New maximum size records and length–weight relationships for two species,Corica soborna (Hamilton, 1822) and Mystus bleekeri (Day, 1877), from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

This study records new maximum lengths and provides length–weight relationships (LWRs) for two small indigenous fishes, Corica soborna (Hamilton, 1822) and Mystus bleekeri (Day, 1877), from the Ganges River in northwestern Bangladesh. Fishes were sampled sporadically using gill nets and cast nets from August 2015 to July 2016. New maximum recorded lengths weere 5.3 cm total length (TL) for C. soborna and 17.7 cm TL for M. bleekeri. The LWRs were highly significant (p < .001) with r² values >.958. These findings will play a significant role in the fisheries resource management.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three Ambassid fishes from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) are presented for the first time for three Ambassid fish species from the Ganges River, northwestern (NW) Bangladesh. Fish were sampled with traditional fishing gear including cast net (mesh size ranges from 1.0 to 2.0 cm), gill net (mesh size ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cm), square lift net (mesh size ~ 1.0 cm) and conical and box trap, October 2014 to September 2015. Allometric coefficient (b) values were 3.00 for Chanda nama, 3.10 for Parambassis lala and 3.23 for Parambassis ranga, respectively. Additionally, the LLRs were highly significant with r² ≥ .958. The present observations would be an effective tool for their stock assessment in the Ganges River, NW Bangladesh and surrounding ecosystems.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three fish species from the Heihe River,northwest China

Length‐weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for three fish species belonging to two families and two genera from the Heihe River, northwest China. Fish samples were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May and December of 2016, and April and October 2017. Standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for each individual were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) was measured to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.580 to 3.164 (r² > .956). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r² > .991; p < .01). This study presents the first references on LWRs for Gymnocypris chilianensis and Triplophysa hsutschouensis, and LLRs for G. chilianensis, Triplophysa leptosoma and T. hsutschouensis. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three ecologically important fishes caught from a wetland,northeastern Bangladesh

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) of three ecologically important fishes (Aplocheilus panchax, Danio rerio and Esomus danrica) were reported from a wetland, northeastern Bangladesh (23 58 N, 89 38 E). Samples were collected monthly using traditional fishing gear including fine meshed (2.0 mm) push net and fine meshed (3.0–4.0 mm) surrounding net during January to December 2014. For each individual, total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) was measured to 0.1 cm, while body weight (BW) was measured to 0.01 g accuracy. Allometric coefficient (b) values were 3.10 for A. panchax, 3.38 for D. rerio and 3.52 for E. danrica. In addition, the LLRs were also highly significant with r² ≥ 0.954.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of five Mystus species from the Ganges and Rupsha rivers,Bangladesh

This study focused on the length–weight and length–length relationships of five Mystus species from Bangladesh. A sum of 398 individuals (Mystus bleekeri = 47, Mystus cavasius = 171, Mystus gulio = 59, Mystus tengra = 65, and Mystus vittatus = 56) was collected from the Ganges and Rupsha rivers, Bangladesh. Fishes were caught by gill net (mesh sizes: 2.0–4.0 cm) and cast net (mesh sizes: 1.5–3.0 cm) from July 2014 to June 2015. Total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured to 0.1 cm, while whole body weight (W) was taken to the nearest 0.1 g for each individual. The TL ranged from 6.0–13.5 cm for M. bleekeri, 5.0–15.0 cm for M. cavasius, 7.4–17.2 cm for M. gulio, 4.6–11.6 cm for M. tengra and 5.5–12.3 cm for M. vittatus. The W varied from 3.0–18.2 g for M. bleekeri, 1.3–30.4 g for M. cavasius, 6.1–62.2 g for M. gulio, 1.7–15.1 g for M. tengra and 2.7–19.2 g for M. vittatus. All LWRs were highly significant (p < .001), with all r² values ≥.950. The LLRs were also highly significant (p < .001), with all r² ≥.980. This study provides information on LWRs and LLRs for M. gulio and M. tengra for the first time. The results of this study can be very effective for stock assessment of Mystus species in the Ganges and Rupsha rivers as well as in the surrounding ecosystems.     

