (Table 3.1). The land use pattern at
the collection site was agricultural land and human settlements. It prefers mainly thc 4th
or 5th order streams flowing through moderately elevated areas.
Table 3.1: Physical features of the habitat of Puntius melanostigma Day
2. Tor tor (Ham.-Buch.)
It is widely distributed throughout India, but attains its largest size and abundance
in rocky mountain streams (Day, 1878). This species was collected from fast flowing
waters with sand-20%, gravel-15%, cobble-15%, boulder-20% and bedrock-30% as
major substrates (Table 3.2). It was observed to congregate in the fast flowing areas of
streams with deep pools. Bank stability was good due to the rocky nature of the streams.
- Physical features Habitat type Substrate (%)
- - -- --
~ h a v a n i river-~alkandi Run, pool mud-lo%, sand-40%, gravel-35%, cobble-15%
Depth (m) Altitude (m msl) Flow Land use Cover (Oh) Disturbances
0.20 m 85 very fast Agricultural lands 0 Intensive agriculture.
Run habitat with glides formed the habitat type. The land use pattern at the collection
sites was reserve forest, with shrubs and trees as riparian vegetation.
3. Horalabiosa joshuai Silas
Prefers high altitude streams. Run and glidy habitats were preferred. The
collection site was characterised by gravel-lo%, cobble-70%, boulder-15%, bedrock-5%
as the major substratum (Table. 3.3). The land use pattern at the collection sites of
Chinnar WLS was reserve forest with large trees and shrubs as the riparian vegetation,
while grass was the major riparian vegetation in Eravikulam National Park. This species
occurred in the narrow streams with low depths, moderately high coverage or canopy and
with moderate flow.
Table 3.2: Physical features of the habitat of Tor tor
I - . -.
Land use I Agricultural lands+road (L) and RF (R)
Physical features Chandragiri river-Parappa Habitat type Run, glide
Width (m) 120
1 Cover (%) ( 0 I a Disturbances
Table 3.3: Physical features of the habitat of Horalabiosa joshuai Silas
Altitude (m msl) Flow
80 verv fast
4. Chela fasciata Silas
Collected from flowing waters of midlands with mud-lo%, sand-15%, gravel-5%,
cobble-55% and boulder-15% as substrates (Table 3.4). They are seen mostly along the
banks of the streams having run and glide character with moderate flow throughout the
season. The moderate wide stream was with 60% canopy. The collection site was a
human settlement with rubber plantations and agricultural lands.
Table 3.4: Physical features of the habitat of Chela fasciata %las
. .
Disturbances I small check dam, exploitative fishing
5. Amblypharyngodon mola (Ham.-Buch.)
Restricted in its distribution to the Kabini river. It inhabits deep running waters of
hilly areas with mud-20%, sand-lo%, gravel-25%, cobble-5%, boulder-25%, bedrock-
15% as the main substrate (Table 3.5). They generally inhabit deep pools with high
stream bank shade and waters of low temperatures. Land use pattern at the collection site
was reserve forest, with shrubs and trees as major riparian vegetation. Bank stability was
excellent due to the rocky nature of the stream. There was no flow recorded as the stream
was dammed for preserving water for the animals in summer. The type locality of this
species w a s characterised by boulders and cobbles as the main substrate, near the
Athirapilly waterfalls. This species could not be located from its type locality during the
study period.
Table 3.5: Physical features of the habitat of Amblypharyngodon mola (Ham.-Buch.)
6. Homaloptera montana Herre
It is an inhabitant of high altitude streams with sand-$%, gravel-5%, cobble-70%,
boulder-15%, bedrock-5% as major substrates (Table 3.6). The stream was with'a run or
glide habitat type. Land use pattern at the collection site was reserve forest. The narrow
stream was with 85% cover resulting in a less temperature zone (Table 3.6).
Table 3.6: Physical features of the habitat of Homaloptera montana Herre
Physical features Habitat type Substrate (%)
7. Nemacheilus monilis Hora
Bharathapuzha river-Silent Valley Run, glide mud-0, sand-5, gravel-5, cobble-70, boulder-15, bedrock-5
Altitude (m msl) Flow Land use Cover (%) Disturbances
-According to Talwar & Jhingran (1991), this fish occurs in montane and
submontane regions. In the present study this species was collected fiom a narrow stream
with fast flowing water of a hilly area with a run, glidy and cascade type habitat. They
mainly prefer cobble-85%, mud-5%, sand-5%, and gravel-5% as major substrates, but
880 I
moderate Reserve forest 85 nil
were also found in rocky pools with a sandy bottom (Table 3.7). It prefers more shady
waters of narrow streams. Land use pattern at the collection site was reserve forest, with
shrubs and trees along side. This species has been reported only from the east flowing
rivers of Kerala.
