FRESH WATER FISHES OF INDIA

Number of freshwater fish species: 801, The Fresh water fish resource of Andhra Pradesh

constitutes 6 orders 25 families and 160 species. There are many species like Oriochromis, Grass carp, common carp, silver carp, etc. that have been introduced in the inland water of Maharashtra. The entire region comes under 4 basins viz. Narmada, Tapti, Godavari and Krishna. The following are the examples:

A. Indigenous major carps 1. Catla catla Found on the surface of lake, ponds, tanks, dams and all others fresh water resources. 2. Lebeo rohita Found on the column of lakes, ponds, tanks, dams and all others fresh water resources. 3. Cirrhinus mrigala Found at the bottom of lakes, ponds tanks, dams etc. 4. Lebeo bata Found at the bottom of different water resources. 5. Labeo calbasu Found at the bottom region of different fresh water resources. B. Exotic carps 1. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Found on the surface of water resources. 2. Cyprinus carpio var. specularis. Found at the bottom region of water resources. 3. Cyprinus carpio var. communis Found at the bottom region of different water resources. 4. Ctenopharyngodon idella Found in column region of different fresh water resources. 5. Tilapia mossambicus. Dwelling at the bottom region of different water resources. C. Air breathing fishes 1. Clarias batrachus Found in muddy places and at the bottom of fresh water resources. 2. Heteropneustes fossilis Found in muddy places and at the bottom of fresh water resources. 3. Channa punctatus Specially found in muddy places during rainy season and in the bottom of fresh water resources. 4. Channa gachua Found in muddy places and in the bottom region of different water resources. 5. Channa striatus Found in muddy places, at the bottom of different water resources.. 6. Channa marulius Found in muddy places in least number, at the bottom region of Ponds, Lakes and Dam. 7. Wallago attu Found in column region of Ponds,Lake, and Dam

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF FISHES Fishes are evolved from primitive chordates. These chordates having following charactgerisitics: Dorsal, hollow nerve chord, Notochard and Pharyngeal gill slits.

The first fishes are evolved in the following order

Where did fish evolved: Generally belived to be in ocean because, Habitat of other chordates and marine deposits contain most early vertebrate fossils. Many fish evolved during the Devonian period including: The abundant acanthodians, placoderms, ostracoderms and other fish groups.

CLASSIFICATION OF FISHES

Fish, the member of the Animalia Kingdom is classified into Phylum Chordata and Vertebrata Subphylum. Fishes poses notochord, tubular nerve chord, paired gills, segmentation of the body parts, post anal tail, ventral heart, and an endoskeleton to be the member of the Chordata. In order to be a vertebrate, it poses backbone. This back bone supports and protects the spinal cord. All the species of the fish found in the world are classified into the following three groups. They are: Agnatha - jawless fish Chrondrichthyes - cartilaginous fish Osteichthyes - bony fish o Ray finned group o Lobe finned group About 50 species of Agnatha fish, 600 species of Chrondrichthyes fish and 30,000 species of Osteichthyes fish are found in the world. Most of the fishes in the bony group belong to the ray finned group. According to the biologist there are about 70 fish orders are found in the world. Sharks and rays; sturgeon and gars; herring-like fishes; trout and salmon; eels, minnows, suckers, and catfish; flying fish and relatives; cod-like fish; flatfish; seahorses and relatives; mullets, silversides, and barracuda; and mackerels and tunas are the main group of fishes. A) Agnathan Phylum: chordate Subphylum vertebrata Agnathan are jawless fish and lack paired fins. They also lack the internal skeleton system. They have a circular tooth mouth (cyclostomic) by which they bore the body of their victim and suck their blood. These are classified in to two major types. They are Hagfish and Lampreys. Characteristic of Agnatha Jaws are absent Paired fins are absent Bony scales and skin plates were present in the ancient species but are absent in the living species Gill pouches are present. They have seven or more pouches Stomach is absent in the digestive system B) Chrondrichthyes Phylum: chordate

