EMPORIA STATE RESEARCH STUDIES Vol. 48, no. 2, p. 52-74 (2012) Fishes of Nepal: Mapping distributions based on voucher specimens Appendix II. Species in the orders Siluriformes, Cyprinodontiformes, Beloniformes, Synbranchiformes, Perciformes, and Tetraodontiformes OM H. SHRESTHA 1 AND DAVID R. EDDS 2 1. Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801. Present address: Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 <oms@okstate.edu> 2. Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801. Corresponding author <dedds@emporia.edu> Table of contents Order Siluriformes Family Bagridae (p. 53) Batasio macronotus Ng & Edds 2004 Batasio tengana (Hamilton 1822) Mystus bleekeri (Day 1877) Mystus cavasius (Hamilton 1822) Mystus tengara (Hamilton 1822) Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) Rita rita (Hamilton 1822) Sperata aor (Hamilton 1822) Sperata seenghala (Sykes 1839) Family Siluridae (p. 56) Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch 1794) Ompok pabda (Hamilton 1822) Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider 1801) Family Schilbeidae (p. 57) Ailia coila (Hamilton 1822) Clupisoma garua (Hamilton 1822) Eutropiichthys murius (Hamilton 1822) Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton 1822) Family Amblycipitidae (p. 58) Amblyceps mangois (Hamilton 1822) Family Sisoridae Subfamily Sisorinae (p. 59) Bagarius yarrelli (Sykes 1839) Gagata cenia (Hamilton 1822) Gagata sexualis Tilak 1970 Gogangra viridescens (Hamilton 1822) Nangra assamensis Sen & Biswas 1994 Nangra nangra (Hamilton 1822) Sisor rheophilus Ng 2003 Subfamily Glyptosterninae (p. 61) Glyptothorax alaknandi Tilak 1969 Glyptothorax botius (Hamilton 1822) Glyptothorax cavia (Hamilton 1822) Glyptothorax garhwali Tilak 1969 Glyptothorax gracilis (Günther 1864) Glyptothorax indicus Talwar 1991 Glyptothorax telchitta (Hamilton 1822) Glyptothorax trilineatus Blyth 1860 Myersglanis blythii (Day 1870) Parachiloglanis hodgarti (Hora 1923) Pseudecheneis eddsi Ng 2006 Pseudecheneis serracula Ng & Edds 2005 Family Erethistidae (p. 65) Erethistoides ascita Ng & Edds 2005 Pseudolaguvia kapuri (Tilak & Husain 1975) Family Clariidae (p. 65) Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus 1758) Family Heteropneustidae (p. 66) Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch 1794) Family Chacidae (p. 66) Chaca chaca (Hamilton 1822) Order Cyprinodontiformes Family Aplocheilidae (p. 66) Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton 1822) Order Beloniformes Family Belonidae (p. 67) Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton 1822) Order Synbranchiformes Family Synbranchidae (p. 67) Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton 1822) Family Mastacembelidae (p. 67) Macrognathus pancalus Hamilton 1822 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède 1800)
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 53 Order Perciformes Family Ambassidae (p. 68) Chanda nama Hamilton 1822 Parambassis baculis (Hamilton 1822) Parambassis lala (Hamilton 1822) Pseudambassis ranga (Hamilton 1822) Family Nandidae (p. 70) Nandus nandus (Hamilton 1822) Family Badidae (p. 70) Badis badis (Hamilton 1822) Family Mugilidae (p. 70) Sicamugil cascasia (Hamilton 1822) Family Gobiidae Subfamily Gobiinae (p. 71) Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton 1822) Family Anabantidae (p. 71) Anabas cobojius (Hamilton 1822) Habitat use: Known only from the Koshi River in eastern Nepal; quiet lowland waters over sand and mud substrate (Ng and Edds 2004). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Batasio tengana (Hamilton 1822) Assamese Batasio Family Bagridae Family Osphronemidae Subfamily Luciocephalinae (p. 71) Trichogaster chuna (Hamilton 1822) Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider 1801 Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton 1822) Family Channidae (p. 72) Channa gachua (Hamilton 1822) Channa marulius (Hamilton 1822) Channa punctata (Bloch 1793) Batasio tengana, KU 35240, 39.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Kanchanpur, Saptari, Sunsari Order Tetraodontiformes Family Tetraodontidae (p. 74) Tetraodon cutcutia Hamilton 1822 Species accounts Batasio macronotus Ng & Edds 2004 Batasio Family Bagridae Habitat use: Submontane rivers and ponds (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Mystus bleekeri (Day 1877) Day s Mystus Batasio macronotus, KU 34546, 85.6 mm SL Family Bagridae
