Population genetic structure ofudindigenous ornamental teleosts, Puntius denisonii and Puntiusudchalakkudiensis from the Western Ghats, India

摘要

Our riverine system, especially the torrential streams and riversudoriginating in the Western Ghats are known to have variety of ornamental fishes.udExcept for traditional taxonomic description we have little information on theseudspecies, their ecology, biology, life habits, life history and population structure.udThere is large scale depletion of habitats due to anthropogenic factors whichudaffect the ecosystems of these streams. At the same time, a growing trade inudornamental fish resulting in the exploitation of the resources from the wild stockudthreatening their existence.udOn account of this, Government of Kerala State has promulgated a ban onudthe capture from wild of one of the species Puntius denisonii (Day) during itsudpeek breeding season. The importance of learning more about the species such asudP. denisonii and its associated species has motivated me to take-up the presentudstudy, the subject of this thesis entitled “Population genetic structure ofudindigenous ornamental teleosts, Puntius denisonii and Puntius chalakkudiensisudfrom the Western Ghats, India.” My study has brought out some importantudfindings on P. denisonii species complex which I am sure will help towardsuddeveloping management strategies for conservation and well being of the species.