Length‐weight relationship of two cyprinid fish species,Hypselobarbus thomassi (Day, 1874) and Hypselobarbus kurali (Menon & Rema Devi, 1995) from River Kallada,Southern Western Ghats,India

The present study reports the length‐weight relationship (LWRs) of two cyprinid fishes, Hypselobarbus thomassi (Day, 1874) and Hypselobarbus kurali (Menon & Rema Devi, 1995) from River Kallada, Southern Western Ghats, India. About 182 samples of H. thomassi (10.7–60.4 cm TL) and 108 samples of H. kurali (9.8–27.0 cm TL) were collected on a monthly basis between August 2015 to July 2016 using gill nets (1.5–12.0 cm). The ‘b’ values in LWRs were determined as 2.96 for H. thomassi and 2.93 for H. kurali. No previous information is available on LWR data for these two species.     

Length‐weight relationships,condition factor,gonadosomatic index‐based size at first sexual maturity,spawning season and fecundity of Aspidoparia morar (Cyprinidae) in the Jamuna River (Brahmaputra River distributary), northern Bangladesh

The present study describes the length‐weight relationships (LWRs), length‐length relationships (LLRs), Fulton's condition factor (K_F), size at first sexual maturity, spawning season, sex ratio and fecundity of the Morari Aspidoparia morar (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae). Sampling was done using traditional fishing gear jhaki jal (cast net) from July 2010 to June 2011. Total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured with digital slide calipers. Individual body weight (BW) and gonad weight (GW) were determined to an accuracy of 0.01 g for all specimens. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated and size at first maturity for males and females estimated using GSI and TL as indicators. Female ≥ size at first maturity was used to determine fecundity. A total of 1200 specimens (males = 552, females = 648) ranging from 4.06–12.84 cm TL and 0.53–16.75 g BW were analyzed. The overall coefficient b for the LWR indicated positive allometric growth (>3.00) in males and isometric growth in females (~ 3.00). ancova (analysis of covariance) revealed significant differences between males and females (P < 0.001). All LLRs were highly correlated (r² > 0.973, P < 0.001). Sizes at first sexual maturity for males and females were 6.0 and 7.0 cm TL, respectively. K_F changed little throughout the year and GSI peaked in November to April, indicating the spawning season (GSImax = 15.0 in females, 2.0 in males). Mature females were dominant during the entire spawning season except in April. Mean total fecundity was 6700 ± 3500, ranging from 1860 to 19680. In addition, relative fecundity ranged from 190 to 1200 (mean 560 ± 235) in the Jamuna River. To ensure sustainable management of this species, the protection of mature individuals during the peak spawning season is highly recommended.     

Length weight relationships of two small indigenous cyprinid fishes,Osteobrama cotio (Hamilton, 1822) and Salmophasia phulo (Hamilton, 1822) from Panchet Reservoir,Damodar River (tributary of River Ganga), India

Length–weight relationships were determined for two small indigenous cyprinid fishes: Osteobrama cotio (Hamilton, 1822) and Salmophasia phulo (Hamilton, 1822) collected from Panchet reservoir, Damodar River, India. About 143 specimens of Osteobrama cotio (5.2–10.4 cm TL) and 113 specimens of Salmophasia phulo (2.9–8.2 cm TL) were collected from November 2014 to June 2016 using gillnets of mesh size ranging from 25 to 120 mm (STR) and dragnets of mesh size 10–20 mm (STR). No previous information on LWRs for these two species from an Indian reservoir was available in the literature.     

