Journal of Threatened Taxa |
www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 July 2022 | 14(7): 21409–21420
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893
(Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7683.14.7.21409-21420
#7683 | Received 01 October 2021 | Final
received 28 June 2022 | Finally accepted 04 July 2022
A checklist of fish and
shellfishes of the Poonthura estuary, southwestern
coast of India
Kiranya Bella 1, Pramila Sahadevan 2, Giri Bhavan Sreekanth 3 & Rajeev Raghavan 4
1,2,4 Department of Fisheries Resource
Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Panangad P.O., Kochi, Kerala 682506, India.
3 ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural
Research Institute (CCARI), Old Goa, Goa 403402, India.
1 kiranya.kikry@gmail.com
(corresponding author), 2 spramila@hotmail.com, 3 gbsree@gmail.com,
4 rajeevraq@hotmail.com
Abstract: A systematic checklist of fish
and shellfishes of the Poonthura estuary, Kerala,
India is provided including notes on their conservation status. This checklist
includes 66 finfish and five shellfish, belonging to 17 orders, 35 families,
and 60 genera. Carangiformes is the richest order (11
species, eight genera, and three families), representing 15.4% of the total
fish diversity. Carangidae, is the most diverse
family with nine representatives, contributing to 12.6% of the total fish
diversity. Following the IUCN Red List Categories, of the total 69 species
(excluding both exotic and transplanted fish species), 59 belong to the ‘Least
Concern’, while one species Pampus
argenteus is listed as ‘Vulnerable’, four are ‘Data Deficient’ (Megalops
cyprinoides, Arius maculatus, Cynoglossus
semifasciatus, and Epinephelus
tauvina) and five are ‘Not Evaluated’ (Nuchequula blochii, Channa pseudomarulius, Penaeus indicus, P. monodon, and Scylla serrata). Around 94% of the recorded fish fauna have
commercial value and contribute to subsistence fisheries throughout the year.
Taxonomy and diversity of fish fauna of least studied or isolated estuarine
ecosystems should be updated with proper documentation of their conservation
status, in order to design and implement pragmatic management and conservation
programs.
Keywords: Brackish water, fish diversity,
Ichthyofauna, Kerala estuaries.
Editor: J.A. Johnson, Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehradun, India. Date of publication: 26
July 2022 (online & print)
Citation: Bella, K., P. Sahadevan,
G.B. Sreekanth & R. Raghavan (2022). A checklist
of fish and shellfishes of the Poonthura estuary,
southwestern coast of India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 14(7): 21409–21420. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7683.14.7.21409-21420
Copyright: © Bella et al. 2022. Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and
distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the
author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: There is no specific
funding pertaining to this manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors
declare no competing interests.
Author details: Kiranya Bella is a PhD student at the Department of Fisheries
Resource Management, KUFOS , interested in marine conservation and ecosystem
modeling. Pramila Sahadevan is an assistant
professor at Department of Fisheries Resource Management, KUFOS,interested
in fish biology and marine conservation.
Giri Bhavan Sreekanth is
an scientist at CCARI, Goa, interested in ecological modelling and fish
conservation. Rajeev Raghavan is
an assistant professor at the Department of Fisheries Resource Management,
KUFOS, interested in aquatic biodiversity conservation and inland fisheries.
Author contributions: KB—collection of data, analysis
and preparation of manuscript; PS—overall supervision, guidance and manuscript
editing; GBS—data analysis and interpretation; RR—reviewing and editing.
Acknowledgements: We are grateful to Dr. Riji John, vice chancellor,
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Kochi, India, Dr. Rosalind George, dean, Faculty of Fisheries, KUFOS, and
to Dr. M.K Sajeevan,
head of the Department of Fisheries Resource Management for providing the
necessary help and support for the accomplishment of the present research work.
We are thankful to Dr. Anvar
Ali, assistant professor, KUFOS, for his help in taxonomic confirmation of
fishes which helped to improve the quality of this manuscript. We are grateful
to Dr. Karan Ramteke,
scientist, ICAR CIFE- Mumbai and Mr. Ashish Sahu, PhD
student, KUFOS for their technical help during the preparation of the
manuscript.
