Evaluating the size at sexual maturity for 20 fish species (Actinopterygii) in wetland (Gajner Beel) ecosystem, north-western Bangladesh through multi-model approach: A key for sound management

Effective fisheries management depend on having an exact assessment of biological parameters, including growth parameters, reproduction, size at sexual maturity (L-m), and stock assessment. The purpose of this research was to estimate the size at sexual maturity (L-m) for 20 fish species belongs to 14 families from a wetland (Gajner Beel) ecosystem in the north-western (NW) Bangladesh through multi-models such as length (L-max) based empirical model, gonadosomatic index (GSI)-based model, and logistic model using commercial catches from January to December 2018. Also, we assessed the L-m in other water-bodies worldwide. Specimens' total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring board body weight (BW) and gonad weight (GW) weighed by digital electronic balance with 0.01 g accuracy. To assess the L-m, maximum body length (L-max) based empirical model; the relation between TL (total length in cm) vs. GSI (gonadosomatic index in %); and a logistic model were considered. The minimum L-m was 4.64, 3.90, and 4.15 cm for Chanda nama Hamilton, 1822 and the maximum was 25.33, 24.50, and 24.70 cm for Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) through L-max, GSI, and logistic-based models, respectively. From these three models, the minimum mean Lm was 4.23 cm for C. nama and the maximum was 24.84 cm for C. striata. The L-m with 50.0% species was in 8.80 cm TL. We also calculated the L-m from different bodies of water based on L-max. This study was generated data of 17 new L(m am)ong 20 species, which are globally absent. Therefore, the study will help develop sustainable management strategies, conservation through the implementation of mesh size based on the size at sexual maturity (L-m).

Automated summary

This study estimated the size at sexual maturity (L-m) for 20 fish species from a wetland in north-western Bangladesh using multiple models. The minimum and maximum L-m values were determined to be 4.23 cm and 24.84 cm respectively, with 50.0% of species having an L-m of 8.80 cm TL. The data generated from this study will aid in the development of sustainable management strategies and conservation efforts based on the size at sexual maturity (L-m).