Biological parameters of the endangered fish Chitala chitala (Osteoglossiformes: Notopteridae) from some Indian rivers

Age, growth and maturity data of the freshwater feather back Chitala chitala (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822) were collected from ten different geographical locations. Out of ten populations, maximum 6+ ages were recorded from four river basins namely river Bhagirathi, Koshi, Saryu and Ganga and the back calculated lengths at 6+ ages ranged from 1033.36–1073.63 mm. In rest of the locations, however, only 3+ age classes were recorded. Specific rate of linear growth (C_l) and specific rate of weight increase (C_w) showed decreases except in two locations. The specific rate of linear growth (C_l) and the specific rate of weight increase (C_w) increased at 3+ age class in the river Bhagirathi. Among other growth parameters, three distinct life stages of C. chitala were observed based on analysis of growth constant data. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the back-calculated length data of 10 populations indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). Out of ten populations studied, six showed significant variation of growth in 1+ age class and two showed significant variation in 2+ to 6+ age classes. Length-weight relationship of the species from all the population was calculated and the coefficient of correlation (r) was at the significant level where the value of ‘b’ was almost 3 for all the locations studied. Male C. chitala attained maturity earlier (2+ age) whereas females matured at age 3+. The percentages of mature individuals also varied between river basins. Based on this study strategies can be proposed for sustainable exploitation of the species from wild populations.