Introduction
Estuaries are transitional zones
between sea and freshwater that are inhabited by both inland and marine
species, including their juvenile stages (McLusky
& Elliott 2006; Elliott et al. 2007; Franco et al. 2008; Potter et al.
2010; Sreekanth et al. 2018). Compared to marine or freshwater systems,
estuaries are variable, complicated, and stressful habitats (Selleslagh & Amara 2008; Human et al. 2016; Kiranya et al. 2022). Many commercially important fish
species benefit from the highly productive nature of estuaries as their nursery
area (Harrison & Kelly 2013). Therefore, much emphasis is required to
protect estuarine environments so as to ensure the growth and survival of
commercially important fish and shellfish species (Elliott et al. 2007).
The estuaries, backwaters,
coastal creeks and large brackishwater systems
contribute to a significant part of fish production in India (Nair et al. 1983;
Tudu et al. 2018). The peculiarity of Indian
estuaries is that they are characterized by high species diversity with low
numerical abundance (Sreekanth et al. 2019). Poonthura
Estuary situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is comparatively
small and shallow, and is formed due to the formation of a sand bar near the
estuarine mouth (Kiranya et al. 2018). Previous
authors who worked on this estuary have reported its ecological degradation
mainly due to indiscriminate fishing and pollution from point and non-point
sources (Kiranya et al. 2018).
In Kerala, considerable number of
studies have dealt with taxonomic entities within estuarine systems, i.e.,
species composition, species distribution, and abundance, and spatial and
temporal variations in fish diversity (Bijukumar
& Sushama 2000; Harikrishnan
et al. 2011; Regi & Bijukumar 2012; Kiranya et al. 2018;
Roshni et al. 2021; Kiranya et al. 2022), with
many such studies concentrated on a single estuary, the Vembanad
Lake (Kurup & Samuel 1987; Menon et al. 2000; Harikrishnan et al. 2011; Roshni et al. 2021). There
is considerable knowledge gap on the
fish diversity and distribution patterns in many estuaries of Kerala, notably
in the case of smaller systems such as Poonthura
estuary, because of their isolated nature (Kiranya et
al. 2018, 2022). Considering this lacuna, the present study focuses on
presenting a comprehensive checklist of fish and shellfish species of Poonthura estuary, along with their systematic position,
and conservation status (according to the IUCN Red List). The increasing
availability of data on estuarine fish and shellfish fauna will facilitate
their use in greater detail to design and implement pragmatic strategies and
programs for estuarine fisheries management and conservation.
MATERIALS
AND METHODS
Study area
The Poonthura
Estuary (0.9 km2 long and 0.1 km wide) is one of the most
ecologically significant, and at the same time a polluted estuary in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (Kiranya et al. 2022). The
estuary is micro-tidal and partially mixed, with an average tidal range of 1.5
m, and separated from the Lakshadweep Sea by a sand bar at Poonthura.
The sand bar opens during the monsoon due to heavy discharge of water from the
River Karamana. During heavy river discharge and land
drainage during the monsoon, the sand bar between sea and estuary is either
naturally, or manually opened. Artificial breaching of the estuary is also a
frequent practice in this area to avoid flooding into nearby human settlements
(Kiranya et al. 2018). The Poonthura
estuary has also been undergoing severe ecological degradation with its bottom
being muddy with a pungent smell, due to the unmanaged disposal of municipal
sewage, land drainage, and industrial effluents (Kiranya
et al. 2018). Full-time, part time and migrant fishers of 200 families of the adjoing areas belonging to the traditional sector depend on
this estuary both directly and indirectly for subsistence, almost throughout
the year (Kiranya et al. 2018).
Sampling and analysis
The present study was carried out
in multiple phases from June 2016 to October 2020. Three sampling stations were
fixed based on the fishing activity, tidal influx, and drainage from rivers/
land. Monthly samples of fish and shellfish were collected from the selected
stations (Image 1). Sampling was
performed during early morning using 110 m surface and bottom set gillnets
(mesh size 30 mm) and 4.5 m cast net (mesh size 8 mm) (one sampling each using
both bottom set gillnet, surface gill net and cast net at a sampling station)
operated from a small plank-built canoe (3 m LOA). Identification of fish and
shellfishes were done at the species level by using published keys (Jayaram
1981; Fischer & Bianchi 1984). Identification of Channa
pseudomarulius followed Britz
et al. (2017). Taxonomic status and systematic position of fishes follow the Catalog of Fishes (Fricke et al. 2021) and World Register
of Marine Species database (WoRMS 2021). Vernacular
and local names of fish and shellfish species were collected from the
traditional fishers through questionnaires. The conservation status of fish
species is based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2021).
