Evaluation of Biometric and Breeding Biology of the Striped Snakehead Channa striata in the Haor Region: Conservation and Effective Management

Abstract

This study was investigated to assess growth patterns, sex ratio, first sexual maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), fecundity and ovarian development of Channa striata in the Haor of Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, for long-term management and conservation purposes. The results of the study indicated that the female fish showed positive allometric growth (b > 3), whereas the male showed negative allometric growth (b < 3). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the Fulton's condition factor (C_F) and relative condition factor (K_n) between the sexes. The K_n value indicates that the fish is in excellent health condition. The chi-square test indicated a slight deviation from a 1:1 sex ratio for the sampled months, with a statistically significant difference (χ² = 0.04, p < 0.05). The findings indicated that 50% of female and male fish reached sexual maturity at lengths of 29.30 and 26.74 cm, respectively. The results showed that both sexes reached their maximum GSI value in June, whereas October recorded the lowest value. The findings showed that the mean absolute fecundity was 12,049 during the study period, with June showing the peak value (28,768) and December showing the lowest value (3128). The microscopic study of gonadal tissues identified five separate stages of gonadal development. This study will contribute to comprehending the reproductive traits of C. striata and further contribute to sustainable fisheries management in the Haor region.