Research & Reviews: Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
MenuISSN: 2347-7830
ISSN: 2347-7830
+44-7723-59-8358 1Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi - 627 412, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103, USA
Received date: 19/04/2014 Accepted date: 08/08/2014
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Gonorhynchus mcclellandi was described from Bhavani River at the foothills of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and Manantawady River in Wayanad (Kerala), of Western Ghats (Jerdon, 1849). As there are no types available for all the species described by Jerdon from southern India, Gonorhynchus mcclellandi was redescribed by Silas (1958) and placed in the genus Garra. However, the species description and figure provided for G. mcclellandi seems to be doubtful as per the original description of this species. We collected one specimen from the type locality and upon close examination we found that the specimen was consistent in features as outlined in the description by Jerdon. Garra mcclellandi is part of the group of species of Garra in India having 16 circumpeduncular scales. This species is distinguishable from closely related species, Garra platycephala and Garra jerdoni, and diagnosed from all other species of Garra reported from Peninsular India. With the findings reported herein and the absence of any types for Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) we designate a neotype for the species.
neotype, Garra mcClellandi , mananthavadi River, Wynaad, Kerala.
Gonorhynchus mcclellandi was described from Bhavani River at the foothills of Nilgiris in the Tamil Nadu and Manantawady River in Wayanad (Kerala) part of Western Ghats [4]. The species is characterized (as per Jerdon) by having 36 scales along the body (lateral line) in 9 rows (lateral transverse) and a dorsal profile rising from occiput to dorsal-fin origin. Since its description the identity of this species has been largely controversial. Since no types are available for almost all the species described by Jerdon and revisionary studies are underway for the genus Garra it is now essential to designate a neotype for this species after a period of 163 years. Silas [8] tried to identify Gonorhynchus gotyla (Jerdon) and Gonorhynchus mcclellandi as Garra stenorhynchus and Garra mcclellandi, but the figure provided for G. mcclellandi appears untenable. Furthermore, a recent collection from Manantawady River in Wayanad contains a single specimen almost identical to G. mcclellandi as described by Jerdon. Here we redescribe G. mcclellandi based on the topotype and designate the specimen as neotype. We compared All recognized and valid species of Garra thus far reported from the Western Ghats, peninsular India, were examined and are compared to the species.
Abbreviations used herein include SL = Standard Length, HL = Head Length, ZSI/SRS/SRC = Zoological Survey of India/Southern Regional Station/Southern Regional Centre, F = Fish, FF = Freshwater Fish, MSUMNH = Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Museum of Natural History, (MSUMNH) in Alwarkurichi, India, CMA = Collection of M. Arunachalam. Methods for measurements and counts follow those of Hubbs and Lagler [3]. Measurements were taken to the nearest 0.1 mm using digital calipers. Body measurements are expressed as percentage of Standard Length (%SL); head measurements are expressed as percentage of Head Length (%HL). Distance between pectoral-fin origin and vent and distance between pelvic-fin origin and vent are also taken for the present study.
Meristic and morphometric characters such as disc length, disc width, central-pad length, central-pad width, post-dorsal length and body depth follow methods outlined by Kullander and Fang [5]. As noted by the latter authors, lip structures serve as important characters for the diagnosis and identification of most species of Garra and are also important in resolving phylogenetic relationships.
Figure 1:(a) Lateral view of Garra mcclellandi
(b) Ventral view of Garra mcclellandi
(c) Oral view of Garra mcclellandi in caudoventral aspect to show papillose upper lip.
Figure 2:(a) Line drawings of lateral (i), ventral (ii) oral views of Garra mcclellandi collected from Nulpuzha, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabini Drainage, Tirunelli, and Kerala
MSUMNH C-7, 1 ex. Male. 157.57 mm SL, Mananthavadi, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabini River, Kerala, India (N 120 13’ 0’’ E 760 54’ 39’’), Collectors: M. Arunachalam, P. Kumar and A. Johnson. 13 September 1998.
