Studies on gonado-somatic index (GSI) of selected fishes in tons barrage, Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

A research study was conducted to analyze seasonal variations in the gonadosomatic index of certain fish species in Tons barrage, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. The highest mean GSI values were recorded during the monsoon season, while the lowest mean values were observed during the post-monsoon period for Cirrhinus mrigala, Labeo rohita and Catla catla. However, in the case of Labeo rohita, the maximum mean GSI value was actually observed during the pre-monsoon period in June, while the minimum was during the monsoon period in July-August, due to its single spawning period in June-July. The GSI is a measurement of the gonadal mass relative to the total body mass and serves as an important indicator of fish maturity and spawning patterns. This study aimed to identify the spawning season of key fish species in Tons barrage by analyzing the Gonadosomatic index, which can be beneficial for selective breeding programs, conservation efforts, and sustainable fishery management in natural water bodies.