Table 3.7: Physical features of the habitat of Nemacheilus monilis Hora
8. Batasio travancoria Hora & Law
This species is collected from midland areas, where sand-lo%, gravel-5%,
cobble-lo%, boulder-50%, bedrock-25% are the main substrates (Table 3.8). It is mostly
seen in crevices and on the underside of stones and rocks of rocky pools. Land use
pattern was teak plantation. Wider river stretches with moderately shady and poor flow
are suitable for their existence (Table .3.8).
Table 3.8: Physical features of the habitat of Batasio travancoria Hora & Law
9. Glyptothorax anarnalaiensis Silas
It is a an inhabitant of high altitude streams with cobble-70%, mud-5%, gravel-
5%, and boulder-20% as major substrates . The stream was with a run or glide habitat
type. Land use pattern at the collection site was reserve forest. The narrow stream was
with 90% canopy resulting a less temperature zone. Flow was very high due to the
steepness of the stream (Table 3.9).
Table 3.9: Physical features of the habitat of Glyptothorax anarnalaiensis Silas
Physical features Habitat type Substrate ( O h )
Bharathapuzha river-Kunthi Run, glide 1
mud-5, sand-0, gravel-5, cobble-70, boulder-20, bedrock-o
Altitude (m msl) Flow Land use Cover (%) Disturbances
890 Very fast Reserve forest 90 nil
1
B. ENDANGERED FISHES
1. Hypselobarbus jerdoni (Day)
This fish lives and breeds in streams of hilly terrain but also comes down to tidal
reaches to feed. Breeding occurs in small streams with sandy and weedy bottom (Talwar
& Jhingran, 1991). In the present study this species was mainly recorded from highland
areas of rivers with deep pools and ditches, with cobbles, boulders and bedrock as the
major substrates (Fig.3.2). This species was noticed mostly in the running waters, but was
also collected from pools at Walayar and Kottayadi (Table 3.1 1). They were abundant in
pools with good shade with a rocky bottom and with gravel and sand. This species was
seen mostly along the banks of rivers.
Table 3.11: Physical features of the habitat of Hypselobarbus jerdoni (Day)
-settlements; RF-reserve forest
Plate '9
a Typical habitat of Tor khudree
b Typical habitat of Barbodes c ~ a t i c u s .* I . * c
c Tv~ical habitat of Esoms, Rasabora genera
Fig.3.2. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collection sites of M jerdonl-Bharathapuzha rlver
60 1
Site 1
Uslle 2
site3
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I Flg. 3.2. Substrate distrlbutlon at the collection sites of
H. jerdonl -Chaliyar river 50 i
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Fig. 3.3. Substrate distribution at the collection slte of 0.brevldorsalis.
40 35
! iL, . $ 15
, , , , , I a 10 5 0
Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
Fig.3.4. Substrate distribution at the coliection slte of P.wynadensls - Kablnl river
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Flg.3.5. Substrate dlstrtbution at Ule collection sltes of B.carnalkus - Bharathapuzha rlvar
I Mud Ssnd Gravel Cobble 8ouMer Bedrock
Flg.3.5. Substrate dlstrlbutton at the collectlon sltes of 8.carnaUcus- Chandraglrl river
Mud Sand , Gravel Cobble Bwlder Bedrock 1 Flg.3.6. Substrate distribution at the collectlon sltes of P.denlsoni1-
1 Chandraglrl rlver
1 -
~ u d Sand Gravel Cobble BouGdw Bedrock
I Fig.3.8. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sltes of P.denisonll-
Vatapattanam river
Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock 1
2. Osteobrama brevidorsalis (Day)
This fish mainly prefers midland areas with boulder and bedrock as major
substrates (Table 3.12) and (Fig. 3.3). They prefer subsurface water. Occasionally seen as
single or as doubles along the banks of streams, rarely occuning in pools. Collection site
was a settlement area with some crop fields.
Table 3.12: Physical features of the habitat of Osteobrama brevidorsalis
3. Barbodes carnaticus (Jerdon)
This barb prefers rocky pools and runs with glides as the habitat type. Major
substrate in pools were boulders and bed rock, while boulders and cobbles. dominated in
the run-glide habitat type (Table 3.13) and (Fig. 3.5). It inhabits the streams with low to
high width and depth of moderately elevated areas. Youngones of this carp were seen in
groups along the banks of rivers and reservoirs, while mature carps were rarely seen along
the banks. They were abundant in streams with varying percentage of canopy.