Size at first sexual maturity,fecundity, length–weight and length–length relationships of Puntius sophore (Cyprinidae) in Bangladeshi waters

The present study describes the size at first sexual maturity, fecundity, length–weight (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) of the pool barb, Puntius sophore, using data obtained from different geographical locations in Bangladesh. A total of 905 specimens were caught by traditional fishing gear from March 2010 to February 2011. Additionally, a total of 121 females were collected from a commercial catch of the Padma River during June–July 2011 to estimate size at first maturity and to determine fecundity. Total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured with digital slide calipers. Individual body weights (BW) were determined for all specimens, and gonad weights (GW) from 121 females were weighed to an accuracy of 0.001 g. The female gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated as [GSI (%) = (GW/BW) × 100]. Female size at first maturity was estimated using GSI and TL as indicators, and estimated as 5.00 cm TL in the Padma River. Specimens larger than 5.00 cm TL were used to determine fecundity. Mean total fecundity was 5300 ± 2700, ranging from 1580 to 16590. A positive exponential correlation was recorded between total fecundity and total length (r² = 0.421). Relative fecundity ranged from 466 to 4036 (mean 1100 ± 580) in the Padma River. The LWR of pooled data for sexes combined was estimated as BW = 0.0155 TL^2.98 as ancova revealed no significant differences in LWRs between rivers (P > 0.05). All LLRs were highly correlated (r² > 0.983; P < 0.001), and ancova analyses further indicated that LLRs did not differ between rivers (P > 0.05). These results will help in further studies on the population assessment of the species.     

Gonadosomatic index‐based size at first sexual maturity of the catfish Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

This study describes the size at first sexual maturity, length–weight relationships (LWR) in relation to size at first sexual maturity, and Fulton’s condition factor (K_F) of Eutropiichthys vacha in the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. Sampling was done using traditional fishing gear including cast nets, square lift nets and conical traps during January and April, and July to December 2010. For each individual, total length (TL) was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm, and total weight (BW) was determined to the nearest 0.01 g. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated by the equation, GSI (%) = (Gonad weight in g/BW) × 100. The size at first sexual maturity of males and females was estimated by the relationship between gonadosomatic index and total length. A total of 583 specimens (289 males; 294 females) ranging from 8.30 to 27.00 cm TL and 3.16 to 159.50 g BW were analyzed. Sizes at first sexual maturity for male and female E. vacha were 13.15 and 14.00 cm TL, respectively. The analysis of covariance (ancova ) revealed significant differences in slope and intercept between early and late phases for males (F = 4.532, P < 0.001) and females (F = 21.984, P < 0.001). The K_F was not significantly correlated with TL for males (r_s = 0.052; P = 0.378), but was highly correlated for females (r_s = ?0.165; P = 0.005). This study establishes a strong base for monitoring changes in length at first sexual maturity attributable to high fishing pressures or other reasons within the Ganges and associated river ecosystems.     

Length‐weight relationships of three species in northern China

Length‐weight relationships were estimated for three species (Triplophysa microphysa, Triplophysa zamegacephala and Gobio coriparoides) belonging to two families and two genera from northern China. Specimens were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May, June and December 2017, and March 2018. Total length (TL) for each individual was determined to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.583 to 2.876 (r² > 0.979). This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation for local fishes and fisheries.     

Gonadosomatic index‐based size at first sexual maturity and fecundity indices of the Indian River shad Gudusia chapra (Clupeidae) in the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

The present study aims to estimate the size at first sexual maturity and fecundity for female Gudusia chapra from the lower Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 250 female specimens, 3.60–13.70 cm in standard length (SL) and 1.00–43.60 g in body weight (BW), were collected during March–August 2006. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for females was calculated by the equation, GSI (%) = (GW/BW) × 100. The size at first sexual maturity of females was estimated by the relationship between their gonadosomatic index and standard length. The specimen larger (≥8.00 cm in SL) than first size at sexual maturity was used for the estimation of fecundity. The size at first sexual maturity for female G. chapra was considered to be 8.00 cm SL in the Ganges River. The mean total fecundity was 20200 ± 6500 and ranged from 10800 to 36200. This study should be useful for fisheries biologists/managers to impose adequate regulations for sustainable‐fishery management in the Ganges River and elsewhere in Bangladesh.     