Voucher specimens and photo vouchers (of those species whose specimens were not
collected) are deposited in the Department of Fisheries Resource Management,
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India.
RESULTS
AND DISCUSSION
Total of 71 species (66 finfish
and five shellfishes) within 17 orders and 35 families and 60 genera were
recorded from Poonthura estuary (Table 1) (Image 2a–g).
The dominant fish orders recorded were Carangiformes
(15.4%) with 11 species followed by orders Clupeiformes
(14%), Perciformes (11.2%), Mugiliformes
(7.04%), Cypriniformes (7.04%), and members of the
crustacean order Decapoda (7.04%) (Figure 2). Comparable
results were recorded by Regi & Bijukumar (2012),
who observed that Perciformes, Siluriformes,
Clupeiformes, and Mugiliformes,
were the most common taxonomic orders in the Veli-Akkulam
backwaters which is the adjacent backwater system (13 km away from Poonthura estuary) and shares similar characteristics with Poonthura estuary such as small size, isolated, and
temporarily closed nature.
The dominant finfish families
recorded in Poonthura estuary (Figure 3) were Carangidae with nine species (12.6%), Clupeidae
with six species, Mugilidae and Cyprinidae
with five species each (7.04%), and Leiognathidae and
Ambassidae with four species (5.6%). The major
species within family Carangidae were Atule mate, Caranx
ignobilis, Alepes
djedaba, and Trachinotus
blochii.
Species such as Etroplus suratensis,
Oreochromis mossambicus, Gerres
filamentosus, Chelon
parsia, Mugil cephalus,
Arius arius, and Caranx
ignobilis represented the most common species of
the estuarine system, with Etroplus suratensis and Oreochromis mossambicus
being recorded throughout the year during the study period. The present study
also revealed the occurrence of two fish species having ornamental value, the
filament barb, Dawkinsia filamentosa and the silver moony, Monodactylus
argenteus.
Of the four species of
shrimps/prawns recorded from the estuary, Penaeus
indicus was the dominant species
followed by P. monodon and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The mud crab Scylla serrata
was the only representative of crabs that was observed in the local catches.
Based on the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species, of the 69 species recorded (excluding exotic and
translocated species) from Poonthura Estuary, 85.7%
(59 species) were under the ‘Least Concern’ category, one species was under the
‘Vulnerable’ category (Pampus argenteus),
four species under the ‘Data Deficient’ (Megalops cyprinoides,
Arius maculatus, Cynoglossus semifasciatus,
and Epinephelus tauvina)
and five under the ‘Not Evaluated’ (Nuchequula
blochii, Channa pseudomarulius, Penaeus indicus,
P. monodon, and Scylla serrata) categories
(Figure 3).
Several authors have studied
estuarine fish diversity of west flowing river systems in Kerala, most of them
pointing at the predominance of finfish species. Bijukumar
& Sushama (2000) presented an overview of the
ichthyofauna of the Ponnani estuary representing 112
finfish species belonging to 14 orders, 53 families, and 80 genera. Kurup & Samuel (1987) recorded 150 species of fishes
from Vembanad lake, while a recent study by Roshni et
al. (2021) reported 90 species of fish belonging to 17 orders and 40 families
suggesting a 40% reduction in fish fauna since 1980s. Raj et al. (2014)
reported 68 species of finfishes, five species of crabs, nine species of prawns
from the Ashtamudi estuary, and stated that pearlspot and mullets supported good local fisheries. From Chettuva estuary, Johny et al.