River1 Collection sites 1. Kabini V ytiri
4. Puntius denisonii (Day)
This barb is popularly known as 'Kerala Queen' among the aquarists and prefers a
variety of habitats. Sand and gravel together constituted a major substratum at the
collection sites of Chandragiri river (Fig. 3.6). At Parappa, bedrock was the major
substrate and at Koyamad it was cobbles (50%) (Table 3.14). Substrate distribution along
river beds of Valapattanam and Chaliyar was sand and gravel. Except, Valapattanam, all
other habitats run along the agricultural lands with human settlements. P.denisonii
preferred a run, pool or glide habitat. It survived the fast flows at Thottipalam, inhabiting
along the banks. Most of the habitats of this fish were situated above 80 m msl.
Physical features Cover
20
Habitat type
Flow Substrate ("h)
Land use
Mod
Depth (m)
Width (m)
A1,Set
Altitude (m msl)
0.7 7 run. glide
70 M-10, S-5, G-10,C-15 B-25, BR-35
Table 3.13: Physical features of the habitat of Barbodes cariraticus (Jerdon)
River
1. Bharathapuzha
Physical features
b.Malamp- uzha
c.Walayar
2. Chandragiri a.Onayan- chal
b.Sulya
Cover ("h)
Al., Set
a.Kandampe ttv
run, glide
Rivers1 Collection sites
1. Chandragiri a. Koyamad
b. Kottayadi
c. Parappa
Land use
Habitat type
05 pool
Table 3.14: Physical features of the habitat of P. denisonii (Day)
run, glide
run, glide
pool
b. Kanichar
3.ChaIiyar a.Thiruvambadi
M-10, S-5, G-10.C-15. B- 2 5 , ~ ~ - 3 5 '
M-0, S-5, G-15, C-35,
Physical features
Substrate(%)
1.2 85
B45, BR-0 M-10, S-05, G-10, C-20, B-10,BR45
M-10, S-15, G-10, C-35, B-15, BR-5 M-5, S-5, G-10, C-20, B-35, BR-25
Habitat type
2.Valapattanam
pools
run
25
a.Thoflipalam
Width (m)
135
30
109
110
B-0, BR-o ' M-0, S-35, G-30, C-25, B-10, BR-O
M-10, S-75, G-15, C-0, B-O, BR-0
Very slow
0.1
Substrate (%)
riffle, run
Depth (m)
0.2
2.8
2.5
Width (m)
run
Pool
run, glide
78
450
155
Depth (m)
A1;Set; RF
Al; Set
A1;Set; road, RF
Altitude (m msl)
85
80
85
Flow Altitude (rn msl)
30
10
0
M-0, S-30, G-40. C-30.
1.2
4.5
Flow
Mod
M-0, S-10, G-20,C-50, B-20, BR-0 M-20,s-35, G-30, C-0, B-O, BR-I5 M-0, S-20, G-15,C-15, B-20,BR-30
Fast
Slow
Mod
Mod
Land use
1.5
3.0
2.5
105
200
120
85
120
100
RF
Cover (%)
RF
60
Al, Set
Al., Set
Al., Set
175
95
80
25 1.5
Very slow
Mod
10
10
5
Mod
Mod
Mod
115
RF
A1;Set
35
0
Flg.3.8. Substrate distrlbutlon at the collection sltes of P.denisonii - Challyar river
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Fig.3.7. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collection sltes of P.dorsalls - Bharathapuzha river
50 1 40
0)
30 2 asitel a,
20 a site2
e j , site3 10
0 c 1 Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Fig.3.7. Substrate dlstributlan at the collectlon sltes of P.dorsalh - 60 Bhavanl and Chaliyar rivers
50
a 40 3 5 30 P
20
10
0
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I 1 Fig.3.8. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sltes of L.adza -
Bhavanl and Kabinl rivers 1 4 5 7
1 Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
5. Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon)
This species prefer both wide and narrow streams with 15 -75% canopy. Cobble
dominated riverbeds followed by gravel and sand in the substratum (Table 3.15) and (Fig.
3.7). P. dorsalis was abundant in streams flowing through the reserve forests than
midland streams. The preferred habitat was run type and were also noticed in typical
glide habitats.
Table 3.15: Physical features of the habitat of Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon)
Near Arikode
6. Puntius wynadensis Day
Mostly prefers hilly areas with a variety of substrates like sand-lo%, gravel-30%,
cobble-4O%, boulders-15% and bedrock-5% (Table 2.16) and (Fig. 3.4). The land use
pattern at the collection site was agricultural lands. Habitat type was run with glides. It
inhabits the waters with average canopy (30%). They were not seen in groups and rarely
recorded from the banks of the streams.