Reproductive biology of Pethia ticto (Cyprinidae) from the Gorai River (SW Bangladesh)

Some aspects of reproductive biology of Pethia ticto (Hamilton, 1822) from the Gorai River of southwestern (SW) Bangladesh were investigated by regular monthly samples for a period of one year during July 2010 to June 2011. A sum of 1200 specimens (male = 454 and female = 746) were collected using cast net, lift net and conical trap. Total length (TL) and Body weight (BW) were measured with slide caliper and digital balance, respectively for each individual. Based on gonadosomatic index (GSI), modified gonadosomatic index (MGSI) and Dobriyal index (DI) first sexual maturity was 4.30 cm TL for male and 4.80 cm TL for female. Also, on the basis of higher values of GSI, MGSI and DI spawning season was ranged from April to September for P. ticto in the Gorai River ecosystem. The fecundity was ranged from 2230–8450 with a mean value of 4779 ± 1578. In addition, there was a significant relationship between total length and fecundity (r² = .931, p < .001); body weight and fecundity (r² = .943, p < .001). Therefore, the findings of this study would be very effective for sustainable management of this threatened species in the Gorai River and surrounding ecosystem.     

Length-weight relationships of six Nemacheilid fish species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from different rivers of Manipur,India

The length-weight relationships (LWRs) of six Nemacheilid species (Schistura chindwinica, S. fasciata, S. khugae, S. minuta, S. reticulata and S. rubrimaculata) have been analyzed. Fish samples were collected on quarterly basis from March 2018 to February 2019. Sampling was performed using cast nets (mesh size 5–10 mm; about 50 sq m area covered each time and water depth was 4 ft approx.), and electrofishing (Ultrasonic Inverter Electro Fisher, 24 volts, 4 m) in the day time. The total length (TL) of individual fish was measured to 0.1 cm with a digital caliper and body weights (BW) were measured to 0.001 g with digital electronic balances. The parameters for the LWR equations were calculated, and the respective statistics such as the 95% confidence interval for parameters “a” and “b” are provided as well as the coefficient of correlation. For five species a new maximum total length has been documented.     

Length‐weight relationships of nine fish species from the Tetulia River,southern Bangladesh

The present study describes the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for nine fish species from the Tetulia River, southern Bangladesh, namely Anabas testudineus, Coilia dussumieri, Otolithoides biauritus, Otolithoides pama, Pethia conchonius, Polynemus paradiseus, Puntius lateristriga, Setipinna taty and Sillaginopsis panijus. A total of 1380 specimens were caught using traditional fishing gear from March 2012 to February 2013. Individual total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured by digital slide calipers and digital balance, respectively. The LWR was calculated as W= a L^b, where the W is the BW in g and L the TL in cm, a and b are regression parameters. This study presents the very first references on LWRs for seven of the species. The results are valuable for the application of sustainable management and conservation of these fishes in the Tetulia River and surrounding ecosystems.     

Length‐weight relationship of two Ambassid fish species,Parambassis dayi (Bleeker, 1874) and Parambassis thomassi (Day, 1870) from River Pamba,Southern Western Ghats,India

The present study provides the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) of two Ambassid fish species, Parambassis dayi (Bleeker, 1874) and Parambassis thomassi (Day, 1870) from River Pamba in Southern Western Ghats, India. Fishes were collected on a monthly basis between April 2014 to March 2015 using gill nets (1.0–3.0 cm), cast nets (1.0–2.0 cm) and seine nets (1.0 cm). The b values in the LWRs were estimated as 3.01 for P. dayi and 3.14 for P. thomassi. No previous information is available on LWRs for these two species in FishBase.     