Garra mcclellandi is differentiated from G. jerdoni (Fig. 3) by a shorter caudal peduncle (7.6 in SL vs. 7.3 in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin insertion (4.5 vs. 4.9 in SL); shorter height of anal-fin (5.9 vs. 6.2 times in SL); deeper caudal peduncle (10 vs. 8.4 in SL); greater distance between occiput and dorsal-fin origin (4.3 vs. 3.5 times in SL); greater distance between occiput and pectoral-fin insertion (6.7 vs. 6.3 times in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin insertion and pelvic-fin insertion (5.7 vs. 6.5 times in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin origin and pectoral-fin insertion (3.8 vs. 4.4 times in SL); greater distance between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin insertions (4.0 vs. 3.3 times in SL); shorter distance between pelvic-fin origin and vent (6.0 vs. 7.3 times in SL); greater orbit width (4.7 vs. 3.5 times in HL); greater length of central pad (4.6 vs. 4.0 times in HL); and greater width of central pad (4.4 vs. 2.7 times in HL). (Table 1)
Garra mcclellandi can be distinguished from G. platycephala (Fig. 3) by a greater caudal peduncle length (7.6 vs. 6.9 times in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin origin and pelvic-fin insertion (4.5 vs. 5.0 times in SL); greater height of anal-fin (5.9 vs. 5.5 times in SL); shorter distance between occiput and dorsal-fin origin (4.3 vs. 4.7 times in SL); greater distance between occiput and insertion of pectoral-fin (6.7 vs. 4.5 times in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin origin and pelvic-fin insertion (5.7 vs. 6.7 times in SL); shorter distance between dorsal-fin origin and pectoral-fin insertion (3.8 vs. 4.4 times in SL); greater distance between pectoral-fin insertion and pelvic-fin insertion (4.0 vs. 3.3 times in SL); shorter distance between pelvic fin origin and vent (6.0 vs. 6.5 times in SL); shorter snout (1.7 vs. 3.4 times in HL); greater orbital width (4.7 vs. 3.5 times in HL); shorter length of central pad (4.6 vs. 4.0 times in HL); and greater width of central pad (4.4 vs. 2.7 times in HL).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from topotypes of G. mullya from Maharastra, South India by more lateral-line scales (35 vs. 32-34); more anal scale rows (7 vs. 3-4.5); and raised dorsal profile of body (vs. stright). (Table 2)
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from G. gotyla stenorhynchus in having greater number of lateral-line scale rows (35 vs. 33-34); greater number of anal scale rows (7 vs. 3-5); and no proboscis (vs. single median proboscis).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from G. bicornuta in having more lateral-line scale rows (35 vs. 32); more circumpeduncular scale rows (15 vs. 12); more anal scale rows (7 vs. 3-4); and no proboscis (vs. well developed bi-lobed proboscis).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) can be differentiated from Garra kalakadensis by fewer caudal-fin rays (9+8 vs. 10+9); more number of lateral-line scales (35 vs. 32-33); more number of circumpeduncular scales (15 vs. 12-14) and more number of anal scale rows (7 vs. 2-2.5).
It shows distinction with Garra surendranathanii by more number of branched pectoral-fin rays (15 vs. 12); less number of lateral-line scales (35 vs. 36); more number of pre anal scales (20 vs. 11-14) and presence of deep transverse groove on snout (vs. absent).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from Garra periyarensis by less lateral-line scales (35 vs. 38-39); more circumpeduncular scales (15-16 vs. 12); more circumferential scales (22 vs. 18) and presence of scales in chest and belly (vs. absent).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) showed differences with Garra menoni by presence of scales on chest and belly (vs. absent).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from Garra hughi by presence of pre dorsal scales (vs. absent); less number of lateral-line scales (35 vs. 36-37); presence of scales in chest and belly (vs. absent) and more number of scales between lateral-line to pelvic-fin origin (3.5 vs. 2.5).
