Biology of Hillstream Fishes

Biology of Hill stream Fishes presents for the first time a complete information on adaptational modifications in the structure and function of various organ systems of fishes to combat shallow, narrow channels with rocky beds and swift, turbulent and shooting water flow of the hill streams. This book can be used equally as textbook by undergraduate and postgraduate students and also as reference book by researchers interested in adaptational modifications of fishes with reference to hill stream ecosystem. The book also includes the phylogeny of fishes with varied adhesive devices, viz., true sucker of Garra discs of grooves and ridges of Glyptothorax, irregular grooves and papillae of Schizothorax. The readers will find it interesting to know the quantitative measurement of the sticking force of Garra with true sucker and its probable role in the anchorage of fish to the submerged substratum of the hill streams. The book includes interesting modifications in the gastro intestinal tract of hill stream fishes with herbivorous and carnivorous feeding habits. Surface ultra structure of food scrapes of Garra is interesting and an attraction for the readers. The book also includes details of the use of biocidal Terminalia sap for fish capture in the hill stream by tribals. Such fishing method disturbs the ecological status of the hill stream and causes mass killings of the biota, including fishes with unique adaptational modifications. Many interesting discoveries in the branchial organization occasioned by bark sap have also been made and reported in the book. The book includes many techniques for the measurements of gill dimensions, diffusing capacity and lamellar water flow and quantitative analysis of O2 uptake in relation to body weight.