Radiographic Revelations: Vertebral Profiles of Key Freshwater Fish Species in India

Abstract

The updation of the knowledge base on fish biology, enabled by advanced tools and computational techniques, is vital for the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources globally. The freshwater fish genetic resources face challenges of extinction in the wild and extirpation in their native distribution range due to habitat destruction, over-exploitation, menace of invasive alien species, aquatic pollution, and climate change. This study uses radiographic imaging techniques to explore the vertebral morphology of key freshwater fish species in India. By analysing the vertebral profiles of 161 commercially important freshwater species, belonging to 35 families and 12 orders, occurring across various river basins in the country, the study aims to establish a comprehensive baseline for species identification and comparative anatomy. The research highlights distinct vertebral characteristics, including variations in count, shape, and alignment, which are crucial for taxonomic classification, understanding evolutionary relationships, and applications in fisheries management. The findings also provide insights into the adaptive strategies of these species in their respective aquatic environments, besides schematic procedure of X-ray radiography and potential applications. This radiographic analysis and documentation contribute to the existing knowledge of ichthyology in India and are a valuable tool for future studies in fish biology, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices among stakeholders. The information will serve as a baseline and will be a useful guide to check for deformities in wild fish species in India and other Asian countries.