A multidisciplinary method to assess the reproductive biology of Mystus bleekeri

Abstract

The study aims to afford a deeper knowledge on reproductive biology of Mystus bleekeri from Surma River, Bangladesh in a multidisciplinary way. Though, the species is in demand as food and ornamental fish in Bangladesh but still now comprehensive details on reproductive biology of this species is scanty. Total 600 fish samples were derived from commercial catches from July 2018 to June 2019. Periodic differences in sex ratio, size distribution, condition factor (Kn), fecundity, gonadosomatic index and gonadal maturation cycle were assessed. The results showed 384 (64%) female and 216 (36%) male with an overall sex ratio of 1.77: 1 (female: male). Mean total length (TL) and body weight (BW) of all fish studied were 14.85 ± 3.38 cm TL and 27.54 ± 15.76 g, respectively. The Kn varied with length groups, the highest (1.45 ± 0.23) and lowest (0.89 ± 0.18) values obtained in 16.0–16.9 and 10.0–10.9 cm TL groups, respectively. The highest Kn was documented in October while the lowest was in January. Monthly GSI values showed two peaks in July and November for both the sexes. The fecundity was found to vary from 1120 to 14790 eggs with average value of 4968 ± 3047 with 14.4–18.3 cm in TL and 19.97–34.7g in BW. The relationship of fecundity with TL and BW was F = 1.385TL13.405, r2 = 0.885 and F = 5.201BW4.827, r2 = 0.944. Partial behavior of spawning together with allochronic oocytes development has also been found through histology. The results of this study could be used for predicting the response of populations of fish in Surma River and/or other where to human interferences and environmental change.