Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science (한국수산과학회)
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First record of Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

  • Laxmi Sagar (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Karma Lodhen Wangmo (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Dhan Bdr. Gurung (Department of Forest Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Karma Wangchuk (Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Rinchen Dorji (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Rupesh Subedi (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Tshering Zangmo (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Pelden Dorji (College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan)
  • Received : 2023.03.29
  • Accepted : 2023.09.06
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

This study reports a new record of freshwater fish Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider) from Aiechu-Kalikhola tributary of the Maukhola river in Sarpang, Bhutan. The species was found in shoal of the tributary and was identified using its morphometric characters. It can be identified and distinguished from its congeners reported in Bhutan by dorsal fin rays XIX, 47, anal fin rays III, 52, rostral plates 28, pectoral fin rays 19, caudal fin rays 15, soft rayed part of dorsal and anal fin separated by a notch from rounded caudal fin, and presence of four ocelli at the base of dorsal fins. Further studies are needed to better understand its distribution, ecology, and population dynamics in the country. A key to species belonging to Mastacembelidae of Bhutan including the new record is provided.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Department of Forest and Park Services for granting clearance to collect samples and conduct the study. We would like to thank senior lab in-charges Mr. Sonam Moktan and Mr. Ugyen Tenzin for their assistance during specimen identification. We remain grateful to Mr. Kinga as well, fisherman Gelephu, Sarpang, Bhutan for all the technical and logistic support.

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