Subphylum vertebrata Fearsome predators and harmless mollusc eaters are the members of the Chrondrichthyes. The member of the cartilaginous fish poses true bone and also poses a skeleton made up of cartilage. Only the teeth of this species and rarely the vertebrae are calcified. Sharks, Skates, and Rays make up the group of chrondrichthyes C) Osteichthyes Phylum: chordate Subphylum vertebrata About 30000 species of bony fish are found in this class. Fishes that belong to this species are spindle shaped, oval in section and flattened. Skins are protected by protective scales. Some fishes of this category have actual lungs to breathe and also have sharp eyesight. These bony fishes have a special gas filled chamber called airbladder housed under the skeleton to allow them to remain buoyant. Another adaptation is operculum, a bone on the sides of the fish to protect the chambers that house the gills. Bony fish are again classified into ray finned and lobe finned fish. Ray finned fish have thin, flexible skeleton rays. Lobe finned fish have muscular fins supported by bones. Bony fish fertilizes either internally or externally. Two types of eggs are laid by the bony fish. They are the eggs that float and the eggs that sink. Characteristic of Osteichthyes Have more or less bony skeleton and numerous vertebrae Mucous glands and embedded dermal scales are present in the skin Have paired fins Jaws are present Gill arches support the gills and are protected by the operculum Lungfish, Eels, Acrp, Lizardfish, Silversides and Salmon form the class of bony fish

TYPES OF FISHES Fishes are oldest aquatic vertebrates found all over the globe. Nearly 500 million years ago the first fish appeared on the earth. Today fishes make up the largest group of vertebrates with 24,000 species. Fishes have their habitats in lakes, streams, oceans, and estuaries. In 1991 it was estimated that 2546 species of fish populated the world. Out of which 969 belong to genera, 254 families, and 40 orders. Around 80% of fish population around the globe was represented by the Indian fishes. Fishes are capable of living in both fresh and marine water.

Depending upon the habitats and characteristics there are a variety of fish available on the world. Fresh water, tropical, marine, cold water and aquarium fish are the major types of fishes. Fresh water fish: These fishes are found in the water bodies such as lakes and rivers in which the salinity is less than 0.05%. About 41 species of the fishes belong to the fresh water habitat. Some of them are bala sharks, betta fish, candiru fish, gold fish, and oscur fish. Marine fish: Fishes that are capable of living in the sea water are known as marine fish. About 15,000 species belong to the marine species. Tropical climate is required for most of the marine fish to survive. Every species of the marine creature have their own appearance, environmental needs, nutritional requirements, reproduction capability, and compatibility. Blue whale, dolphin, cuttle fish, jelly fish, loin fish and star fish are the major marine fish species. Tropical fish: These fishes require warm and tropical climate to survive. Both freshwater and saltwater species come under this category. Because of their bright coloration they act a popular aquarium fishes. Angel and gold fish are more famous for the aquarium environment. FISH DISEASES Disease means any deviation from the normal physiological state of the body. This deviation is caused by stress. Stress means the factor, which may reduce the resistance of the host against the infections. BACTERIAL FISH DISEASES There are a number of bacterial diseases occurring among the cultivated fish. The common ones occurring in India are briefly described here. 1. Tail and fin rot As the name indicates this disease is characterized by the white margins on the fins and putrefaction of the fins and tails. All the Indian major carps such as catla, rohu and mrigal are susceptible to this disease. It is caused by the bacteria called Myxobacters and Aeromonas sp. This disease occurs mostly among the young ones during summer months. Besides the high temperature high organic material settled at the bottom of the pond is also a predisposing condition for the outbreak of this disease. As curative measure feed the fishes with a feed mixed with either the antibiotic terramycin or sulphadiazine at the rate of 100 mg per kg of feed. The fishes are also given common salt bath or formalin bath in 3% salt solution. Dipping in a solution of 250 ppm potassium permanganate for , two minutes is also found to be effective.