It shows difference with Garra mlapparaensis by more branched pelvic-fin rays (8 vs. 7); more number of unbranched anal-fin rays (3 vs. 1); more branched pectoral-fin rays (15 vs. 12); less number of caudal-fin rays (9+8 vs. 10+9); less pre-dorsal scales (10 vs. 12); and more number of circumpeduncular scales (16 vs. 12).
Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) is distinguished from Garra emarginata by more unbranched anal-fin rays (3 vs. 1); more branched pelvic-fin rays (8 vs. 7); less number of caudal-fin rays (9+8 vs. 10+9); less pre-dorsal scales (10 vs. 11-12); more number of circumpeduncular scales (16 vs. 12) and less pre anal scales (20 vs. 26).
Body elongate and sub-cylindrical; body depth 5.0 times in SL. Head flat or slightly concave in the single largest specimen; its length 4.7 times in SL. Snout conical and smooth; its tip marked off by a transverse groove, and large number of prominent areas of tubercles; its length is 1.7 times in HL. Mouth wide; length of upper jaw 2.8 times in HL. Two pairs of barbels, rostral barbels shorter than eye-diameter; maxillary barbels rather rudimentary and placed in labial groove.
Dorsal-fin inserted distinctly nearer tip of snout than to base of caudal-fin; pre-dorsal-fin length 2.3 times in SL; post-dorsal-fin length 1.7 times in SL. Pectoral-fin length is about equal to head length; its length is 4.8 times in SL; pelvic-fin length 5.1 times in SL. Dorsal-fin origin is anterior to the pelvic-fin origin. Its upper edge concave and is moderately high 3.9 times in SL. Distance between pectoral-fin to vent is 2.3 times in SL; distance between pelvic-fin to vent is 6.0 times in SL; distance between pectoral-fin insertion to pelvic-fin insertion is 4.0 times in SL; distance between pectoral-fin insertion to anal-fin origin is 1.9 times in SL; distance between pelvic-fin insertion to anal-fin origin is 4.0 times in SL.
Caudal-fin deeply forked; upper lobe longer than lower lobe. Length of caudal peduncle 3.3 times in SL; depth of caudal peduncle 10 times in SL. Distance from vent to anal fin origin is 2.1 times to the distance between pelvic-fin insertion and anal-fin origin.
Mental disc well-developed; disc length 2.9 times in HL; disc width 2.0 times in HL; central-pad length 4.6 times in HL; central-pad width 4.4 times in HL.
Scales moderate-sized; lateral-line scale rows 35 (1); predorsal scale rows 10 (1); upper transverse scale rows 4.5 (1); scale rows from lateral-line to pelvic-fin insertion 3.5 (1); lower transverse scale rows 4.5 (1); circumpeduncular scale rows 16 (1); circumferential scale rows 22 (1); scale between vent and anal-fin, 7 (1); chest and belly scaled. Fins long; dorsal-fin rays ii, 8 (1); anal- fin rays iii, 5 (1); pelvic- fin rays i, 8 (1); pectoral- fin rays i, 15 (1).
In life, olivaceous, fading to yellowish on flanks and belly; black spot behind upper angle of gill-opening. Dorsal, anal and caudal-fins yellowish with grey markings; paired fins yellowish, with outer edges dark grey and margins orange.
In alcohol, dark grey above, paler beneath; black spot behind the upper angle of gill-openings; sides of young specimens with distinct dark mid-lateral stripe from opercle to base of caudal fin in; in larger specimens stripe merges with the dark grey of the upper half of body.
India: Cauvery drainage, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu and tributaries of Cauvery River in Kerala.