Table 3.16: Physical features of the habitat of Puntius wynadensis
River1 Collection site
1. Kabini river a. Vytiri
7. Labeo ariza (Ham.-Buch.)
Glide
Inhabitant of east flowing rivers of northern Kerala. Mostly prefers hilly areas
with a variety of substrates like gravel, and sand as major substrates (Table 3.17) and
(Fig. 3.8). They were seen in the streams flowing through the Wyanad Wildlife
Sanctuary. Only noticed in higher altitudes. The land use pattern at the collection site was
reserve forest with shrubs, bamboo and trees as the major riparian vegetation. Coverage
Physical features
G-30, C-40, B-15, BR-5
was 85% and thus the water temperature was minimum.
Table 3.17: Physical features of the habitat of Labeo ariza
8. Labeopotail (Sykes)
Mostly prefers hilly areas with sand dominated substrate as in Bharathapuzha
Land use
AI; Set
Flow
Mod
river. In Bhavani river, gravel and cobble also formed an equal percentage as that of sand.
Cover (%)
30
Habitat type
Run,
Depth (m)
1
Altitude (m msl)
270
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-10,
Width (m)
75
Flg. 3.9. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sites of L.potall- I 8 0 7 Bharathapuzha and Bhavanl rlvers 1
Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
Flg. 3.10. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collection site of Efhermoicos- Bharathapuzha river I loo,
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I Flg.3.11. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the co[lectlon slier of G. gotyla stenorhyncus . Challyar and Bhavanl rlvers
Mud Sand Gavel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
Flg.S.11. Substrate dbtrlbutlon at the collection sttes of C.gotyla stenorhyncus- Kablnl rlver
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
(Table 3.18) and (Fig. 3.9). The land use pattern at the collection site was agricultural
land with human settlements at Punchola while at Mukkali it was reserve forest. with
shrubs, bamboo and trees as the major riparian vegetation. These fishes occur mostly in
high altitude streams.
Table 3.18: Physical features of the habitat of Labeopotail (Sykes)
9. Esomus thermoicos (Val.)
glide
This species was originally reported from the hot springs at Kanniya (Sri Lanka).
The present record is from a pond connected to the main river through channels and the
bottom was with mud and sand (Table 3.19) and (Fig. 3.10). The land use pattern is of
G-25, C-20, B-25, BR-0
coconut and arecanut plantation on one side and reserve forest on the other.
Table 3.19: Physical features of the habitat of Esomus thertnoicos (Val.)
10. ~ a r r a gotyla stenorhyncus (Jerdon)
River1 Collection site
1. Bharathapuzha a. Thutha
Mostly prefers hilty areas with cobble as the major substrate (Table 3.20) and
(Fig. 3.11). The land use pattern at the collection site was reserve forest with shrubs,
bamboo and trees as the major riparian vegetation at Vazhikadavu; while the typical
Physical features Habitat type
Pool
C (.?
n
Substrate (%)
M-80, S-20
Width m
20
Altitude (m msl)
75
Depth (m
2
Flow
Stagn ant
Land use
A1;Set
Flg.3.12. Substrate dlslrlbutlon at the collectlon sites of G, mcCllelland1- Bharathapuzha and Challyar rivers
m
C
site2 $ 30
20
10
0
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Fig. 5.13. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collection slte of G.rnenoni. Bharathapuzha rlver
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Flg.3.14. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sltes of B.mysorensIs
Flg.3.1S.Subshte dlsblbullon at the collecllon sltes of N. denlsonll- Bharathapuzha and C handraglrl rlvers
ao 1
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
forest trees and shrubs formed the riparian vegetation of the streams of Kabini and
Bhavani rivers. The fish was mostly seen in shady waters with more than 40% vegetation
cover.
Table 3.20: Physical features of the habitat of Garra gotyla stenorhyncus
11. Garra McClellandi (Jerdon)
It mainly inhabits fast flowing waters with a rocky substratum. All the collection
streams were located in the high altitude areas and the fish was collected from rocky
pools with running waters. Cobble, boulder and bedrock were the major substrates (Table
3.21) and (Fig. 3.12). Shrubs and trees were the main riparian vegetation. The fish is
adapted for life in the swift-running hill streams, where they maintain their balance with
the help of the small sucking disc on the ventral side of the body. They were dependent
on the algae and other organisms attached to the substratum.
