A total of 315 samples of Macrognathus aculeatus (Bloch, 1786) were collected for this study from the river Ganga at Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh during June 2016 to May 2017. Chi-square test (χ2) confirmed that the male to female sex ratio was 1:0.93 which was not significantly different from hypothetical ratio of 1:1. The maximum numbers of stage IV gonads were encountered during the month of June indicated its spawning period. Mass and length ratio showed a negative allometric growth (b<3) in males (2.08102), females (2.50212) and for the sexes pooled (2.25371). The maximum and minimum values of condition factor for both the sexes of M. aculeatus were recorded during non-breeding and breeding seasons respectively. The ova diameter of ripe eggs of M. aculeatus ranged between 1.25-1.40 mm during the month of June while the single mean peak value (male =1.40 ± 0.091; female= 4.49 ± 0.059) of the gonado-somatic index of the fish pointed out that the fish has only one breeding season during monsoon. Absolute fecundity varied from 800 to 1510, with an average value of 1247 eggs. Fecundity was found to be highly correlated with the total length (r = 0.9041), body weight (r = 0.8901), ovary length (r = 0.8721) and ovary weight (r 0.9210) which were found to be significant

Background:Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) have got many biomedical and health applications because of biocompatible and nontoxic nature to humans.Objective:To synthesize the FeNPs using natural sources.Materials and Methods:In this study, simple and economical procedure was adopted for FeNPs synthesis. Sesame seeds were processed to obtain seed extract as a biological material for FeNPs production. FeNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopic.Results:The average diameter of these FeNPs was 99 nm. These nanoparticles showed significant anti-typhoid activity (30 mm zone of inhibition) as compared to ciprofloxacin (32 mm) as standard. Furthermore, in vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory assay also showed moderate antidiabetic activity with more than 50% inhibition.Conclusion:This study would be helpful in understanding of nanoparticles synthesis from natural sources and ultimately will be used as potential alternative therapeutic agents.SUMMARY Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized by Sesamum indicum seedsFeNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope with average diameter of 99 nmThese FeNPs are effective against Salmonella typhi, a causative agent of typhoidThese FeNPs can be used as antidiabetic agent. Abbreviations used: FeNPs: Iron Nano Particles; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy; MIC: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; S. indicum: Sesamum Indicum.

The present study was carried out to assess the ichthyofaunal diversity of Bakhira Tal, a natural wetland in the district Sant Kabir Nagar of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 31 species belonging to 23 genera, 9 orders and 21 families were recorded. Maximum number of species recorded was from the Order Cypriniformes (32.25%), which was followed by Perciformes (25.80%), Siluriformes (16.12%), Ophiocephaliformes (9.67%), Beloniformes (3.22%), Cyprinidontiformes (3.22%), Symbranchiformes (3.22%), Mastacembeleformes (3.22%) and Tetraodontiformes (3.22%). Most of the species recorded in the present study were under Least Concern (29) and two species namely <em>Wallago attu</em> and <em>Ailia coila</em> were found to be under Near Threatened Category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Gangetic hairfin anchovy, Setipinna phasa (Hamilton, 1822) were collected from river Ganga (Kanpur) and Hooghly estuary (Kolkata) to study the comparative reproductive traits (sex ratio, spawning season, gonado-somatic index, fecundity and egg diameter). Female outnumbered the male in the population of river Ganga but it was non-significant in the population of the estuary. Five maturity stages were identified in males and females of the fish of both ecosystems. Occurrence of multimodal (immature, maturing and mature) and uni-modal (matured) type of ova in the ovary of the fish of Hooghly estuary and river Ganga respectively and the values of gonado-somatic index confirmed the double and single spawning in a year in the fish in estuary and river respectively. The absolute fecundity was found to be higher in the fish of river Ganga compared to that of the estuary (P < 0.05). Linear and positive correlations between fecundity and the total length, body weight, ovary length and ovary weight were noted in the fish of both ecosystems (R2 > 0.90). The present study provides the comparative account of the reproductive and spawning strategies of S. phasa for the first time in favour of the proper management and conservation of the fish.

India is a 12 mega-diversity nation known for its biodiversity richness. The geographic territory of India is an integral part of Central Indian Ocean Region consisting of three distinct marine ecosystem zones such as the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. India is endowed with an exclusive economic zone of 2.02 million km2, coastline of over 8000 km and a variety of coastal ecosystems. The estimated number of marine fish species known from India constitutes 2443 species distributed in 230 families. According to the IUCN extant (2014), 50 species are threatened (6 of them critically endangered, 7 endangered and 37 vulnerable), while 45 are near-threatened. Marine fish diversity is in ever-increasing danger with depletion of resources. Overdependence on fish has led to overfishing resulting in the dwindling of diversity and abundance of stocks. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has initiated marine stock assessment practices in India and its present report in 2016 recorded a total of 709 species which is lower than 730 species recorded in 2015 in the landings showing an alarming situation on the exploited marine fishery resources of India. This situation demands restorative measures such as restocking, stock enhancement and sea ranching.