Shrestha and Edds 54 Mystus bleekeri, KU 28623, 69.1 mm SL Habitat use: Streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); ponds, rivers, lakes, ditches (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998; Rasool and Suleman 1999); insects, mosquito larvae, mollusks, arthropods (Rasool and Suleman 1999); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds from April to August (Hossain and Haque Habitat use: Submontane streams (Khan 1934); muddy streams (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers, ponds, lakes (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, flooded fields (Daniels 2002); rivers, canals, ponds, ditches, inundated fields (Roy and Hossain 2006). Feeding habits: Mid-water feeder, algae, rotifers, crustaceans, pelagic insects and their larvae (Das and Moitra 1955); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Breeds from April to July (Hossain and Haque Mystus tengara (Hamilton 1822) Tengara Mystus Family Bagridae Mystus cavasius (Hamilton 1822) Gangetic Mystus Family Bagridae Mystus tengara, KU 28624, 64.6 mm SL Mystus cavasius, KU 28965, 75.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers, ponds in the plains (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Omnivorous (Nazneen and Bari 1982). Reproduction: Breeds from April to July with peak in May and June (Parameswaran, Radhakrishnan and Selvarj 1971); April to August (Hossain and Haque
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 55 Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) Striped Dwarf Catfish Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Kailali, Saptari, Sunsari Family Bagridae Mystus vittatus, KU 29576, 55.2 mm SL Habitat use: Streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Sheabbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); ponds, lakes, rivers (Molur and Walker 1998); ponds, streams, ditches, canals, flood waters, lakes, swamps with muddy substrate (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Mid-water feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); aquatic insects and other invertebrates (Daniels 2002); feeding on small fishes (Ahmed et al. 2007). Reproduction: Breeds in rainwater pools, ditches (Daniels 2002); April to August (Hossain and Haque 2005); December to August (Rajagopal and Davidar 2008). Rita rita (Hamilton 1822) Rita Habitat use: Rivers and streams (Khan 1934); rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937; Molur and Walker 1998); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); backwaters in tributaries of large rivers (Shrestha 1990); rivers (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Khan 1934; Molur and Walker 1998); insects and their larvae, young fishes (Khan 1934); bottom feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); insects, crustaceans, rotifers, algae, macrophytes (Laghari et al. 2009). Reproduction: Breeds from June to end of July, prolific breeder (Khan 1934); annual breeder (Molur and Walker 1998); during monsoon (Hossain and Haque 2005); July to August (Rajagopal and Davidar 2008). Sperata aor (Hamilton 1822) Long-Whiskered Catfish Family Bagridae Sperata aor, KU 29382, 110.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari, Udayapur Family Bagridae Rita rita, KU 29415, 126.6 mm SL Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers, ponds, lakes, inundated fields (Rahman 1989); large rivers, lakes, reservoirs (Menon 1999).