Table 3.21: Physical features of the habitat of Garra mcClellandi (Jerdon)
River/ Collection sites
1. Bharathapuzha
Physical features
b. Malampuzha 1 I B-20, BR-20 I
12. Garra menoni Remadevi & Iudra
1
a. Thamarasseri
Prefers flowing waters, with cobble, boulder and bedrock as major substrate (Fig.
Co\ ("h)
RF
RF
a. Nilikkal
2. Chaliyar I Glide, I M-0, S-0, 1125 1 . 4 1480 I Fast RF 4 5
3.13). This fish mostly prefers high altitude areas with shrubs and trees as riparian
Flow Land use
Habitat type
60
65
950
550,
Cascade
vegetation. Bank stability was excellent due to the rocky nature of the stream (Table
3.22).
Mod
Mod
Run, Glide
Run, Glide
Table 3.22: Physical features of the habitat of Garra merroni Remadevi & Indra
Substrate (%)
I
G-5, C-20, B-65, BR-10
M-0, S-0, G-10, C-70, B-15, BR-5 M-0, S-20, G-0, C-40, ,
13. Balitora mysorensis Hora
Width (m)
River/ Collection site
1. Bharathapuzha
a. Valiyaparathodu
Inhabits streams of hilly areas with high altitudes. Cobbles and boulders form the
major substrate (Table 3.23) and (Fig. 3.14). The land use pattern was rubber plantation
on one side and human settlement with agricultural areas in lrumbanmutty and
Ayyappanpara and at Mukkali it was reserve forest. Grasses, shrubs and trees were the
major riparian vegetation. Bank stability was excellent. This fish preferred moderate
3
65
Depth (m)
0.2
0.5
Physical features
Altitude (m msl)
C (!
5,
Habitat type
Run, Glide
Altitude (m msl)
970
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-10, G-20,C-50, B-20, BR-0
Flow
Fast
Land use
RF
Width m)
3
Depth (m)
0.1
Fig.3.16. Substrate distribution at the collection sltes of N.evexard1- Kablnl and Bhavani rhrers
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Flg.3.17. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon slles of
"1 N.serniamalus- Kablnl and Bhavanl rlvers
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
Flg.3.18. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sltes of M.punctafus
I Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I
FLg.3.19. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sites of C.dussumlerl
Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
shady waters (25-75%). According to Talwar & Jhingran (1991) this fish inhabits
torrential streams.
Table 3.23: Physical features of the habitat of Balitora mysorensis Hora
1 I glide G-25,C-20, I I I 1 1 1 1
Rivers
1. Bharathapuzha a. Irumbanmutty
2.Bhavani
14. Nemacheilus denisonii Day
Physical features
1 a. Mukkali 3. Kabini a. Ayyappanpara
Inhabits narrow to wider streams with fast flowing waters. They mainly prefer
sand and gravel as the major substrate, but were also found in rocky pools with a sandy
Cove1 ("h)
30
75
Run, glide
bottom (Table 3.24) and (Fig. 3.15). Land use pattern was reserve forest with shrubs and
Land use
A1;Set
RF
trees along side in Nilikkal collection site; while in other sites, it was agricultural lands
Habitat type
Run, glide
Run,
B-25, BR-0 M-0, S-10, G-10,C-20, B-40, BR-
with human settlements.
Altitude (m msl)
230
540
Table 3.24: Physical features of the habitat of Nemacheilus denisonii Day
Flow
Mod
Fast
Substrate ("h)
M-0, S-10, G-10,C-55, B-25, BR-0
, M-0, S-30,
600
Width (m)
25
100
2.5
RiverICollection sites
1. Bharathapuzha a. Kallamala
Depth (m)
0.35
1 .5
b.Nilikka1 2. Chandragiri
a.Muliyar
310
Physical features
Run, glide
Run pool
Slow
Cover (%)
50
Habitat type
Run, glide
B-0, BR-0 1 M-0, S-20, G- 10,C-70, B-15, BR-5 M-10,s-30, G-40, C-0, B-10, BR-0
A1;Set
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-10, G-60,C-20,
25
3
20
Width (m)
150
0.2
0.25
Depth (m)
0.75
950
125
Flow
Fast
Altitude (m msl)
600
Land use
Al; I
Mod
Mod
Set
RF
Al; Set
6 0
40
Plate 8
d Typical habitat of Nemacheikrs spp.
