Reproductive biology of Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794) in the Padma River, Bangladesh

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present the reproductive biology of Mystus vittatus including- sex ratio, gonadal maturation, spawning season and fecundity from the Padma River, Bangladesh. Fish samples were collected using different types of traditional fishing gears i.e., cast net, square lift net and gill net during June 2010 to May 2012. For each individual total length was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm using digital slide calipers and whole body weight and gonadal weight were taken using an electronic balance with 0.01 g accuracy. During the study, total 2875 specimens of M. vittatus were collected where, 48.66% were males and 51.34% were females and the overall sex ratio was recorded as 1:1.05 (male: female). A total of 350 gravid female fishes were studied to determine different stages of ovaries and a total of 8 stages of ovaries were examined. Based on percentages of gravid females and monthly variations of gonadosomatic index (GSI), the spawning season was ranged from March to September and peak spawning season was June for M. vittatus in the Padma River. During the study fecundity for M. vittatus varied from 6023 to 29800 with a mean value of 14751  7539. The results of this study would be an effective tool for fishery managers, biologists, and conservationists to initiate appropriate management strategies and regulations for the sustainable management of this species in the Padma River and surrounding ecosystems.