2. Eye disease This disease is more common among the catla fish. The eyes look reddish the lens become cloudy affecting the movement and feeding. Eventually the fish become weak and die resulting in poor production. The treatment for this disease is the same as those pre-scribed for the previous bacterial disease namely the salt water bath, antibiotics and dip in a solution of potassium permanganate. 3. Dropsy disease Dropsy disease is characterized by the accumulation of water in the body cavity or scale pockets. It is mainly because of the dysfunction of the kidney. Excessive accumulation of the organic matter is considered to be one of the factors causing the occurrence of this disease. It is caused by the bactcria called Aeromonas species. This disease is common during the summer months. The treatments are the same as those prescribed for the above bacterial diseases. General sanitation and removal of excessively accumulated organic matter are additional help in controlling this disease. 4. Ulcers The ulcers commonly occur among the Indian carps catla, rohu and rnrigal during the summer months and it is caused by some unidentified bacteria, Ulcers are formed on the body of the fishes. These ulcers vary in sizes from pimple like structures. to very conspicuous sores. Besides contamination from other affected fishes excessive accumulation of putrefied organic matter at the bottom of the ponds and canals is a favourable Condition for the incidence of this disease. Besides general sanitation and removal of excessive organic matter treatments prescribed for the other bacterial diseases are administered for this disease also. However, treatments should be done at the beginning of the incidence of the disease. 5. Columnaris disease or reddish blotches Columnaris disease is characterized by the reddish bruises, oozing of blood and formation of clots at the posterior part of the fish. Though all the members of the carp family are affected by this disease silver carp, rohu and catla are found to be more susceptible. The causal organism is still to be identified and named. Unlike other bacterial diseases described so far this disease occur mostly in the post winter months. Besides excessive accumulation of the decomposed organic matter higher stocking density is also a reason for the incidence of this disease. The treatments are same as those prescribed for the other bacterial diseases besides the general sanitation and prevention of excessive accumulation of the organic matter.

VIRAL FISH DISEASES Virus is considered to be the lowest form of life and the link between the living and nonliving. Some of the important viral diseases of fish are briefly described here. 1. Spring viremia of carp (SVC) Spring viremia of carp is also known as infectious dropsy of carp (IDC). This is caused by a virus belonging to the Rhabdovirus group with ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure and is called Rhabdovirus caprio. It occurs in the spring when the water temperature is raising (13 to 200 C) but it occurs most commonly when the temperature of the water is 170 centi- grade. It is noticed that the outbreak ceases when the temperature exceeds 200 centigrade. This disease usually occur in fish which are to one year old. It spreads fast and the mortality ranges between 80 to 90 % in, 2 to 3 weeks time. This disease is common among the carp in Europe and fortunately, it is not yet reported in our country. Because the virus cannot survive in temperatures above 20oC and our country mostly falls within the tropical and subtropical climates. The affected fish show darkening of their body, and then tend to assemble at the water inlet. They exhibit sluggish breathing and finally tilt to one side. In the advanced stage of disease, symptoms like abdominal distension, protrusion of the eyes, reddening and swelling of the anus, anaemia and haemorrhagic spots in the gills are seen. Various internal organs like intestine, spleen, kidney, etc, show swelling and degradation. Scientists are of opinion that IDC is often mixed with bacterial disorders. However use of antibiotics like chloramphenicol, streptomycin and oxytetracycline in the fish breeding ponds is found to be effective. The antibiotics are better, if given through the artificial feed or through a bath or through injection. The dosage depends on the strength of the medicine and as per manufacturers instruction. The farmer should seek the help of specialists on fish diseases. 2. Swim bladder inflammation (SBI) It is caused by SBI virus belonging to the Rhabdovirus group with Deoxy ribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) chromosome structure. This is also a common disease in the Europe. Usually, young fishes up to two months are infected more and the mortality could reach 100 per cent. In the grown up fishes the incidence of this sickness is rare. Unlike the SVC/ IDC this disease occur at medium temperatures. The suitable temperature range for the replication SBI virus is found to be between 15 28o C and no growth takes-place above 33C and below 5 Centigrade. In the initial stages the inflammation occurs in the wall tissue of the swim bladder, especially at the bottom of the swim bladder walls. Gradually, bleeding spots appear and brown or black spots appear leading to necrosis and the swim ' bladder is destroyed. By this time the infection would have extended to the other internal organs also. Administration of antibiotics either by injection or orally through feed is found to be effective to control this disease. A dose of 40 mg of chloramphenicol per kilogram weight of the fish either as abdominal injection or orally through feed is found to be effective. In the case of yearlings 3 -4 administrations lasting for 10 days, and at 5-8 day intervals 20 -30 mg of methylene blue per individual is reported to be useful. For two-year old fish 2-4 administrations

