Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research

DNA Barcoding and Emerging eDNA Applications for Indonesian Gobiidae Biodiversity Assessment: A Systematic Literature Review

Femy M. Sahami — 2026-09-22

Background: Indonesian Gobiidae comprise ecologically important freshwater and amphidromous fishes, but accurate biodiversity assessment is often constrained by morphological similarity, poorly developed diagnostic characters in larval stages, and incomplete taxonomic information. DNA barcoding can improve species-level identification and reveal cryptic diversity, whereas environmental DNA (eDNA) offers an emerging, non-invasive approach for biodiversity monitoring. However, evidence on the application of these molecular tools to Indonesian Gobiidae remains fragmented.

Aims: To systematically evaluate the application of DNA barcoding and emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches in assessing the biodiversity of Indonesian Gobiidae, with particular emphasis on species identification, cryptic diversity, biogeographic patterns, and amphidromous larval assemblages such as nike fish.

Study Design: A Scopus-based systematic literature review with qualitative synthesis.

Place and Duration of Study: The literature search was conducted using the Scopus database on 1 May 2026 and covered studies published between 2016 and 2026.

Methodology: The Scopus database was searched using combinations of keywords related to Gobiidae, gobiid fishes, amphidromous taxa, Indonesian biogeographic regions, DNA barcoding, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), eDNA, biodiversity assessment, and species distribution. The retrieved records were screened for relevance to the molecular identification and biodiversity assessment of Indonesian Gobiidae and related freshwater and amphidromous fishes. Of the 319 records initially retrieved, 29 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the qualitative synthesis.

Results: Of the 319 records identified, 29 studies (9.1%) published between 2016 and 2026 were included in the review. The evidence indicates that COI-based DNA barcoding improves the accuracy of species identification, contributes to the development of molecular reference libraries, and reveals cryptic diversity and biogeographic differentiation among Indonesian freshwater and amphidromous fishes. Molecular approaches are particularly important for identifying nike fish assemblages because larval gobies possess poorly developed and overlapping morphological characters that limit reliable species-level identification. In comparison with conventional DNA barcoding, the application of eDNA to Indonesian Gobiidae remains limited, although it offers a promising non-invasive tool for monitoring gobiid diversity across freshwater, estuarine, and coastal-connected habitats. The major limitations identified were incomplete barcode reference libraries, uneven geographic coverage, limited standardisation of eDNA protocols, and insufficient long-term monitoring of amphidromous recruitment.

Conclusion: DNA barcoding provides a valuable approach for improving the identification and biodiversity assessment of Indonesian Gobiidae, particularly for morphologically indistinguishable larval assemblages. The integration of DNA barcoding, eDNA, conventional ecological surveys, and local fisheries knowledge could support more comprehensive biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning. However, broader geographic sampling, more complete and validated reference libraries, standardised eDNA protocols, and long-term monitoring are required to strengthen the reliability and applicability of these molecular approaches.

Comparative Evaluation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants as Phytogenic Feed Additives in Soybean Meal-Based Diets: Effects on Growth Performance, Haematological Responses in Labeo rohita

Sanjay Panditrao Chavan — 2026-09-19

Aims: This study comparatively evaluated the effects of indigenous medicinal plants incorporated as phytogenic feed additives in soybean meal-based diets on growth performance, haematological responses, serum biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status in Labeo rohita and sought to identify the most effective phytogenic dietary formulation for sustainable freshwater aquaculture.

Study Design: A completely randomised design (CRD) comprising seven dietary treatments, with three replicates per treatment.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Nanded and Latur, Maharashtra, India, between January and April 2025.

