Life-history traits of Pool barb <em>Puntius sophore</em> (Cyprinidae) in different ecosystems of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study describes the life history traits of <em>Puntius sophore</em> (Hamilton, 1822) including, length frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), condition factors (allometric, <em>K_A</em>; Fulton′s, <em>K_F</em>; relative, <em>K_R</em> and relative weight, <em>W_R</em>), form factor (<em>a_3.0</em>), first sexual maturity (<em>L_m</em>) and natural mortality (M_W) from different ecosystems of Bangladesh. The LFDs were significantly different between the ecosystems (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Allometric coefficient (<em>b</em>) of LWRs (TL <em>vs.</em> BW) indicated positive allometric growth in the Padma River and in the earthen pond (<em>b </em> > 3.0), but isometric growth was found in the Khoilla <em>beel</em> (<em>b </em>≈ 3). All LWRs were highly significant (<em>P</em> < 0.001) with all <em>r²</em> values are ≥ 0.931. The ANCOVA stated that, the LWRs were significantly difference between the ecosystems (<em>P</em> < 0.001). In the present study <em>K_F</em> was best for assessing the wellbeing of this species in the surrounding ecosystems. The <em>W_R</em> was not significantly different from 100 indicating the habitats were still in good condition for <em>P. sophore.</em> Calculated <em>a_3.0</em> were 0.0162, 0.0225 and 0.0125 in the River, pond and <em>beel,</em> correspondingly. The estimated <em>L_m</em> was 5.60 cm TL in River, 6.30 cm TL in pond and 4.90 cm TL in <em>beel</em> and M_W was 1.45, 1.48 and 1.81 year^-1 in the River, pond, <em>beel</em> respectively. The findings i.e. growth pattern, relative weight, size at sexual maturity, mortality etc. of this study will be effective for the implications of sustainable management policies and to initiate stock assessment practices in the worldwide different ecosystem.