of 35-40 mg and for adult fish administration of food for 3 days in which 3 gm per kg of dry feed followed by feed without drug and the cycle being repeated three times. 3. Viral renal disease of eels The virus is identified as EV-E virus but to which group it belongs is not yet confirmed. This disease is particularly affecting the eels. It causes inflammation mainly on the gills and kidneys and hence is called "gill kidney in11ammation". Eventually the inflammation leads to necrosis and degeneration of these organs and death of the eels. Fortunately, so far this disease is not yet reported in our country. Providing antibiotics through the feed as mentioned in the previous diseases described is probably the best way to control this disease. 4. Channel catfish viral disease This disease is mainly affects the catfish and hence it is called catfish virus belonging to Herpes virus which has the DNA structure of chromosomes. It usually affects the finger- lings of less than four months old during the period between June to September when the temperature exceeds 230 centigrade. The affected fish exhibit abnormal swimming patterns, circling on their sides, exhibiting convulsions, sinking to the bottom of the pond and finally floating on the surface of the water and die. They exhibit abnormal distension and protrusion of the anus in the terminal stages. The disease is also characterized by the protrusion of eyes and extreme fading of gills. Treatment with antibiotics as mentioned in the previous diseases is found to be effective besides the prophylactic measures like cleanliness and proper maintenance of the pond. 5. Pox disease of carps The virus causing the pox disease is identified as Carp pox virus belonging to a group of virus called DNA Herpes- virus. This is also called papilloma disease since it is characterized by the dense formation of papilloma in various sites on the trunk, head, and fins of carp fish. The papilloma are white or pink in colour. The disease does not seem to be fatal however, it affects the growth and development of the fish. The virus is not yet isolated and hence its preventive and curative measures are not finalized. However, administration of antibiotics already mentioned through feed is found to be effective. 6. Lymphocystis disease It is fairly certain that Lymphocystis is caused by virus. Though it is commonly occurring in the wild fish the cultivated fishes are also affected by it. However it is not reported to be really fatal. Small blister-like swellings appear scatteringly or in clusters on the surface of the trunk, head, fins and other parts of the body. The disease occur in high temperatures (summer months) and automatically disappear when the temperature becomes less.

Antibiotics may be used at the beginning of the infection. However, proper sanitation and other prophylactic measures are necessary to control the incidence of the disease. Proper feeding through the natural and artificial feeds is also a necessary element in the prevention and control of this disease. FUNGAL FISH DISEASES These diseases are caused by various organisms belonging to fungi family. There are many fungal diseases affecting the fishes in the commercial culture. Only the important and more relevant ones are discussed here. 1. Saprolegniasis This is also known as "water mold disease" or "aquatic fungus disease". This is caused by a group of fungi belonging to Saprolegnia mold. The hyphae of the mold grow extensively giving the appearance of cotton like growth on the outer tissue of the body of the fish and can be clearly seen by any body. Several species of this fungus are known to cause the disease showing the main symptom of cotton like structures. Almost all the species of fishes are affected by this disease. High amount of decaying organic matter settled at the bottom of the pond is an addition cause for the incidence of this disease. A bath of 5% solution of common salt is found to be eftectivein controlling this disease. By treating the pond with Malachite green at the rate of 0.1 gm per litre of water is another method of controlling the disease. A bath of 0.5 gm of copper sulphate per litre of water or one gm of potassium permaganate per litre of water is another alternative to the bath at common salt. 2. Branchiomyces Branchiomyces is also called gill rot from the symptom seen in the fishes. Almost all the species are affected by this disease. The blood vessels are blocked due to the disease, leading to the death of the fishes. It is caused by the fungus called Branchimyces. Accumulation of highly decayed organic matter at the bottom of the pond is also said to be the,. reason for the incidence of this disease. Addition of lime at the rate of 150 kg per ha and bath to the infected fishes in 3-5 % solution of sodium chloride for 3-4 minutes are also found to be effective in controlling this disease.