While reviewing the systematic position of Garra mcclellandi (Jerdon) based on his fresh collections from Cauvery River Silas [8] discussed G. mcclellandi as being characterized as having 35-37 lateral-line scales, 10-11 predorsal scales, 15-16 scales around caudal peduncle (circumpeduncular scales), 6.5-8.0 scales between vent and origin of anal-fin (anal scale rows), 4-4.5 scales between lateral-line and origin of dorsal-fin (upper transverse rows), and 2.5-3.5 scales between lateral-line and insertion of pelvic-fin (lateral-line to pelvic scale rows). The single specimen recently sampled from the Mananthavadi River in Wayanad possessed 35 lateral-line scales, 10 predorsal scales, 15 circumpeduncular scales, 4.5 upper transverse scale rows, 3.5 scales between lateral-line and insertion of pelvic-fin and 7 anal scale rows. All of these traits are within the ranges identified by Silas. However, Jerdon [4] described the dorsal profile as rising, slightly convex from occiput to caudal peduncle. The recently captured species that we argue to be G. mcclellandi has a raised dorsal profile. The figure by Silas of the specimen he thought to be G. mcclellandi (1958; p.529; figure. d) showed a flat and straight dorsal profile; however, the specimen from which this illustration is based could not be traced to the specimens collected by him in either the Zoological Survey of India or in any other institutes where he would have deposited specimens. In addition, Silas mentioned that his specimens of G. mcclellandi differed from G. platycephala Rao [6] in having 37-39 lateral line scales, but the holotype of the specimen in ZSI (F 9816/1) had 37 lateral-line scales as figured in the specimen; thus, the illustrated specimen in Silas is more consistent with descriptive information for G. platycephala and may actually belong to this species. The diagnostic characters of G. platycephala and G. mcclellandi are 3 unbranched dorsal-fin rays in G. platycephala whereas 2 unbranched dorsal-fin rays G. mcclellandi; similarly in comparisons as above number of unbranched anal-fin rays are 2 vs. 3; lower transverse scales 3.5 vs. 4.5 (are counted on a backward diagonal from the lateral-line to and includes the midline scale row between the anus and anal-fin. Hubbs and Lagler [3] and Silas [8] also mentioned that Hora [2] considered G. jerdoni Day and D. elegans Annandale as conspecific with G. mcclellandi.
G. mcclellandi differs from G. jerdoni Day in having fewer unbranched dorsal-fin rays (2 vs. 3), greater number of unbranched anal-fin rays (3 vs. 2), more rows of lower transverse scales (4.5 v. 3.5) and a greater orbit width. However, Hora [2] and Silas [8] synonymised G. jerdoni with G. platycephala. Based on our examination of types of both G. jerdoni and G. platycephala we conclude that both are distinct species.
In the original description of G. platycephala Rao, head length is almost 5 times in SL and in the collection from ZSI HL/SL was 4.9, and the width of the orbit is close to that presented in the original description. In G. platycephala the snout and the dorsum are flattened while in G. mcclellandi the dorsum is raised; G. jerdoni is already distinguished from these species based on meristic and morphometric characters above.
Shaji et al. [7], in describing Garra surendranathani from the Chalakudi River mentioned that G. surendranathani possesses spiny tubercles and that in G. mcclellandi the tubercles are in a rosette shaped. While tubercles in the present specimen are rosette shaped the dorsal profile of the head of the specimen of G. mcclellandi illustrated by Shaji et al. [7] is different from that of the present type designated herein. Moreover, there are no data on the collection of G. mcclellandi in the paper by Shaji et al. [7] and also the voucher specimens are not tracable either in ZSI, Chennai or in ZSI, Western Region, Kozhicode, Kerala.
Garra mullya (Sykes): MSUMNH – C2, Alwarkurichi, 4ex. 36.08-50.59mm SL; (Location: Bheema River, Krishnar River basin, Maharastra, India, putative topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 26.11.1998.
Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon): MSUMNH – C3, Alwarkurichi, 15ex. 87.23-126.16 mm SL; (Location: Nellithurai, Bhavani River, Tamil Nadu, India, topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 02.02.2001.