Shrestha and Edds 56 Feeding habits: Predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds in June and July (Khan 1934); April to July (Hossain and Haque Sperata seenghala (Sykes 1839) Giant River-Catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch 1794) Butter Catfish Family Siluridae Family Bagridae Ompok bimaculatus, KU 28625, 125.3 mm SL Sperata seenghala, KU 29592, 210.0 mm SL Habitat use: Rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937; Ratanatrivong, Anurakchanaachai and Rungpiboonsophit 2002); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); inundated fields (Menon 1999); large rivers, ponds, reservoirs, canals, flooded fields (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Carnivorous, feeding on fish eggs and fry (Khan 1934); mid-water feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); omnivorous, feeding on fishes and aquatic insects including dragonfly nymphs (Edds 1987); herbivorous (Rasool and Suleman 1999). Reproduction: Breeds in June and July (Khan 1934); January to April at 1 to 2 m depth along shore, excavating nest in sand-gravel, male guards fry (Ratanatrivong, Anurakchanaachai and Rungpiboonsophit 2002); before monsoon, lays eggs in nests (Daniels 2002); April to July (Hossain and Haque Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); lakes, ponds, rivers (Molur and Walker 1998); shallow rivers and ponds with mud and sand substrate in plains and submontane regions (Menon 1999); rivers of plains and hills, shallow, quiet waters, sandy streams (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Piscivorous, carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds in July and August (Khan 1934); monsoon (Daniels 2002); June to August (Hossain and Haque Ompok pabda (Hamilton 1822) Pabdah Catfish Family Siluridae Ompok pabda, KU 29585, 131.4 mm SL
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 57 Habitat use: Clear streams and muddy pools in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); small and large rivers of the lowlands, in slight current with some submerged plants (Edds 1985); rivers, ponds (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, streams, ponds, lakes (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Surface feeder (Das and Moitra 1955; Molur and Walker 1998); omnivorous (Nazneen and Bari 1982); carnivorous, piscivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds in July and August (Khan 1934); June to late July (Parameswaran, Radhakrishnan and Shelvarj 1971); during monsoon (Hossain and Haque Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider 1801) Wallago reservoirs (Molur and Walker 1998); prefers deep waters with mud or silt substrate (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Scavenger, voracious eater feeding on fishes, their eggs and fry (Khan 1934); carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, insects, small fishes (Chaudhary and Singh 2006); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds from July to August in shallow water (Khan 1934); before monsoon (Daniels 2002); May to August (Hossain and Haque Ailia coila (Hamilton 1822) Gangetic Ailia Family Schilbeidae Ailia coila, KU 29095, 81.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Family Siluridae Wallago attu, KU 12162, 195.0 mm SL Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers, reservoirs (Molur and Walker 1998); large rivers (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Surface feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Clupisoma garua (Hamilton 1822) Garua Bachcha Family Schilbeidae Habitat use: Fast and sluggish waters (Khan 1934); still, deep pools in clear streams and ponds (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); rivers, lakes, Clupisoma garua, KU 29108, 108.2 mm SL
Shrestha and Edds 58 Nepal distribution: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton 1822) Batchwa Vacha Family Schilbeidae Habitat use: Rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937; Molur and Walker 1998); rivers of the hills and lowlands (Edds 1993); large rivers (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Feeds on insects and their larvae, crustaceans, small fishes (Khan 1934); dobsonfly larvae, beetle larvae, caddisfly larvae, terrestrial insects (Edds 1987); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Breeds in March, ascends to cold waters to breed, lays eggs in shallow streams (Khan 1934); March to July (Hossain and Haque Eutropiichthys vacha, KU 29593, 175.0 mm SL Eutropiichthys murius (Hamilton 1822) Murius Vacha Family Schilbeidae Eutropiichthys murius, KU 29184, 83.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Jhapa Habitat use: Rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937; Molur and Walker 1998); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); large rivers (Menon 1999); large rivers (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Feeds on larval and adult insects and small fishes (Khan 1934); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); surface feeder (Daniels 2002). Amblyceps mangois (Hamilton 1822) Catfish Family Amblycipitidae Habitat use: Submontane regions (Khan 1934); rivers, streams (Rahman 1989; Molur and Walker 1998; Menon 1999); lakes (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Feeds on insects and their larvae and on small fishes (Khan 1934); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Breeds in June (Khan 1934); monsoon (Hossain and Haque Amblyceps mangois, KU 29101, 68.