PROTOZOAN DISEASES TO FISH Protozoa are microscopic and unicellular organisms found every where. Some of these are pathogenic and some are nonpathogemc.. Numerous protozoan parasites live on the bodies of the fish causing various types of diseases. They attack the skin both on the surface and underneath, the gills and later on spread to the other organs. Some of the common protozoan diseases are described here. 1. Gill spot disease Gill spot disease usually occur during the post monsoon and winter months. The young ones 'of catla fish are more susceptible to this disease. The exact causal organism is called Thelohane/lus catlae. The affected fishes are seen with white cysts slowly spreading over to the gills and other parts of the body. The growth is retarded. Excessive mucus secretion from gills and irregular growth of gills epithilium are also observed. Higher rate of stocking, general weakness due to loss of appetite or lack of feed availability in winter and .he presence of the spores of the causal organisms in the pond are the factors encouraging the incidence of this disease. Dipping in 2 -3 % salt solution for 3 -4 minutes and pond treatment with a mixture of malachite green at the rate of 0.1 mg per litre of water and formaldehyde at the rate of 25mg per litre of water are the recommended control measures. Liming of pond for sanitation helps in controlling the disease. Proper feeding of the fishes is necessary to prevent as well as cure this disease. 2. Scale and body spot disease The scale and body spot disease occur during pre/post and winter months mostly to the young ones of mrigal and rohu. It is caused by the protozoa called Myxobolus mrigalae and rohitae. The affected fishes show white cysts embedded in the scales and body surface leading to emaciation, degeneration of the scales and ulcer formation, The presence of the spores of the protozoa, the excessive deposition of the decaying organic matter and the lack of proper feed are the aggravating conditions for the incidence of this disease. The treatment for this disease is the same as those pre- scribed for the first protozoan disease. 3. Trichodinosis Trichodinosis is a ciliate protozoan disease affecting all the Indian and Chinese carps during the post monsoon and winter months. Excessive secretion of mucus from gills and body, pale gills clubbed or worn out are some of the symptoms observed in the affected fishes. The treatments for this disease are the same as those prescribed for the other protozoan diseases already described.

4. Chilomastosis Chilomastosis is a disease caused by a group of organisms belong to phylum protozoa and class mastigophora. There are many types of mastigophora. They parasitize on different parts of the body and cause diseases. They can be prevented or eradicated by giving the same treatment explained for other types of protozoan diseases. 5. Ciliates Ciliates are protozoans having hair like structures on their body, called cilia. The cilia are used for transportation, feeding, sensing, protecting etc. There are many types of ciliates which cause various .types of protozoan diseases to the fishes. 6. Coccidiosis Coccidia are parasitic protozoans usually residing in the alimentary canal of the fishes and disturb the proper functioning of the digestive system thus digestion and absorption of the food materials. There are many species of coccidia causing various types diseases to the fishes. 7. Myxosporidiosis Myxosporidiosis is the name used for a number of sick-nesses caused by a number of organisms belonging to the protozoa and its subdivisions. They cause various types of diseases to the fishes. 8. Microsporidia diseases These are diseases caused by microsporidians which parasitize on the fishes. From the name itself we can understand that they are spore producing organisms to multiply themselves. Their infestation results in various types of diseases. HELMINTH DISEASE Helminths are worm like organisms causing diseases to the fishes. Helminths can be round and long or flat and long. Trematoda diseases are caused by flat helminths or platyhelminths. The important helminth diseases are dactylogyrosis- gyrodactylosis, black spot and ligulosis. 1. Dactylogyrosis and Gyrodactylosis The name of the disease and the name of the organism are the same. Both the Indian and Chinese carps are affected by these diseases. They infest the fishes during the post monsoon and winter months. Fading of the normal colour, dropping and folding of fins, feebleness and frequent surfacing are the symptoms observed. Excessive secretion of the mucus and damage of the epithelium of the gills are also observed. Higher stocking rate and loss of appetite during winter are aggravating factors for the incidence of this disease. Dipping treatment of the infected fishes for 3-4 minutes in formalin dissolved at the rate of 200 -250 mg in a litre of water or in 2-3% salt solution can control the disease. 2. Black spot

