Research Projects

Otoliths, calcium carbonate structures found in fish's head region, play a crucial role in mechanical perception of sounds and body orientation changes. Various methods have been used for fish identification, but molecular techniques are costly and time-consuming. A significant gap exists in knowledge on fish otoliths, making it difficult to determine the taxonomy and systematics of freshwater species in India. To address this, a detailed database or atlas of freshwater fish sediments with identification keys is recommended. However, no study has examined freshwater bony species using morphometric approaches of otolith. A novel approach combining morphology and morphometric approaches (shape indices and geometric morphometrics) is proposed to provide a significant approach regarding interspecies divergence. The study aims to prepare an atlas predominantly based on otolith and sulcus morphology, providing an exhaustive detailed account of the taxonomy of freshwater bony fish in Uttar Pradesh, India. This approach is unique and needs to be used in India to address uncertainties in species identification and taxonomic status.