T aypcar nao~rat af Bkavanla, G&ptothorar genera - - -
15.-Nemachdlus evezardi Day
This fish prefers high altitude streams, with cobble and boulder as major substrate by
residing among the interstitial spaces of the substrates (Table 3.25) and (1:ig. 3.16). Land
use pattern at the collection site was reserve forest, with shrubs and trees as riparian
vegetation. At Parappa collection site of Cl~andragiri river one side of the habitat was
occupied by agricultural land and road. The habitat in the reserve forest area was with a
good coverage of vegetation, while the habitat at Parappa, was disturbed by human
settlement and roads and had only poor vegetation cover.
16. Nemacheilus semiarmatus Day
According to Day (1878), this fish occurs at thc base of hills and in tanks. In the
present study this fish was collected from streams with fast Ilnwing water. Gravel,
cobbles and boulders were the main substrates (Table 3.26) and (Fig. 3.17). Temperature
was low. Land use pattcm at the collection site was reserve forest, with shrubs and trees
as riparian vegetation. These fishes were noticed in groups at the bottom of streams and
recorded only from reserve forest areas of high altitudes.
Table 3.25: Physical features of the habitat of Nemacheilus evezardi Day
River1 Collection site
1 .Bharathapuzha
Physical features
a.Nilikkal 2.Chandragiri
'rappa
Run, glide
Habitat type
run, glide
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-20, G-10, C-70,
Width (4
B- 15, BR-5 M-0, S-10, G-10, C-25, B-25, BR-30
Flow
3
Depth (m)
225
Land use
Altitud e (m
0.2
Covc (%)
2.5
msl) 950
80
Mod
Fast
RF 60
KF+ Al;set Road
15
80
Table 3.26: Pl~ysical features of the habitat of Nenracheilus sertziarmatrrs Day
17. Mystuspunctatus (Jerdon)
River1 Collection sites
1. Kabini
a. Kantikulam b. Valiyanaikatty
2. Bhavani
a. Mukkali
This fish prefers midland areas, with mud, sand and gravel as the major substrate
(Table 3.27) and (Fig. 3.18). The land use pattern at the collection site was human
settlements with agricultural lands. Grasses and shrubs were the major riparian
vegetation. They were recorded always from run habitats with slow to moderate flows,
having poor vegetation cover.
Table 3.27: Physical features of the habitat of Mystuspuactatus (Jerdon)
Physical features Habitat type run, glide
run, glide
Run, glide
b.Kulakattukurissi
a. Arikode 3. Kabini a. Agali
Substrate (Oh)
M-0, S-10, G-10, C-50, B-20, BR-I 0 M-0, S-10, G-10, C-45, B-25, BR-10 M-0, S-30, G-25, C-20, B-25, BR-0
Run
Width (m) 115
125
100
Depth (m) 1 .5
1.7
1.5
B-0, BR-0 M-5, S-25, G-SO, C-15, B-5, BR-0
Altitude (111 msl) 350
360
540
Covc (X) 35
55
75
Flow
Fast
Fast
Fast
75
Land use RP
RF
RF
0.80
I
A1;set 150 15 slow
18. Clarias dussumieri Val.
This species was recorded from midland area with rocky pools and nln habitats.
The habitats were mixed substrates with gravel dominating as in Nilambur, and bouldcr at
Agali (Table 3.28) and (Fig. 3.19). The land use pattern at the collection site was mainly
human settlements with mixed agricultural lands. Grasses, shrubs and bamboos
constituted the major riparian vegetation.
Table 3.28: Physical features of the habitat of Clarias drissuwicri
River1 Collection site
1 1. Chaliyar
a. Nilambur 2. Kabini
19. Glyptothorax madraspatanus Day
G-50, C-15, B-5, BR-0
This species was collected only from high altitude streams with low temperatures.
Cobble and bedrock formed the major substrate (Fig. 3.20). Land use pattern at the
collection site was reserve forest. This fish prefers well shady streams with low
temperature (Table 3.29).
. Physical features
1 Set
Table 3.29: Physical features of the habitat of GIyptothorax madraspatanus Day
Cover , (%) 45
15
Habitat type rocky pools
Run
River1 Collection site
'~haratha~uzha I
Flow
Slow
Slow
I a. Nilikkal 2. Kabini a. Bhavali
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-10, G-5, C-10, B-50, BR-25 M-5, S-25,
Land use RF
Al;
Physical features
Run
Width (m) 120
75
Habitat '
type Run
Width (m) 3
Substrate (%)
M-0, S-0, G-10, C-70, B-15, BR-5 M- 10, S-20, G-10, C-50, B-10, BR-0
Depth (m) 2
0.80
Altitude (mmsl) 85
150
Depth (m) 0.2
120
Altitude (m msl) 950
0.75
Flow
Mod
370
I
Land use RF
Slow
Cover (%) 60
1 RF 75
1
20. Hypselobarbus curmuca (Day)
It lives in the habitats almost similar to Hypselobarbus jerdoni. In the present
study this species was mainly recorded from highland areas of rivers with deep pools and
ditches, with cobbles, boulders and bedrock as the major substrates (Fig.3.21). They were
abundant in pools with good shade with a rocky bottom and with gravel and sand. This
species was seen mostly along the banks of rivers.
