A multi-model analysis of growth and maturity biometrics in common Snakeheads, Channa striata, and Channa punctatus collected from Hakaluki Haor, Northeast Bangladesh

Abstract

The Snakeheads are the most common fishes in freshwater wetlands of Bangladesh, but in recent years they are subjected to decline by overfishing pressure, anthropogenic factors, and climate changes. A one-year-long biometric investigation was undertaken which involve monthly random sampling of Channa striata and Channa punctatus from local wetland waters and measured total length, body weight data, and gonad’s weight in the laboratory. Then data were treated and analyzed by following the different multi-model tools i.e., Fulton’s condition factor, relative condition factor, allometric condition factor, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results exhibit a strong correlation between the total length and body weight of Channa striata and Channa punctatus with an r2 value of 0.826, 0.819, respectively. Pearson’s correlation showed a trend of both positive and negative correlation coefficients between different conditions factors and morphometry for both species. The peak value for gonad’s weight, gonadosomatic index, and Dobriyal index was reported in the monsoon while the bottom value was in winter for both sexes of both species. The temperature, dissolved O2, and turbidity were found as fluctuating throughout the season while dissolved NH3 and pH remained constant. This data will help in the betterment of conservation, management, and fishing policy by the government, scientists, and fisheries industry.