First report on condition factor of panna heterolepis (Trewavas, 1977) in the Bay of Bengal (Southwestern Bangladesh) in relation to eco-climatic factors

Abstract

The current study describes the first report on condition factors (Fulton’s, KF; allometric, KA; relative, KR and relative weight, WR) of Panna heterolepis in relation to eco-climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, dissolved oxygen and pH) in the Bay of Bengal, SW Bangladesh. All together 1224 specimens (male = 654, female = 570) were caught through January to December 2019. Bodyweight (BW), as well as total length (TL), was assessed by digital balance and measuring board with 0.01 g and 0.01 cm accuracy. TL was varied between 10.70-31.40 cm for males and 10.50-34.50 cm for females. Further, BW was ranged from 10.02-203.89 g for males and 9.02-342.26 g for the female population. The KF values ranged from 0.56 to 1.12 for males and 0.60 to 1.45 for females. On the other hand, KA varied between 0.0047 to 0.0212 for males and 0.0050 to 0.0267 for females. Besides, KR varied between 0.79 to 1.39 for males and 0.73 to 1.55 for females. However, WR ranged from 78.55 to 139.24 for males and 73.24 to 154.47 for females. Fulton’s condition factor (KF)was found the best for evaluating the well-being of this species in the Bay of Bengal. Further, KF was found significantly related to temperature for both males (P = 0.04) and females (P = 0.04) but not with other factors. The mean WR indicated that the habitat was in a balanced condition considering prey-predator status. The outcomes of the study will be helpful for future management of this fish in the Bay of Bengal considering the emerging climate change.