Table 3.30: Physical features of the habitat of Hypselobarbus curmuca
a.Thottipalam riffle, M-0, S-30, 1 85 I IJp--r IS@ RF 1 25 1 1 run 1 0-40. C-30.
2. Chaliyar a. Nilambur 45 rocky
pools M-0, S-10, G-5, C-10, B-50, BR- 25
120 2 85 Slow RF
Discussion
Substrate distribution along the stream bed is an important physical environment
for the life of fishes and other aquatic organisms, because they provide a surface to cling
to or burrow in, shelter from currents, get refuge from predators and form a habitat for
interstitial species. Most of the hill stream fishes are associated with rocky substrate for
their food and shelter, while the species restricted to the low land areas are mainly surface
or column dwellers, except for families like Gobiidae. The principal substratum along the
stream bed in low land areas consists of detritus, sand and mud.
Substrate, of course, depends on the parent material available, but there is a
general tendency for particle size to decrease as one proceeds downstream. In many
regions one finds larger stones and boulder in hilly areas, and sand bottom in low land
rivers. Even, the so-called 'muddy' rivers have mainly sand and fine gravel as their
substratum, and silt is found primarily in backwaters or during periods of reduced flow
(Hynes, 1970). The principal substrate distributed in the hilly areas are cobble, boulder
and bedrock with little percentage of sand and gravel, while mud and silt form the
substratum along the stream banks. The majority of freshwater fishes select hard
substraes for reproduction, and it is likely that the availability of substrate for spawning
affects the distribution and abundance of many fishes (Hynes, 1970).
Other parameters influencing the existence of a fish in its habitat are riverine
vegetation and land use pattern. Stream side vegetation reduces both sediment and
nutrient transport and shading by riparian forest canopy result in lowering the maximum
values of temperature in summer. If the land use pattern is a reserve forest, the stream
shade and stream bank stability will be greater. Modification of the land along river sides
fw culture increase erosion and pollution (agricultural run offf being a major source
Alutants to aquatic habitats). Four basic elements that determine the habitat at a
sampling site are a) climate, b) geomorphology, c) the riparian vegetation, and d) quality
of the stream.
Two commonly used approaches for assessing habitat arc regression based and
microhabitat based analysis. Each approach provides different information about the
habitat requirements of fish. Regression-based models identify general habitat features
(eg. stream size or gradient) that are correlated with fish abundance or size structure
(McClendon and Rabeni, 1987; Scarneechia and Bergersen, 1987). Although these
models identify the stream reaches where fish will be more abundant, but they do not
identify the specific habitat used by fish within the stream reaches. The latter information
is provided by microhabitat analysis that identifies specific habitat conditions (eg; water
velocities or depths) favoured by stream fish. Microhabitat variables most commonly
examined are depth, velocity, substrate, and cover (Stalnake 1979).
Regression based approaches often have been used in modeling fish-habitat
relations. These models were used by Scameechia and Bergerson (1987) to relate
salmonid productivity to habitat variables such as substrate diversity, width to depth
ratios, and area of zero velocity water in rocky mountain streams. Wesche et al. (1987)
used this approach to establish relation between the abundance of brown trout Salmo
trutta abundance and the amount of cover in stream channels. Lanka et a[. (1987) found
that geomorphic stream variables were significantly related to Salmonid standing stocks.
Regression modelling allows biologists to make predictions about standing stocks based
on significantly related habitat variables.
Microhabitat models also have been widely used to identify habitat requirements
of stream fishes. Shirvell and Dungey (1985) used microhabitat models\to establish the
habitat requirements of adult brown trout. Moyle and Baltz (1985) developed
microhabitat models for assemblage of fresh water fish in a California stream. Leonard
and Orth (1988) used microhabitat information from habitat guild representatives to
~tify stream flow requirements for protecting an entire fish community.