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Chitwan, Jhapa, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Morang, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 59 Gagata cenia (Hamilton 1822) Indian Gagata Subfamily Sisorinae Habitat use: Rivers in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); rivers in hills and lowlands (Edds 1993), in shallow, rocky riffles (Edds 2007); hill streams (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers over sand and pebbles (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, including caddisfly larvae (Edds 1987); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Breeds from April to June (Khan 1934). Gagata cenia, KU 29183, 53.2 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Jhapa, Kailali, Saptari, Sunsari Bagarius yarrelli (Sykes 1839) Goonch Subfamily Sisorinae Bagarius yarrelli, KU 29586, 147.7 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Kailali, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); rivers (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Omnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, plants, algal filaments, fish scales (Joaddar 2006). Gagata sexualis Tilak 1970 Koel Gagata Subfamily Sisorinae Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); rapids and rocky pools of large rivers (Menon 1999); large and medium-sized rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); rivers (Sharma 2008; Subba 2008). Feeding habits: Prawns, fishes, aquatic insects (Roberts 1983). Reproduction: Breeds from April to July (Hossain and Haque Gagata sexualis, KU 29479, 51.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari
Shrestha and Edds 60 Nangra assamensis, KU 29511, 79.9 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Lowland rivers with slight current over mud and sand (Edds 1985); bottom-dwelling in rivers (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Gogangra viridescens (Hamilton 1822) Huddah Nangra Subfamily Sisorinae Habitat use: Lowland, swift-flowing rivers over sand (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Nangra nangra (Hamilton 1822) Kosi Nangra Subfamily Sisorinae Gogangra viridescens, KU 29098, 70.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Morang, Saptari, Sunsari Nangra nangra, KU 29383, 48.4 mm SL Nepal distribution: Dhanusa, Morang, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sarlahi, Sunsari Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Nangra assamensis Sen & Biswas 1994 Nangra Subfamily Sisorinae Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b). Feeding habits: Bottom feeder (Molur and Walker 1998).
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 61 Sisor rheophilus Ng 2003 Kirkiree Nepal distribution: Kanchanpur Subfamily Sisorinae Habitat use: Hill streams, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers with shallow, rocky riffles and strong current in hills and lowlands (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Sisor rheophilus, KU 29109, 96.2 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Glyptothorax botius (Hamilton 1822) Telcapre Glyptothorax botius, KU 38561, 81.1 mm SL Habitat use: Fast-flowing rivers over sand (Ng 2003); lowland rivers over sand with some rock, in moderate flow (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Glyptothorax alaknandi Tilak 1969 Kapre Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Glyptothorax cavia (Hamilton 1822) Catfish Glyptothorax alaknandi, KU 28653, 51.2 mm SL
Shrestha and Edds 62 Habitat use: Hill streams, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers of the hills having strong current over shallow, rocky riffles (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Glyptothorax cavia, KU 29582, 86.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Baglung, Bardiya, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Parbat, Saptari, Sunsari, Udayapur Glyptothorax gracilis (Günther 1864) Catfish Habitat use: Rivers in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); hill streams, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); rocky riffles in rivers of hills and lowlands (Edds 1993, 2007). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Glyptothorax gracilis, KU 29001, 116.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Bhojpur, Chitwan, Dhankuta, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Nawalparasi, Palpa, Rautahat, Sankhuwasabha, Sarlahi, Syangja, Tanahun, Udayapur Glyptothorax garhwali Tilak 1969 Capre Glyptothorax garhwali, KU 29016, 116.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Baglung, Gulmi, Parbat, Syangja Habitat use: Rivers (Molur and Walker 1998); bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); rocky riffles of lowland rivers (Edds 2007). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Glyptothorax indicus Talwar 1991 Catfish
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 63 Glyptothorax indicus, KU 29432, 119.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Achham, Banke, Bardiya, Chitwan, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Rautahat, Saptari, Sarlahi, Sunsari, Surkhet Habitat use: Pools and rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1993); submontane streams, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Singh, Bahuguna and Bhatt 1993; Molur and Walker 1998), feeding on aquatic insects and their larvae (Singh, Bahuguna and Bhatt 1993). Glyptothorax trilineatus Blyth 1860 Three-Lined Catfish Habitat use: Torrential streams (Molur and Walker 1998); bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); rocky riffles of lowland rivers (Edds 2007). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Glyptothorax trilineatus, KU 29631, 65.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bhojpur, Chitwan, Gulmi, Nawalparasi, Sankhuwasabha, Saptari, Sunsari, Syangja, Tanahun Glyptothorax telchitta (Hamilton 1822) Telcapre Habitat use: Hill streams and sluggish streams (Rahman 1989); rivers of the hills and lowlands (Edds 1993). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Glyptothorax telchitta, KU 28813, 45.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Banke, Bardiya, Chitwan, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Rautahat, Saptari, Sarlahi, Sunsari, Tanahun Myersglanis blythii (Day 1870) Stone Cat Myersglanis blythii, KU 27888, 56.1 mm SL
