First report on population dynamics and stock status of Badis badis in a wetland ecosystem (NW Bangladesh): Insights from new recorded maximum length

Md Mizanur Rahman; Mst Nadia Sultana Kashmi; Md Ashekur Rahman; Md Golam Sarwar; Farjana Mahtab Sujana; Obaidur Rahman; Tariq-Al-Kasif; Md Sumon Hossain; Md Joynal Abedin; Taiba Akter Laboni; Mst Shahinur Khatun; Sirajammunira; Md Yeamin Hossain

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22777

First report on population dynamics and stock status of Badis badis in a wetland ecosystem (NW Bangladesh): Insights from new recorded maximum length

Heliyon. 2023 Nov 25;9(12):e22777. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22777. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.
² Institute of Natural Resources Research and Development, Rajshahi 6206, Bangladesh.
³ Department of Fisheries, Bangamata Sheikh Fojilatunnesa Mujib Science and Technology University, Jamalpur 2010, Bangladesh.
⁴ Department of Zoology, Carmichael College, National University, Bangladesh.

Abstract

Badis badis (Hamilton, 1822) is a popular ornamental fish species in the world. This study provides valuable insights into some biological indices of B. badis using a sample of 293 individuals. These individuals were captured from June 2021 to May 2022 using several traditional fish harvesting gears and traps in the Babu Mondoler beel, a wetland ecosystem in NW Bangladesh. Biometric data were collected for each individual, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this species. The recorded results revealed a wide range of total length (TL), varying from 2.30 to 11.33 cm. Notably, we observed a maximum length of 11.33 cm TL and a maximum body weight (BW) of 18.18 g, ranging from 0.20 to 18.18 g, setting a new record and showcasing the diversity in size within the population. The estimated allometric coefficient (b) showed that combined sexes had negative allometric growth (b = 2.67). Growth parameters were assessed as L_∞ = 11.93 cm, K = 0.95 year^-1 and Ø' = 2.13. The t_max was 3.16 years. The L_m was measured at 7.02 cm TL and t_m = 0.89 year. In this study, K_F (1.4240 ± 0.3194) was best for the wellbeing of B. badis in the study area. The a_3.0 was estimated at 0.0079 and the relative weight W_R (100.90 ± 16.994). Physiological status showed that maximum fatty fish were observed at 10.00-12.00 cm TL; lowest at 4.0-6.00 cm TL. Moreover, the Z, M_w, F and E were estimated to be 3.29 year^-1, 1.45 year^-1, 1.84 year^-1and 0.56, respectively. Additionally, the L_opt for this species was found to be 7.91 cm TL. The findings from this study hold great potential for enhancing the assessment and management of the specimen in the study area and its ecological community. These valuable insights into the population parameters, growth patterns, and exploitation rates of B. badis can inform future management strategies, ensuring the sustainable utilization of this fishery resource in Bangladesh and others neighboring countries.

Keywords: Badis badis; Exploitation; Ganges river; Growth parameters; Optimum catchable length; Size at first sexual maturity.