(2016) recorded 68 species of fish belonging to 45 genera while the diversity
of nearby Azhikode estuary was known to comprise of
30 finfishes (Harikrishnan et al. 2011). Fifty
species under 40 genera of finfish were recorded from the Akathumuri
backwaters (Satheesan et al. 2014). Regi & Bijukumar (2012) also reported the occurrence of two
non-native/ exotic species (Oreochromis mossambicus
and Clarias gariepinus)
from the Veli-Akkulam lake. According to the above
authors, O. mossambicus has dominated the
native fish species in many Indian water bodies due to its prolific breeding,
voracious feeding habits, and hardy nature.
The conservation and management
of Poonthura estuary necessitates a holistic approach
that takes in to account the ecosystem balance and function as well as the
restoration of the natural fish diversity of the estuary, thus ensuring fishing
activities that are economically viable in the long-term.
Table. 1 Checklist of fish and
shellfish recorded from Poonthura estuary, their
taxonomic position, common and vernacular names, IUCN Red List status and
voucher numbers.
|
Order/Family/Species |
Common name |
Vernacular name |
IUCN |
Voucher number |
I |
ORDER ELOPIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
1 |
ELOPIDAE (Ten pounders/Lady
fishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Elops machnata (Forsskål, 1775) |
Ladyfish/ten pounder |
Oluvia meen |
LC |
Photo voucher |
2 |
MEGALOPIDAE (Tarpons) |
|
|
|
|
|
Megalops cyprinoides
Broussonet, 1782 |
Indo-pacific tarpon |
Kannamalavu |
DD |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1041 |
II |
ORDER CLUPEIFOMRES |
|
|
|
|
3 |
CLUPEIDAE (Herrings, Sardines,
Sprats) |
|
|
|
|
|
Anodontostoma chacunda (Hamilton, 1822) |
Shortnose gizzard shad |
Noona |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1042 |
Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792) |
Spotted sardine |
Keeri chaala |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1045 |
|
Dayella malabarica (Day, 1873) |
Day’s round herring |
Kayal netholi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1007 |
|
Nematalosa nasus (Bloch, 1795) |
Bloch’s gizzard shad |
Kuthavu |
LC |
Photo voucher |
|
Sardinella albella (Valenciennes,
1847) |
White sardine |
Chappa chaala |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1044 |
|
Sardinella gibbosa
(Bleeker,
1849) |
Goldstripe sardinella |
Mullan chaala |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1043 |
|
4 |
ENGRAULIDAE (Anchovies) |
|
|
|
|
|
Encrasicholina devisi (Whitley, 1940) |
Devi’s anchovy |
Netholi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1046 |
|
Stolephorus indicus (Van Hasselt,
1823) |
Indian anchovy |
Vella Netholi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1047 |
|
Thryssa mystax (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) |
Moustached anchovy |
Mullan manangu |
LC |
Photo voucher |
5 |
CHIROCENTRIDAE (Wolf herring) |
|
|
|
|
|
Chirocentrus dorab (Forsskål, 1775) |
Dorab wolf-herring |
Mulluvaala |
LC |
KUFOS. FV.2017.1009 |
III |
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
6 |
CYPRINIDAE (Minnows and Carps) |
|
|
|
|
|
Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Bleeker, 1853) |
Indian carplet |
Vayambu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1002 |
|
Dawkinsia filamentosa (Valenciennes, 1844) |
Filament barb |
Kayal Paral |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1001 |
|
Labeo catla (Hamilton, 1822) |
Catla |
Katla |
TR |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1049 |
|
Puntius parrah
Day, 1865 |
Parrah barb |
|
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1050 |
|
Systomus sarana (Hamilton, 1822) |
Olive barb |
Kuruva |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1048 |
IV |
ORDER SILURIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
7 |
BAGRIDAE (Bagrid
catfishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Mystus armatus (Day, 1865) |
Kerala mystus |
Chillan thedu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1051 |
8 |
ARIIDAE (Sea catfishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Arius arius (Hamilton, 1822) |
Threadfin sea catfish |
Thedu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1003 |
|
Arius maculatus (Thunberg, 1792) |
Spotted catfish |
Kadal thedu |
DD |
Photo voucher |
9 |
HETEROPNEUSTIDAE (Stinging
catfish) |
|
|
|
|
|
Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) |
Stinging catfish |