Shrestha and Edds 64 Nepal distribution: Mugu, Myagdi Habitat use: Rivers with swift flow over rocky substrate in mountains and hills (Edds 2007). Feeding habits: Insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects including stonefly nymphs and caddisfly larvae (Edds 1987). Pseudecheneis eddsi, KU 36872, 84.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Tanahun Parachiloglanis hodgarti (Hora 1923) Torrent Catfish Habitat use: Known only from Nepal; hill rivers with swift waters over rocky riffles (Ng 2006). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Pseudecheneis serracula Ng & Edds 2005 Kabre Parachiloglanis hodgarti, KU 29045, 50.9 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bajura, Mugu, Myagdi Pseudecheneis serracula, KU 29554, 153.2 mm SL Habitat use: Rapid, mountain streams (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); cold waters, torrential streams (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Omnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Nepal distribution: Bajura, Gulmi, Kanchanpur, Mugu, Syangja, Tanahun Pseudecheneis eddsi Ng 2006 Kabre
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 65 Habitat use: Rivers of hills and lowlands, exclusively in broad, shallow riffles with swift velocity over cobble and pebble substrate (Ng and Edds 2005a). Feeding habits: Insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects including caddisflies (Edds 1987; Ng and Edds 2005a). Reproduction: Breeds in upper reaches of rivers during monsoon (Ng and Edds 2005a). Erethistoides ascita Ng & Edds 2005 Katakanti Pseudolaguvia kapuri, KU 29169, 26.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Dang Deokhuri, Jhapa Family Erethistidae Habitat use: Slow-moving streams (Molur and Walker 1998); mountain rapids (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Carnivorous, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998). Erethistoides ascita, KU 35016, 36.7 mm SL Nepal distribution: Jhapa, Udayapur Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus 1758) Philippine Catfish Family Clariidae Clarias batrachus, KU 29332, 117.0 mm SL Habitat use: Pebble and cobble riffles with moderate depth and current velocity (Ng and Edds 2005b). Feeding habits: No available primary literature. Nepal distribution: Morang Pseudolaguvia kapuri (Tilak & Husain 1975) Datari Family Erethistidae Habitat use: Over mud (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland lakes (Edds 1986a); rivers, ponds, swamps, ditches, slowmoving muddy waters (Menon 1999); buried in the bottom of streams, ponds, flooded rice fields (Daniels 2002).
Shrestha and Edds 66 Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Sinha and Moitra 1978; Molur and Walker 1998); omnivorous (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds from July to August (Daniels 2002; Rajagopal and Davidar 2008); prefers inundated paddy fields (Hossain and Haque 2005); May to July (Hossain and Haque Family Chacidae Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch 1794) Stinging Catfish Family Heteropneustidae Chaca chaca, KU 29118, 144.7 mm SL Heteropneustes fossilis, KU 29331, 103.4 mm SL Nepal distribution: Morang, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Rivers and ponds in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare, 1937); lowland lakes (Edds 1986a); ponds, ditches, marshes, swamps, rivers (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, lakes, ponds, ditches, flooded waters (Daniels 2002); ponds (Khan, Islam and Hussain 2003). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998; Chaudhary and Singh 2006; Ahmed et al. 2007); feeds on crustaceans, rotifers, adult insects and larvae, fish fry and fingerlings, mollusks, shrimps (Chaudhary and Singh 2006). Reproduction: Breeds during monsoon (Khan 1934; Daniels 2002; Hossain and Haque 2005) in ditches (Daniels 2002); multiseasonal (Rajagopal and Davidar 2008). Chaca chaca (Hamilton 1822) Squarehead Catfish Habitat use: Rivers and ponds in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937). Feeding habits: Sits on bottom and lures fish prey by wiggling maxillary barbels (Schifter 1965). Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton 1822) Blue Panchax Order Cyprinodontiformes Family Aplocheilidae Aplocheilus panchax, KU 28582, 37.4 mm SL Nepal distribution: Jhapa, Kailali, Morang, Saptari, Sunsari
