The reproductive biology of Pachypterus khavalchor (Kulkarni 1952) in the Panchaganga River of the Western Ghats a biodiversity hotspot in India

Gosavi Sachin M., . and Kharat Sanjay S., . and Tapkir Sandip D., . and Kumkar Pradeep, . The reproductive biology of Pachypterus khavalchor (Kulkarni 1952) in the Panchaganga River of the Western Ghats a biodiversity hotspot in India. pp. 79-90. ISSN 0116-6514

Pachypterus khavalchor (Kulkarni 1952) is a rarely studied but highly exploited catfish species inhabiting the Krishna River system of India. A total of 427 fishes were collected monthly from the Panchaganga River to study its reproductive characteristics. Samples were analysed for length-weight morphometry sexual dimorphism gonad weight and maturity status. Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) hepato-somatic Index (HSI) and stomach fullness index (SFI) were estimated to assess reproductive periodicity and its correlation with the fish condition and energy dynamics. Males had a cone-like genital papilla as a sexually dimorphic character. The male-female ratio was 1:1.02 (not different from 1:1) and females were comparatively larger than the males. Males matured at smaller sizes (7.3 cm) as compared to females (8.9 cm). The absolute fecundity varied from 932 to 24642 eggs.fish-1 while the relative fecundity ranged from 226 to 723 eggs.g - of body weight. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between fecundity and ovary weight (r 0.970). The GSI indicated that the breeding season for P. khavalchor is from April to August. The HSI and SFI showed that both males and females have similar seasonal reproductive patterns and feeding behaviour. Due to limited knowledge of its biology its rare occurrence and a highly fragmented population the present study is likely to be useful in designing sustainable management and conservation plans for P. khavalchor.

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Abstract

Pachypterus khavalchor (Kulkarni 1952) is a rarely studied but highly exploited catfish species inhabiting the Krishna River system of India. A total of 427 fishes were collected monthly from the Panchaganga River to study its reproductive characteristics. Samples were analysed for length-weight morphometry sexual dimorphism gonad weight and maturity status. Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) hepato-somatic Index (HSI) and stomach fullness index (SFI) were estimated to assess reproductive periodicity and its correlation with the fish condition and energy dynamics. Males had a cone-like genital papilla as a sexually dimorphic character. The male-female ratio was 1:1.02 (not different from 1:1) and females were comparatively larger than the males. Males matured at smaller sizes (7.3 cm) as compared to females (8.9 cm). The absolute fecundity varied from 932 to 24642 eggs.fish-1 while the relative fecundity ranged from 226 to 723 eggs.g - of body weight. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between fecundity and ovary weight (r 0.970). The GSI indicated that the breeding season for P. khavalchor is from April to August. The HSI and SFI showed that both males and females have similar seasonal reproductive patterns and feeding behaviour. Due to limited knowledge of its biology its rare occurrence and a highly fragmented population the present study is likely to be useful in designing sustainable management and conservation plans for P. khavalchor.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Freshwater catfish
AGROVOC Term:	Animal breeding
AGROVOC Term:	Reproductive physiology
AGROVOC Term:	Biodiversity
AGROVOC Term:	Rivers
AGROVOC Term:	Spawning
AGROVOC Term:	Sexual dimorphism
AGROVOC Term:	Fecundity
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/9120

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