Karuppan thedu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1004 |
V |
ORDER BELONIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
10 |
BELONIDAE (Needle fish) |
|
|
|
|
|
Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822) |
Freshwater garfish |
Chundu mural |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1052 |
11 |
HEMIRAMPHIDAE (Half beaks) |
|
|
|
|
|
Hyporhamphus xanthopterus (Valenciennes, 1847) |
Valenciennes halfbeak |
Kolaachi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1001 |
VI |
ORDER GOBIIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
12 |
GOBIIDAE (Gobies) |
|
|
|
|
|
Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) |
Tank goby |
Poonthi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1001 |
VII |
ORDER Incertae
sedis under Ovalenteria |
|
|
|
|
13 |
AMBASSIDAE (Asiatic
glassfishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède,
1802) |
Naked- head glassy perchlet |
Mullu nandhan |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1007 |
|
Parambassis dayi (Bleeker, 1874) |
Day’s glassy perchlet |
Nandhan |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1020 |
|
Parambassis thomassi (Day, 1870) |
Westernghat glassy perchlet |
Nandhan |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1006 |
VIII |
MUGILIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
14 |
MUGILIDAE (Mullets) |
|
|
|
|
|
Chelon parsia (Hamilton, 1822) |
Gold spot mullet |
Kadam maalvu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1008 |
|
Crenimugil seheli (Fabricius, 1775) |
Blue spot mullet |
Parichal |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1002 |
|
Mugil cephalus
Linnaeus,
1758 |
Grey mullet |
Maalavu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1055 |
|
Osteomugil perusii (Valenciennes, 1836) |
Long finned mullet |
Kadapola |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1053 |
Planiliza subviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) |
Green black mullet |
Kelayan |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1054 |
|
IX |
CICHLIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
15 |
CICHLIDAE (Cichlids) |
|
|
|
|
|
Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790) |
Banded pearl spot |
Karimeen |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1003 |
|
Oreochromis mossambicus
(Peters,
1852) |
Mozambique tilapia |
Piloppi |
EX |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1002 |
Pseudetroplus maculatus Bloch, 1795 |
Orange chromide |
Pallathi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1009 |
|
X |
ORDER CARANGIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
16 |
CARANGIDAE (Jacks and Pompanos) |
|
|
|
|
|
Alepes djedaba (Forsskål, 1775) |
Shrimp scad |
Thovi paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1011 |
|
Alepes vari (Cuvier, 1833) |
Herring scad |
Thali paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1022 |
|
Atule mate (Cuvier, 1833) |
Yellowtail scad |
Manjaval paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1008 |
|
Caranx heberi (Bennett, 1830) |
Blacktip trevally |
Karuppuvalan paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1023 |
|
Caranx hippos (Linnaeus, 1766) |
Common jack |
Neelan paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1007 |
Caranx ignobilis (Forsskål, 1775) |
Yellowfin trevally |
Velaa paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1009 |
|
Decapterus russelli (Rüppell,1830) |
Indian scad |
Kannan kozhiyala |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1012 |
|
Megalaspis cordyla (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Torpedo scad |
Vankada |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1024 |
|
|
Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch,1793) |
Big eye scad |
Kaata paara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1010 |
17 |
SPHYRAENIDAE (Barracudas) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sphyraena barracuda (Edwards, 1771) |
Great barracuda |
Cheelavu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1058 |
18 |
LATIDAE (Lates
perches) |
|
|
|
|
|
Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) |
Asian seabass |
Kalaanji |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1012 |
XI |
ORDER ANABANTIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
19 |
ANABANTIDAE (Climbing gouramies) |
|
|
|
|
|
Anabas testudineus
(Bloch,
1792) |
Climbing perch |
Karippidi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1002 |
