Hilsa (Clupeidae: Tenualosa ilisha) predators in the marine and riverine ecosystems of Bangladesh

Abstract

The predators of hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) in the marine and riverine ecosystems of Bangladesh were identified. Data on the availability of hilsa shad in the stomach contents of top carnivore fishes were collected from 324 individuals with diversified occupations and hilsa-dominated geographical locations. Data analysis revealed that 15 predatory fishes preyed on hilsa, of which tuna, mackerel, shark, Indian threadfin, red snapper and fourfinger threadfin are dominant predators of adult hilsa in the Bay of Bengal, while freshwater shark, giant catfish, river catfish, humped featherback, stripped snakehead and giant snakehead are the main predators of juvenile hilsa in the Padma-Meghna river systems of Bangladesh. Further research leading to predation observations in controlled experiments can provide novel and robust information on predator-prey interactions in the context of ecosystem-based fisheries management and conservation initiatives.