Growth, Condition, Maturity and Mortality of the Dwarf Gourami, Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton, 1822) in a Wetland Ecosystem (Beel Dakatia), Southwestern Bangladesh

Abstract

The dwarf gourami, Trichogaster lalius, is a low-cost freshwater edible fish for the people of South Asian countries containing a variety of essential nutrients. The first wide-ranging explanation on the population parameters specifically; length-frequency distribution (LFD), length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationship (LLR), form factor (a3.0), condition factors (allometric, KA; Fulton’s, KF; relative, KR; relative weight, WR), size at first sexual maturity (Lm) and natural mortality (Mw) of T. lalius were estimated. 768 specimens were collected over one calendar year (March 2019 to February 2020) from a wetland ecosystem named Beel Dakatia, Khulna, southwestern Bangladesh through various traditional fishing gears. Lengths (in cm) and weight (in g) were assessed through a wooden fitted measuring scale and digital balance with accuracy 0.1 cm and 0.01g, respectively. In the current study, the total length ranged from 2.6-9.9 cm while the bodyweight ranged from 0.63-23.80 g for T. lalius. The TL size for classes of 7.00 to 7.99 and 8.00 to 8.99 cm indicated numerically prominent groups. Moreover, the calculated allometric coefficient (b) of LWRs represented a negative allometric growth pattern (b<3.00) for T. lalius in the Beel Dakatia. Noticeably, the a3.0 was 0.015 signifying that the fish is fusiform in shape. KF is the best-suited tool to assess the well-being of T. lalius among the four types of condition factors. According to Wilcoxson signed-rank test, the WR revealed significantly dissimilarities from 100 (P<0.0001), signifying the unbalanced territory for T. lalius. Moreover, the estimated Lm was 5.91 (~6.0) cm TL and Mw was 1.28 year-1 in the Beel Dakatia, southwestern Bangladesh. Finally, the knowledge about the biological aspects of T. lalius may be used for improved management tools in the future.