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 67 Feeding habits: Mid-water feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); carnivorous, feeding on mayfly nymphs and fishes, including X. cancila (Edds 1987); omnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); mosquito larvae (Chandra et al. 2008); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Habitat use: Clear, shallow waters (Molur and Walker 1998); shallow ponds, canals, ditches (Daniels 2002); lowland backwaters (Edds 2007); at low altitudes (Chandra et al. 2008). Feeding habits: Filamentous algae, copepods, chironomids, aqutic insects (Sen 1937); larvivorous (Molur and Walker 1998; Chandra et al. 2008); planktophagous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Spawns on submerged aquatic plants (Breder and Rosen 1966); sexually mature in 4-5 months; breeds throughout the year; lays eggs onto floating, submerged plants (Daniels 2002); monsoon (Hossain and Haque Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton 1822) Freshwater Garfish Order Beloniformes Family Belonidae Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton 1822) Blind Fish Order Synbranchiformes Family Synbranchidae Monopterus cuchia, KU 29333, 490.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Morang, Saptari, Sunsari Xenentodon cancila, KU 29399, 112.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Chitwan, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Mud holes in rice fields in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); rivers and floodplains (Ahmed et al. 2009). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Builds nest on burrows at the beginning of rainy season (Breder and Rosen 1966); monsoon (Hossain and Haque Habitat use: Pools in clear, gravel-bed streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1993) with sand and mud substrate (Edds 2007); streams, rivers, ponds over rocks or sand (Menon 1999); surface dweller in clear, gravelly, perennial streams and ponds (Chandra et al. 2008). Macrognathus pancalus Hamilton 1822 Striped Spiny Eel Order Synbranchiformes Family Mastacembelidae
Shrestha and Edds 68 Macrognathus pancalus, KU 29395, 117.2 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Dang Deokhuri, Kailali, Saptari, Sunsari, Udayapur 2002); ponds, lakes, streams, rivers (Narejo, Rahmatullah and Rashid 2002). Feeding habits: Carnivorous, feeding on fish eggs and fry (Khan 1934); insect larvae, prawns, fishes (Hora and Mukerji 1936); mayfly nymphs, terrestrial dipterans, fishes (Edds 1987); Mid-water feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); carnivorous (Rasool and Suleman 1999); detritus, buried worms (Daniels 2002); predator (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds in July (Narejo, Rahmatullah and Rashid 2002); April to July (Hossain and Haque Chanda nama Hamilton 1822 Elongate Glass-Perchlet Family Ambassidae Habitat use: Streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1993, 2007); ponds, rivers (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers in the plains (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Detritivorous, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); insect larvae, annelids (Suresh et al. 2006). Reproduction: Breeds from April to July (Hossain and Haque 2005); May to August (Suresh et al. 2006). Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède 1800) Zig-Zag Eel Chanda nama, KU 28585, 53.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Chitwan, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari, Udayapur Order Synbranchiformes Family Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus armatus, KU 29584, 104.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Chitwan, Dang Deokhuri, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari, Tanahun Habitat use: Clear streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); rivers of the hills and lowlands (Edds 1993); streams and rivers over sand, pebbles, or rocks (Menon 1999); rivers with sand, pebble, or boulder substrate (Daniels Habitat use: Streams of the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); freshwaters with thick vegetation (Chandra et al. 2008). Feeding habits: Surface feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); fish scales, insects, microcrustaceans (Grubh and Winemiller 2004); mosquito larvae (Chandra et al. 2008); omnivorous (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds in March through July (Grubh and Winemiller 2004); March to October (Hossain and Haque Parambassis baculis (Hamilton 1822) Himalayan Glassy Perchlet Family Ambassidae
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 69 Nepal distribution: Jhapa, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Saptari, Sunsari Parambassis baculis, KU 29496, 37.2 mm SL Nepal distribution: Banke, Chitwan, Kanchanpur, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Clear streams and rivers in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); backwaters of lowland rivers (Edds 2007). Feeding habits: Feeds on mosquito larvae (Sen 1937). Reproduction: Male swims around the female during courtship display (Breder and Rosen 1966). Pseudambassis ranga (Hamilton 1822) Siamese Glassfish Family Ambassidae Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1993); ponds, rivers, lakes (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, ponds, ditches (Menon 1999); quiet waters over sand and mud substrate (Edds 2007). Feeding habits: Insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, including mayfly nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, and chironomid larvae (Edds 1987); carnivorous, column feeder (Molur and Walker 1998). Parambassis lala (Hamilton 1822) Highfin Glassy Perchlet Family Ambassidae Pseudambassis ranga, KU 29562, 40.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Parambassis lala, KU 28742, 28.6 mm SL Habitat use: Streams, ponds, inundated fields (Rahman 1989); lowland rivers (Edds 1993); rivers (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Surface feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); phytoplankton (Daniels 2002).