Garra bicornuta Rao: MSUMNH – C4, Alwarkurichi, 19ex. 59.6-138.5 mm SL; (Location: Thunga river at Thirthahalli, Karnataka, India, topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 19.01.2004.
Garra kalakadensis Rema Devi: MSUMNH – C5, Alwarkurichi, 10ex. 54.4-74.0 mm SL; (Location: Kalakad, Tamiraparani River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 10.02.2001.
Garra hughi Silas: MSUMNH – C6, Alwarkurichi, 10ex. 47.0-62.6mm SL; (Location: Perumalmalai Stream, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India, topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 07.05.1996.
Garra menoni Rema Devi and T.J. Indra: Holotype: ZSI/SRS, Chennai, F 553, 69.00 mm SL; (Location: Kunthi River, Silent Valley, Kerala, India). Collected by: R.S. Pillai. Date of collection: 19.01.1979.
Garra periyarensis K.C. Gopi: Holotype: ZSI, CLT, No V/F 9426, 156.00 mm SL; Periyar River, Thanikkudy, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India. Collected by: P.M. Sureshan. Date of collection: 07.11.1996. MSUMNH – C8, Alwarkurichi, 4ex. 142.5-160.1mm SL; (Location: Thuraiyar, Peachiparai range, Parambikulam Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India, topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 29.06.2009.
Garra surendranathanii Shaji, Arun and Easa: Holotype: ZSI/WGRS/9390, 147 mm SL; Orukomban, tributary of Chalakkudy river, Kerala, India. Collected by: Shaji, Arun and Easa. Date of collection: 12.03.1996. MSUMNH – C9, Alwarkurichi, 3ex. 111.35-122.09mm SL; (Location: Orukomban, Kerala, India, topotypes). Collected by: Dr. M. Arunachalam and Team. Date of collection: 20.12.2003.
Garra emarginata Madhusoodana Kurup and Radhakrishnan: Holotype: ZSI/WGRC/F2472, 85.72 mm SL; Pooyemkutti, Periyar River, Kerala, India. Collected by: K.V. Radhakrishnan. Date of collection: 11.06.2003. Garra mlapparaensis Madhusoodana Kurup and Radhakrishnan: Holotype: ZSI/WGRC/F2473, 74.53 mm SL; Mlappara, Periyar River, Kerala, India. Collected by: K.V. Radhakrishnan. Date of collection: 12.04.2002. G. jerdoni Day ZSI, Calcutta, F 1507, 160.56 mm SL; (Location: Bhavani River, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India). Type Specimen purchased from Dr. Francis Day. (As per label in ZSI)
Garra platycephala Rao ZSI, Calcutta, F 9816/1, 104.29 mm SL; (Location: Cauvery River, Srirangapatnam, Mysore, Karnataka, India).
Figure 3:Map showing collection site of Garra mcclellandi.
Table 1: Comparative morphometric characters of species of Garra from peninsular India.
Table 2: Comparative meristic characters for species of Garra from peninsular India.
We acknowledge the help of Mr. S. S. Mariappan, Drawing Master, Panchayat Union Middle School, Pothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and India for line drawings. Special thanks to Dr. K. Venkataraman, Director, ZSI Kolkatta; Shri. K.C Gopi, Scientist E, ZSI Kolkatta; Dr. B.H.C Murthy, Scientist B, ZSI Kolkatta; Dr. K. Illango, Scientist D, Officer in Charge, ZSI/SRS [now it is ZSI SRC, (Southern Regional Centre)], Chennai; Dr. Jayasree Thilak, Scientist C, ZSI/SRS/SRC Chennai; Dr. P. M. Sureshan, Scientist-‘C’, Officer-in-Charge, ZSI/WGRC, Calicut, Kerala for access to the collection of fishes and examination of species of Garra for comparative purposes.