20 |
CHANNIDAE (Snakeheads) |
|
|
|
|
Channa pseudomarulius (Günther, 1861) |
Great snake head |
Chaerumeen |
NE |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1010 |
|
|
Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) |
Striped snakehead |
Varal |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1003 |
XII |
PLUERONECTIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
21 |
CYNOGLOSSIDAE (Tongue fishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cynoglossus semifasciatus Day, 1877 |
Bengal tonguesole |
Nangu |
DD |
KUFOS.FV.2017.1004 |
22 |
SOLEIDAE (Soles) |
|
|
|
|
|
Brachirus orientalis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) |
Oriental sole |
Kuruvan nangu |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1011 |
XIII |
ORDER SCOMBRIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
23 |
STROMATEIDAE (Butter fishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788) |
Silver pomfret |
Vella avoli |
VU |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1059 |
XIV |
ORDER PERCIFORMES |
|
|
|
|
24 |
GERREIDAE (Mojarras) |
|
|
|
|
|
Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier, 1829) |
Whipfin silverbiddy |
Pulli prachi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1013 |
Gerres setifer (Hamilton, 1822) |
Black tipped silverbiddy |
Prachi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1014 |
|
25 |
SILLAGINIDAE (Sillagos or Whitings) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sillago sihama (Forsskål, 1790) |
Silver whiting |
Kalimeen |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1017 |
26 |
SERRANIDAE (Groupers) |
|
|
|
|
|
Epinephelus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775) |
Greasy grouper |
Kalava |
DD |
Photo voucher |
27 |
MONODACTYLIDAE (Moon fishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Monodactylus argenteus (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Silver moony fish |
Kannadimeen |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1004 |
28 |
LUTJANIDAE (Snappers) |
|
|
|
|
|
Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskål,
1775) |
Mangrove red snapper |
Velameen |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1016 |
|
Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål,1775) |
Dory snapper |
Pulli chemballi |
LC |
Photo voucher |
29 |
HAEMULIDAE (Sweet lips) |
|
|
|
|
|
Plectorhinchus gibbosus (Lacepède, 1802) |
Brown sweetlips |
Kaili |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1019 |
XV |
ORDER CENTRARCHIFORMES (Sun
fishes) |
|
|
|
|
30 |
TERAPONTIDAE (Grunters or
Tigerfishes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Terapon jarbua (Forsskål, 1775) |
Crescent perch |
Konankora |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2020.1015 |
XVI |
ORDER ACANTHURIFORMES (Surgeon
fishes |
|
|
|
|
31 |
LEIOGNATHIDAE (Pony fishes or
Slip mouths) |
|
|
|
|
|
Eubleekeria splendens (Cuvier, 1829) |
Splendid ponyfish |
Mullukaara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1061 |
|
Gazza minuta
(Bloch,
1795) |
Toothed ponyfish |
Chadhakaara |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1060 |
|
Leiognathus equulus (Forsskål,1775) |
Commmon ponyfish |
Kaara poochi |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1005 |
|
Nuchequula blochii (Valenciennes, 1835) |
Twoblotch ponyfish |
Paalkaara |
NE |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1062 |
32 |
SCATOPHAGIDAE (Scats) |
|
|
|
|
|
Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
Spotted butterfish |
Poola |
LC |
KUFOS.FV.2016.1006 |
XVII |
ORDER DECAPODA |
|
|
|
|
33 |
PALAEMONIDAE (Palaemonid
shrimps) |
|
|
|
|
|
Macrobrachium idella (Hilgendorf, 1898) |
Slender river prawn |
Koona konju |
LC |
KUFOS.CV.2020.1018 |
|
Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) |
Giant river prawn |
Kaalan konju |
LC |
KUFOS.CV.2017.1005 |
34 |
PENAEIDAE (Penaeid shrimps) |
|
|
|
|
|
Penaeus indicus (H. Milne-Edwards,
1837) |
Indian white prawn |
Naaran konju |
NE |
KUFOS.CV.2019.1063 |
|
Penaeus monodon (Fabricus, 1798) |
Giant tiger prawn |
Kara konju |
NE |
KUFOS.CV.2017.1006 |
35 |
PORTUNIDAE |
|
|
|
|
|
Scylla serrata (Forsskål, 1775) |
Green mud crab |
Kayal Njandu |
NE |
KUFOS.CV.2017.1007 |
LC—Least Concern | DD—Data
Deficient | NE—Not Evaluated | VU—Vulnerable | TR—Transplanted | EX—Exotic | B—Brackishwater | F—Freshwater | M—Marine.
For figures &
images - - click here (for full PDF)
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