Shrestha and Edds 70 Reproduction: Breeds throughout rainy season (Daniels 2002); monsoon (Hossain and Haque Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Jhapa, Kanchanpur, Morang, Saptari, Sunsari Nandus nandus (Hamilton 1822) Gangetic Leaffish Family Nandidae Nandus nandus, KU 29103, 83.3 mm SL Nepal distribution: Kanchanpur, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Clear streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers and backwaters (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); rivers, ponds, ditches (Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Mosquito larvae (Sen 1937). Reproduction: Lays eggs on stones; male clasps female from below with his caudal fin on her pectoral fin (Breder and Rosen 1966); monsoon (Hossain and Haque Sicamugil cascasia (Hamilton 1822) Yellowtail Mullet Family Mugilidae Habitat use: Muddy streams and ponds in the lowlands, ditches, inundated fields (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); rivers, lakes, reservoirs (Molur and Walker 1998). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998; Pal et al. 2003); predator (Daniels 2002); feeds on insects, small shrimp, small fish (Pal et al. 2003). Sicamugil cascasia, KU 28952, 56.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Nawalparasi Badis badis (Hamilton 1822) Badis Family Badidae Habitat use: Lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers (Rahman 1989; Molur and Walker 1998; Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Omnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Badis badis, KU 28609, 39.5 mm SL
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 71 Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton 1822) Tank Goby Family Gobiidae Subfamily Gobiinae Glossogobius giuris, KU 28791, 56.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Bardiya, Chitwan, Jhapa, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Rautahat, Saptari, Sarlahi, Sunsari, Udayapur Habitat use: Ponds, lakes, ditches, paddy fields (Menon 1999); ponds, swamps, ditches (Molur and Walker 1998); lowlands (Edds and Ng 2007). Feeding habits: Mosquito larvae (Sen 1937); omnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998). Reproduction: Annual breeder (Molur and Walker 1998). Trichogaster chuna (Hamilton 1822) Sunset Gourami Family Osphronemidae Subfamily Luciocephalinae Habitat use: Streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1993, 2007); ponds, lakes, rivers in the plains (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, streams, lakes, ponds (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Surface feeder (Das and Moitra 1955); piscivorous, feeding on fish, adult and larval insects, shrimp (Piet and Guruge 1997); omnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); predator (Daniels 2002); carnivorous (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Lays eggs onto submerged logs (Daniels 2002); March to October (Hossain and Haque Trichogaster chuna, KU 28602, 30.9 mm SL Anabas cobojius (Hamilton 1822) Gangetic Koi Family Anabantidae Anabas cobojius, KU 29567, 80.7 mm SL Habitat use: Rivers and lakes with vegetation (Menon 1999); small, lowland rivers with sandy substrate (Edds 2007); rivers and lakes (Chandra et al. 2008). Feeding habits: Mosquito larvae (Chandra et al. 2008).