Black spot usually affects the Indian carps and is caused by the organism called Diplostomum spp and Dilostomulum spp. They usually infest the catla fishes during the post winter months. Black cysts are found allover the body of the fish. Excessive secretion of the mucus from the gills is noticed. The infected fish show signs of irritability and tendency to frequent surfacing. This disease can be controlled by giving a bath to the infected fishes in 3-5 % solution of salt or in 200 ppm tormalin solution. Eradicatition of molluscan population tram the pond vicinity reduces the incidence of the disease. 3. Ligulosis Ligulosis is a helminth disease affecting the catla fishes. The infected fishes show abnormally enlarged abdomen and dark coloured body, Birds around the ponds is an aggravating factor for the spread of this disease, The causal organisms spread through these birds especially through their droppings. Therefore control of these birds itself is a means of controlling this disease. 4. Tape worms The nature and functioning of tape worms is familiar to all. It is a deadly parasite in the sense that once it is infested it cannot get rid oft' easily as it can hide its microscopic head in the tissue of the host even if the body segments are detached. CRUSTACEAN DISEASES Crustaceans are the organisms with segmented body and jointed legs. Some of these are parasites on the fish causing diseases to the fishes. Argulosis, Lernaeosis and Ergasilosis are the three important crustaean diseases that infest the fishes. 1. Argulosis Argulus sp is a crustacean organism affecting the Indian and Chinese carps during the summer and pre-monsoon months. The organism attaches itself to the body of the fish causing irritation and as a result we can notice rubbing behaviour of the fish, trying to get rid of the irritating organism. Continued infection leads to emaciation and pigmentation on the body surface. Excessive deposition of decayed organic matter at the bottom of the pond is an additional cause for the infestation of the disease. Hence prevention of deposition of decayed organic matter is a prerequisite to control the disease. Pond treatment with gamrnaxine at the rate of 0.2 mg/litre of water or bath in 3% salt solution of infected fishes for 3-5 minutes are the measures that can control this disease. 2. Lemaeosis Lemaeosis disease is caused by Lernae sp which affect the Indian carps. The incidence of this disease is found to be common in the summer months. The body of the infested fishes is covered with pin like white bodies allover. There will be excessive secretion of the mucus. Due to severe infection the gills may be damaged. As in the case of other diseases described excessive deposition of the decayed organic material is one of the causes of infestation by this organisms.

The treatments for this disease is same as those pre- scribed for the other crustacean diseases. 3. Ergasilosis Ergasilosis is a crustacean disease caused by Ergasilus sp and occurs mostly in the summer and winter months. The infected fishes appear restless, frequently coming to the surface and fading of the normal colour is seen. Excessive secretion of mucus and the gills becoming pale are other symptoms observed in the infested fishes. This disease also is encour- aged, as we have seen in other diseases, by the excessive loading of the pond bottom with highly decayed organic material. This disease can be controlled by the same treatments as those prescribed for the other crustacean diseases. NEMATODE DISEASES Nematodes are microscopic type of worms that are found in the soil, plants and animals. Some nematodes live on fishes as parasites. Nematodes which parasitises on fish are divided into two: those which use fish as the final host and those which use fish as the intermediate host. Majority of the first ones resides in the alimentary canal while some in the gills, eye sockets, body cavity, muscles etc. So far the problems due to infestation of nematodes have not come up to any significant level. However, the farmers should be aware of the existence of such organisms that are harmful to the fishes. H. Environmental diseases The physical and chemical characteristics and general condition of water, temperature, amount of dissolved oxygen, amount of decayed organic matter accumulated etc. are the environmental factors that contribute to the growth and well being of the fishes positively or negatively. If the amount of dissolved oxygen is less then the fishes show stress by gasping for air at the surface of the water. If there is excessive accumulation of highly decaying organic matter then as we have already seen a number of diseases occur. If the water is muddy or turbid the sunrays will not reach the bottom of the pond and the growth of plankton will be affected. Similarly, if the water is too acidic or alkaline it will affect the fishes. For example, if the pH of the water is below 5.5 it becomes toxic to most of the fishes. And it the pH is at or below 5.00 mortality may start. There will be excessive secretion of the mucus, the body will be covered by a thin whitish film and the gills turn brownish in colour. Ponds with such low pH should be treated with 500 kg calcium carbonate (lime) per hectare. As far as possible run off water or water from the melted snow should not be allowed to enter the pond. If the water is too alkaline (PH above 9.0) then also it is dangerous for the fish. The pH should be brought down to normal or slightly alkaline by the application of gypsum at the rate of about 250 to 500 kg per ha depending on the pH value of the pond.

Excessive shading, periodic flooding by the run off water, incoming of sea water into the pond, excessive drought and water scarcity are some of the other environmental factors that adversely affecting the health of the fish. NUTRITIONAL DISEASES Artificial feeding is the main source of feed for the fishes cultured in ponds. Over feeding as well as under feeding will cause diseases and mortality among the fish. In certain fishes over feeding results in Lipoid hepatic degeneration characterized by a yellow-brown colour of the liver. Treatment includes avoiding over feeding. Entritis is a feeding disease. If we press the abdomen of the affected fish a yellow-red liquid will come out through the anus.