Methodology: Healthy Labeo rohita fingerlings (18–22 g) were randomly distributed among seven dietary treatment groups, with three replicates per treatment, and were fed experimental soybean meal-based diets for 90 days. The dietary treatments comprised a control diet (D1); diets supplemented individually with Moringa oleifera (D2), Phyllanthus emblica (D3), Allium sativum (D4), Blepharis repens (D5), or Ziziphus mauritiana (D6); and a polyherbal formulation containing all five medicinal plants (D7). Growth performance, feed utilisation efficiency, haematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, and hepatic antioxidant indices were evaluated. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) multiple-comparison test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: Dietary supplementation with medicinal plants significantly improved growth performance, physiological health, and antioxidant capacity compared with the control (P < 0.05). Fish fed the polyherbal diet had the highest final body weight (78.62 ± 1.84 g), weight gain (58.31 ± 1.71 g), specific growth rate (1.62 ± 0.03% day⁻¹), protein efficiency ratio (2.18 ± 0.05), and survival rate (99.0 ± 0.6%), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.39 ± 0.04). Haematological indices, including erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit, increased significantly in all phytogenic treatments. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations increased significantly, whereas glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and hepatic enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) decreased significantly, indicating improved metabolic and hepatic status. Antioxidant indices, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione concentration, increased significantly, whereas malondialdehyde concentration decreased markedly. Among the individual medicinal plants, Phyllanthus emblica and Moringa oleifera produced the greatest beneficial effects; however, the polyherbal formulation consistently yielded the best overall response across the evaluated parameters.

Conclusion: Supplementation of soybean meal-based diets with indigenous medicinal plants, particularly as a polyherbal formulation, enhanced growth, haematological characteristics, metabolic health, and antioxidant defence in Labeo rohita. These findings suggest that locally available phytogenic feed additives may provide economical, environmentally responsible, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic growth promoters for improving fish health and productivity in freshwater aquaculture.

Growth Performance, Immune Responses and Genetic Characteristics of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Limonene-based Pesticides

Ayi Yustiati — 2026-09-19

Botanical pesticides are increasingly used as alternatives to synthetic pesticides, yet their effects on non-target aquatic organisms require careful assessment. This study aimed to determine the effect of a botanical pesticide containing limonene as the active ingredient on the growth and immunity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry. It was conducted in February-March 2025 at the Ciparanje Hatchery, Padjadjaran University, with four limonene concentration treatments: 0 ppm (control), 0.9 ppm, 1.3 ppm, and 1.6 ppm over a 28-day period. The parameters observed included growth, survival, and haematological responses. The results showed that exposure to limonene had a negative impact on the physiological performance of the fish. The highest survival rate was observed in the control group (58±7.64%) and the lowest at 1.6 ppm (42±8.33%). The highest growth in length and weight was also observed in the control group, at 1.29±0.02 cm and 1.75±0.02 g, respectively. Conversely, the lowest growth occurred at 1.6 ppm. The highest leukocyte count was found at 1.6 ppm on day 10 (19.56×10⁴ cells/mm³), while the highest erythrocyte count was in the control group on day 0 (1.04×10⁶ cells/mm³) and the lowest at 1.6 ppm (0.44×10⁶ cells/mm³). PCR-RAPD analysis revealed differences in genetic similarity patterns among treatments, with the 1.3 and 1.6 ppm treatments forming a closer cluster based on dendrogram analysis. These findings highlight the importance of prudent use of botanical pesticides in aquaculture and appropriate management of pesticide exposure in aquatic environments to minimise potential impacts on fish health and support sustainable aquaculture and ecological management.

Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Some Commercial Artisanal Fish Species in Bamusso Coast, Cameroon

Nkwelle Marius Nkumbe — 2026-09-21

Background: The seasonal dynamics of the Gulf of Guinea, characterised by alternating dry and rainy seasons, exert profound influences on oceanographic conditions, primary productivity, and fish recruitment patterns. Understanding these seasonal patterns is particularly important for artisanal fisheries that depend on predictable seasonal variations in fish availability and abundance.

Aims: This study investigated the length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of ten commercially important artisanal fish families from the Bamusso Coast, Cameroon, sampled monthly from January to June 2024.

Methodology: A total of 677 specimens from families including Carangidae, Mugilidae, Clupeidae, Sphyraenidae, Polynemidae, Ariidae, Cynoglossidae, Lobotidae, Sciaenidae, and Serranidae were measured for total length (cm) and weight (g). LWR parameters were estimated using the equation W = abL, while the condition factor was calculated as K = 100W/Lb.