Shrestha and Edds 72 Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider 1801 Banded Gourami Family Osphronemidae Subfamily Luciocephalinae Trichogaster lalius, KU 29357, 18.5 mm SL (caudal fin damaged) Nepal distribution: Saptari Trichogaster fasciata, KU 28613, 45.8 mm SL Nepal distribution: Jhapa, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Clear streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b) and backwaters with submerged vegetation (Edds 2007); rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps (Molur and Walker 1998); rivers, lakes, prefers weedy habitat (Chandra et al. 2008). Feeding habits: Mosquito larvae (Sen 1937; Chandra et al. 2008); carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998); phytoplankton (Mitra et al. 2007); herbivorous (Tamot and Awasthi 2010). Reproduction: Breeds from June to October (Hossain and Haque 2005); March to October (Mitra et al. 2007). Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton 1822) Dwarf Gourami Family Osphronemidae Subfamily Luciocephalinae Habitat use: Ponds, lakes, ditches (Daniels 2002); lowland backwaters over mud substrate with submerged vegetation (Edds 2007); streams and lakes with abundant vegetation (Chandra et al. 2008). Feeding habits: Mosquito larvae (Chandra et al. 2008). Reproduction: Lays eggs within bubble-nest (Daniels 2002); June to October (Hossain and Haque Channa gachua (Hamilton 1822) Garahi Family Channidae Channa gachua, KU 29187, 88.0 mm SL Nepal distribution: Ilam, Kanchanpur, Morang, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari
Emporia State Research Studies 48(2), 2012 73 Feeding habits: Fishes, frogs, tadpoles (Khan 1934); carnivorous, feeding on shrimp (Edds 1987); predator, feeding on fishes, water birds, snakes, rodents (Daniels 2002). Reproduction: Breeds from April to June (Khan 1934; Hossain and Haque 2005); monogamous (Khan 1934); annual breeder (Molur and Walker 1998); April to June, lays eggs on floating nest made of plants and leaves (Daniels 2002). Habitat use: Rivers, ditches, borrow pits (Khan 1934); hill (Edds 1986b) and lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b, 2007); ponds, pools, lakes, rivers, bottom-living (Molur and Walker 1998); shallow streams hiding under rocks (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Khan 1934; Molur and Walker 1998); predaceous, piscivorous (Daniels 2002). Reproduction: Breeds from April to June (Khan 1934; Hossain and Haque 2005); monogamous, spawns in clear and sluggish waters, eggs laid without nest (Khan 1934); annual breeder (Molur and Walker 1998); shallow pools, throughout the year (Daniels 2002). Channa marulius (Hamilton 1822) Giant Snakehead Family Channidae Channa punctata (Bloch 1793) Spotted Snakehead Family Channidae Channa punctata, KU 29344, 90.4 mm SL Nepal distribution: Jhapa, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Morang, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Channa marulius, KU 12180, 177.0 mm SL Habitat use: Rivers, streams, slow-moving to swift waters (Khan 1934); lowland rivers (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937; Edds 1986a, b); ponds, lakes, rivers, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); large lakes, rivers, prefers deep waters with rocky or sandy bottoms (Daniels 2002). Habitat use: Rivers, streams, borrow pits, ditches (Khan 1934); muddy streams and ponds (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1993, 2007); ponds, pools, lakes, rivers, bottom dweller (Molur and Walker 1998); ponds, ditches, lakes (Daniels 2002). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998; Chaudhary and Singh 2006); insects, mosquito larvae, mollusks, arthropods (Rasool and Suleman 1999); predaceous (Daniels 2002); crustaceans, rotifers, adult insects and their larvae, fish fry and fingerlings, mollusks, shrimps (Chaudhary and Singh 2006); crustaceans, copepods, worms, small fishes (Ahmed et al. 2007). Reproduction: Breeds from April to June, lays eggs in a nest along the bank (Khan 1934); throughout the year, lays eggs in shallow waters with silty substrate (Daniels 2002); winter (Hossain and Haque 2005); annual breeder (Molur and Walker 1998).
Shrestha and Edds 74 Tetraodon cutcutia Hamilton 1822 Ocellated Pufferfish Order Tetraodontiformes Family Tetraodontidae Tetraodon cutcutia, KU 29094, 28.1 mm SL Nepal distribution: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Saptari, Sunsari Habitat use: Slow-flowing, clear streams in the lowlands (Shaw and Shebbeare 1937); lowland rivers (Edds 1986a, b); rivers (Molur and Walker 1998; Menon 1999). Feeding habits: Carnivorous (Molur and Walker 1998).