LinkingCirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822) size composition and exploitation structure to their restoration in the Yamuna river, India

Abstract

Fish size is an integral component of river and stream system and represents an evident of structure, function, depth and health\rof the river/stream. Cirrhinus mrigala is a member of Indian major carp group. The species is of commercial significance due to\rits aquaculture potential and high consumer preference. Studies were undertaken during the period August 2011 to July 2012 from\rthe Yamuna river at Allahabad, India. The size composition ofC. mrigala varied from 16.8 to 94.3 cm total length. The mostly large\rsize fishes were recorded in the monsoon season. The maximum exploitation was recorded in 46.1-52.0 cm size group with 16.72 per\rcent and minimum in 94.0-100 cm with 0.30 per cent in pooled samples. In the stock, female fishes were more exploited (48.66%)\rcompared to male fishes (51.34%). The size composition and exploitation structure of C. mrigala indicated that very necessary to\rrestoration or enhancement through stocking of this species in the Yamuna river, India. Presently, there is no local or regional\rarrangement for reporting restoration.