Length‐weight relationships of four fish species from Visakhapatnam coast,India

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for 4 deep water fish species from Visakhapatnam coast, India. Specimens were collected fortnightly between December 2013 and November 2015 from commercial trawls at Visakhapatnam fish landing centre (16.98°N–20.2°N, Long.82.19°–86.53°E). Individuals were captured between 100 and 300 m depth with shrimp trawl net (head rope length: 37–46 m and cod end mesh size: 30–40 mm). Total length (TL) (nearest to 0.1 cm) and body weights (nearest to 0.1 g) were taken each individual. All LWRs were significant with r² values ranged from 0.958 for Uranoscopus bicinctus Temminkc & Schlegel, 1843 to 0.983 for Uranoscopus chinensis Guichenot, 1882 and “b” values ranged from 2.832 for U. bicinctus to 3. 402 Synodus indicus (Day, 1873).This study provides a new maximum length data for three species (Uranoscopus bicinctus Temminkc & Schlegel, 1843; Uranoscopus chinensis Guichenot, 1882 and Uranoscopus marmoratus Cuvier, 1829).     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships and form factor of three threatened fishes from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

Data and information are needed to avert the alarming decline and initiate conservation measures for three threatened fishes, Labeo boga (Hamilton, 1822), Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) and Puntius ticto (Hamilton, 1822), from the Ganges River and surrounding ecosystems. These fishes are decreasing rapidly due to high fishing pressures as well as environmental degradation. This study furnishes the length–weight relationships (LWRs), length–length relationships (LLRs) and form factor (a_3.0) of these three threatened species from the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 773 specimens from the three species and two families used for this study were caught by traditional fishing gear between April 2011 and March 2012. The analysis of covariance (ancova ) revealed significant differences between the sexes in LWRs for L. boga (P < 0.001), but not with the remaining species (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the LLRs were highly correlated (r² > 0.983; P < 0.001), and ancova analyses additionally indicated that LLRs did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05). The calculated form factor (a_3.0) was 0.0111, 0.0159 and 0.0129 for L. boga, N. nandus and P. ticto, respectively. This study presents the first references on LWRs, LLRs and form factor for these three threatened species in Bangladesh. The results would be useful for further studies on the population assessment and sustainable conservation of the limited stocks in the Ganges River ecosystem.     

Length‐weight relationships of Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Valenciennes, 1830), Raconda russeliana (Gray, 1831) and Coilia neglecta (Whitehead, 1967) from the Bay of Bengal coast,Bangladesh

Current study reports the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) of three marine fish species collected from the fishermen catches covering three seasons i.e., rainy, autumn and winter between June, 2016 and February, 2017. Fishermen caught the species using beach seine net (3.5 cm mesh size) and set bag net (0.5 cm mesh size) up to 200 m far away from the shoreline. The LWRs for fish species were W = 0.0180TL^3.192 for A. longispinnis, W = 0.0109TL^2.971 for R. russeliana and W = 0.0098TL^2.942 for C. neglecta with their r² values of 0.971, 0.962 and 0.997, respectively.     

Length–weight relationships of 12 indigenous fish species in the Gajner Beel floodplain (NW Bangladesh)

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) were studied for 814 individuals covering eight families and 12 species of fish, e.g., Botia dario, Botia lohachata, Channa orientalis, Esomus danricus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Macrognathus pancalus, Nandus nandus, Ompok pabda, Pethia phutunio, Pethia ticto, Trichogaster fasciata and Trichogaster lalius captured from the Gajner beel floodplain, northwestern (NW) Bangladesh. Samples were collected occasionally from catches of fishermen from November 2014 to October 2015 using different types of traditional fishing gear, including gill net (mesh size ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 cm), cast net (mesh size ranges from 1.0 to 2.0 cm), square lift net (mesh size ~1.0 cm) and conical and box trap. The total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured for each individual. The allometric co‐efficient b values ranged between 2.64 (B. lohachata) to 3.27 (N. nandus) and were highly significant, with p < .001 for all species. Additionally, for the first time, the study provides LWR information for B. dario, B. lohachata, E. danricus, O. pabda, T. lalius and P. phutunio, beneficial for fishery biologists and to update the online database (FishBase). The study also recorded a maximum length for P. phutunio. The present observations are significant for the sustainable management and conservation of these fishes in the Gajner beel floodplain, NW Bangladesh and the surrounding ecosystems.