In the present study substrate distribution is considered as the main tool in
predicting the actual habitat of a fish. Most of the hill stream fishes preferred a rocky
substrate as their principal stream bed material. Habitat of a fish in different river systems
have shown almost a similar substrate composition at their habitats. IIypseloharbus
jerdoni preferred a habitat with cobble, boulder and bcdrock as their major bed materials
in both Cbandragiri and Bharathapuzha rivers. Burbodes curnuticus also preferrcd the
same substrate compostion of as that of H. ,jerdoni at their collection sites. Puntius
denisonii was noticed as an inhabitant of the habitats with sand and gravel as the major
substrate. It was not recorded from the bedrock area of Valapattanam and Chaliyar rivers.
While its' presence at the rocky habitats was recorded in Chandragiri river, but that type
of occurrence is temporary only. Puntius dorsalis, preferred the habitats with cobble and
gravel dominating the river bed. At the collection sites of Garra gotyla stenorhynchus
cobbles dominated the stream bed in all the rivers systems. Cobbles were the major
substrate type of genus Nemacheilus, mainly because that type of substrates provides an
interstitial spaces to live and hide.
Eventhough, most of the hill stream fishes preferred habitats with rocky bottom,
some of them preferred entirely different habitats of the hilly areas. Pangio goaensis was
noticed in a habitat with sand as the major component. Horabagrus brachysoma preferred
a habitat with sand, mud and gravel as the major substrate. Esomus thermoicos did not
prefer a rocky bottomed habitat. Thus substrate composition in a habitat determines the
type of the fish that it can harbours.
Table 3.--.Substrate distribution at the collection sites of endangered hill stream fishes of northern Kerala
1. Hypelobarbus jerdonii Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock
I. Bharathapuzha a 0 5 10 20 55 10
b 0 5 15 35 45 0 C 10 5 10 20 10 45
II. Chaliyar
a 5 15 10 45 25 0 b 10 5 10 15 25 35
2. Osteocheilus brevidorsalis a 10 5 10 15 25 35 3. 8. carnaticus a 10 5 10 15 25 35 I. Bharathaapuzha b 0 5 15 35 45 0
C 10 5 10 20 10 45 11. Chandragiri a 10 15 10 35 15 5
b 5 5 10 20 35 25 4. Puntius denisonii Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock IChandragiri a 0 10 20 50 20 0
b 20 35 30 0 0 15 c 0 20 15 15 20 30
11. Valapattanam a 0 30 40 30 0 0 b 0 35 30 25 10 0
Ill. Chaliyar a 10 75 15 0 0 0 5. Puntius dorsalis Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I. Bharathapuzha a 0 15 15 40 20 10
b 0 20 0 40 20 20 c 10 25 15 40 10 0
II. Bhavani a 5 25 15 50 5 0 Ill. Chaliyar a 15 15 40 30 0 0 6. Puntius wynadensis a 0 10 30 40 15 5 7.Labeo ariza a 0 30 25 20 25 0 I 11. Kabini a 0 10 30 40 15 5 8. Labeo potail I. Bharathapuzha a 15 70 15 0 0 0 11. Bhavani a 0 30 25 20 25 0 9. Esomus thermoicos I.Bharathapuzha a 80 20 0 0 0 0 10. Garra gotyla stenorghyncus Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I. Chaliyar a 0 5 15 60 20 0 II Kabini a 0 10 10 50 20 10
b 10 20 10 50 10 0 Ill. Bhavani a 0 30 25 20 25 0 11. Garra mc~lellanch Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I. Bharathapuzha a 0 0 10 70 15 5
b 0 20 0 40 20 11, -1 0
20 a 0 0 5 20 65 10
12. Gar.. qenoni I. Bharathapuzha a 0 10 20 50 20 0 13. Balitora mysorensis I. Bharathapuzha a 0 10 10 55 25 0 II. Bhavani a 0 30 25 20 25 0 Ill. Kabini a 0 10 10 20 40 40 14. Nemacheilus denisonii Mud Sand Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock I. Bharathapuzha a 0 10 60 20 0 0
b 0 20 10 70 15 5
II. Chandragiri a 15. Nemacheilus evezardi I. Bharathapuzha a 11. Chandragiri a 16. Nemacheilus semiarmatus I. Kabini a
b II. Bhavani a 17. Mystus punctatus I. Bharathapuzha a
b II. Chaliyar a Ill. Kabini a f 8. Clarias dussumieri I. Chaliyar a II. Kabini a 19. Glyptothorax madraspatanus I. Bharathapuzha
a II. Kabini
a 20. Hypselobarbus jerdoni I. Bharathapuzha a
b C
0 0 0
Mud Sand 15 20 20
5
10 10 50 20 10 10 10 45 25 10 30 25 20 25 0
Gravel Cobble Boulder Bedrock 50 35 0 0 0 50 30 0 0 0 65 15 0 0 0 25 50 15 5 0