Results: The results revealed significant interspecific variability in mean lengths (26.42–82.77 cm) and weights (0.18–4.81 g). Sphyraena barracuda exhibited the greatest mean length (82.77±37.78 cm), while Epinephelus marginatus recorded the highest mean weight (4.81±24.97 g). Length-weight relationships varied considerably among species, with Caranx hippos (b=2.30, r=0.86) and Lobotes surinamensis (b=2.96, r=0.94) showing strong positive correlations. All species displayed negative allometric growth (b<3.0), indicating a disproportionate increase in length relative to weight. Condition factor values ranged widely from 0.002±0.001 (Lobotes surinamensis) to 122.10±397 (Polydactylus quadrifilis), reflecting species-specific physiological conditions and habitat utilisation.

Conclusion: These findings establish baseline biological parameters relevant to sustainable fisheries management in Cameroonian coastal waters and contribute to regional fish biology databases. The observed variability in growth patterns and condition factors underscores the need for species-specific management strategies to support the long-term conservation of artisanal fishery resources.

Assessment of the Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) and Production of the Cassava Croaker Pseudotolithus senegalensis (Valencienne, 1818) in Mondoukou (Grand-Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire)

Coulibaly Bakari — 2026-09-22

Background: Catch per unit effort (CPUE), fishing effort, and production data for Pseudotolithus senegalensis remain limited in Mondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire.

Aims: This manuscript provides preliminary information on the catch per unit effort (CPUE), fishing effort, and production of Pseudotolithus senegalensis in Mondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire, where fishery production data remain limited.

Methodology: Landing data were collected from two sites for 15 days per month at each site from June 2024 to May 2025. The characteristics of the gears were documented during field visits to the landing sites within the Mondoukou marine fishery. During these visits, the fishermen were interviewed to gather all necessary information about the gears they used and how they operated. During the sampling period, surveys of fishing activities and catches were conducted to determine the number of daily trips, catches of P. senegalensis per trip, and daily and monthly production of P. senegalensis .

Results: Fluctuations in fishing effort were observed at both sites, including periods, particularly in July, when effort was zero. The highest fishing effort at site 1 was observed in January. At site 2, a very slight increase from December 2024 to January 2025, reaching 8 trips/day, was observed. The highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) at site 1 (1289.20±205.76 kg/trip) was recorded during the Short Cold Season (SCS), and the lowest CPUE (307.5±50.20 kg/trip) was recorded during the Long Harm Season (LHS). At site 2, the highest CPUE values (115 and 88 kg/trip) were recorded in February and January, respectively. Regarding fish production at site 1, the highest production was recorded in December and estimated at 751605 kg, whereas the lowest was recorded in April at 1256 kg. However, at site 2, the highest fish production was recorded in January at 1479 kg. The overall production and CPUE of both sites were estimated at 1 095140 kg and 9342.60 kg, respectively.

Conclusion: Fishing effort and catch per unit effort were higher from December to February, during the short hot season. The total production of sites 1 and 2 was estimated at 1 095140 kg.

Growth Performance and Relative Condition Factor of Indian Major Carps and Few Local Fish Fauna in Choral River, Indore City (M.P.), India

Resham Rajput — 2026-09-29

Length–weight relationships and condition indices were examined for 17 fish species collected from the Choral River, Indore City, Madhya Pradesh, India, during February–April 2025. Fish sampling was conducted three times in each month, and a total of 1,530 individuals were considered across the three-month period. Total length and body weight were measured, and length–weight relationships were estimated using log-transformed data. Fulton’s condition factor (K) and relative condition factor (Kₙ) were also calculated. The regression exponent (b) varied among species and months, ranging from 1.0759 in Catla catla during February to 3.8230 in Glossogobius giuris during April, indicating both negative and positive allometric growth patterns. Fulton’s condition factor ranged from 0.897 in Rasbora daniconius during April to 3.899 in Ompak bimaculatus during March. Relative condition factor values ranged from 0.9793 in Labeo rohita during February to 1.1710 in Cirrhinus mrigala during February and generally remained close to unity. The percentage increase in average length was highest in Chela bacaila and lowest in Channa marulius, while the percentage increase in average weight was highest in Cirrhinus mrigala and lowest in Heteropneustes fossilis. Overall, the results provide baseline information on species-specific variation in growth and condition indices in the Choral River during the sampled period and may support future fisheries assessment and management.