Chapter 3 HABITAT PREFERENCE OF CRITICALLY

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


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


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


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


(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)


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


Fig. 5.13. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collection slte of G.rnenoni. Bharathapuzha rlver


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


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


Flg.3.17. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon slles of

"1 N.serniamalus- Kablnl and Bhavanl rlvers


Flg.3.18. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sltes of M.punctafus


FLg.3.19. Substrate dlstrlbutlon at the collectlon sites of C.dussumlerl


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


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


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


'~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

Documents

Chapter 3 HABITAT PREFERENCE OF CRITICALLY