Study on the Fecundity and GSI of Brackishwater Catfish Plotosus canius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Abstract

The fecundity and gonado somatic index (GSI) of Plotosus canius during its peak breeding seasons were studied. Fecundity of P. canius during its peak breeding season April to August of size range 36.5 to 69.2 cm varied from minimum 1180 in April and maximum 2250 in July. Fecundity showed a linear relationship to total length, body weight and ovary weight. The linear relationship between weight and fecundity was more valid than that of length and fecundity. The results of correlation regression equation of total length-fecundity, body weight-fecundity and gonad weight-fecundity were (r=0.832619), (r=0.933599) and (r=0.96118). On average 2.3718 ova are produced in pre gram-weight of body. Study on gonado somatic index indicated that mature fish become available from April to August, the peak being July.