International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-022-02249-7

ORIGINAL PAPER

Life history traits of Mystus vittatus in the Ganges River, Bangladesh:

recommendation for its sustainable management considering climate
change
Zannatul Mawa1 · Md. Yeamin Hossain1 · Md. Rabiul Hasan1 · Md. Ashekur Rahman1 · Sumaya Tanjin1 ·
Jun Ohtomi2

Received: 2 February 2021 / Revised: 19 January 2022 / Accepted: 26 January 2022 / Published online: 25 February 2022
© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology 2022

Abstract
Freshwater catfishes are regarded primarily as a source of food and sport, so they are highly valuable economically. We com-
prehensively studied life history features of Mystus vittatus, including sex ratio (SR), population structure, growth pattern,
condition, form factor (a3.0), sexual maturity (Lm), spawning season, fecundity, mortality (i.e., total mortality (Z), natural-
mortality (MW), and fishing mortality (F)), optimum catchable length (Lopt), length at first capture (Lc), and environmental
factors (temperature and rainfall) with management policies from the Ganges River during July 2017 to June 2018. SR
(1:1.48) differed noticeably from the expected 1:1 ratio (p < 0.05). Total length (TL) ranged from 6.80–16.00 cm for males
and 6.53–18.80 cm for females. The growth was negative allometric for both sexes. Fulton’s condition factor was the best
one and mean relative weight showed no significant difference from 100 for both sexes that indicates balanced population.
Lm was 9.60, 9.70, and 8.80 cm based on the gonadosomatic index (GSI), logistic, and maximum length (Lmax), respectively.
Spawning season was April to September and the peak was May to July. Fecundity varied from 5942 to 49,852 (mean ± SD,
11,898 ± 5028) and a positively correlated with TL and BW. Z was 1.80 ­year−1, Mw was 0.97 ­year−1, and F was 0.83 ­year−1.
Lopt was 11.14 cm (TL) and Lc was ~ 8.47 cm (TL). Temperature and rainfall both were significantly related with GSI and
suitable range of temperature and rainfall for spawning of M. vittatus was 28–34 °C and 200–390 mm, respectively. Long
data series pointed that average air temperature was increasing and rainfall was decreasing. By considering all of the above
parameters, we can take the proper management actions for M. vittatus and other freshwater catfishes on the Indian sub-
continent, to ensure long-term self-sustainability and sustainable harvest for the benefit of fishers and communities.

Keywords Size at sexual maturity · Mystus vittatus · Spawning season · Fecundity · Environmental factors · Management
policy

Introduction the richest and most important Teleostei family, which includes
Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) (Day 1878). It is locally known as
Fishes in the order Siluriformes are commonly called “cat- Tengra in Bangladesh; Tengera, Lal tingara, or Kuggur in India;
fishes” which are a valuable portion of the ichthyofauna in striped catfish in the USA; and Gigi in Japan, but is commonly
marine, coastal, and freshwater habitats. Siluriformes com- known as Asian striped catfish. M. vittatus is broadly distributed
prises 35 families that are found worldwide (Talwar and Jhin- in Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,
gran 1991; Jayaram 2010). Among these families, Bagridae is Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Nepal (Froese and
Pauly 2020). It usually dwells in peripheral vegetation in lakes,
canals, ponds, irrigation channels, and swamps. This species
* Md. Yeamin Hossain generally feeds on shrimp, small fishes, mollusks, insects, and
yeamin2222@yahoo.com plants (Pethiyagoda 1991). Mystus species contains a number of
1
Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, minor and trace elements, including calcium, iron, magnesium,
Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc (Rao et al. 1999).
2
Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4‑50‑20 Because of luscious taste, nutrient value, and accessibility over
Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890‑0056, Japan the year, Mystus species are in high market demand (Islam

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928 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

et al. 2011) as a target species for artisan fishers (Kibria and 2008). Lc is the length from where 50% fishes are catches
Ahmed 2005). In Bangladesh, it has high economic value as it (King 2007) and indicating the higher/lower fishing pressure
is considered both ornamental and food fish (Ross et al. 2003) on the stock (Udoh and Ukpatu 2017).
and recently it has been reported as an export item (Gupta Changes in environmental conditions pose a critical
and Banerjee 2014). M. vittatus is categorized as vulnerable threat to fishery services, along with additional threats
species in Telangana State and Western Ghat, India (CAMP like pollution and overharvesting (Rose 2005). Assess-
1998), but least concern in Bangladesh (IUCN Bangladesh ment of environmental and biological factors on fish
2015) and worldwide (IUCN 2020). Least concern species are reproduction has prime importance to (a) identify the
those whose population size or spread of animals has gradually interactions between stock and environment and (b) indi-
diminished, necessitating the implementation of management cating susceptibility of a fish stock in relation to climatic
plans to ensure their continued survival in wild habitat (Nature variation (Khatun et al. 2019). Environmental factors,
Conservation Act 1992). notably temperature and rainfall, have continuous effects
The SR and population structure provide rudimentary on fish growth and reproduction (Shoji et al. 2011). Tem-
data to evaluate stock structure of fish stocks (Vazzoler perature is considered as the key to control every phase
1996). Deviance from a 1:1 (male:female) proportion is of fish reproduction (Pankhurst and Porter 2003). Any
not expected for most wild fish and shellfish populations, change in temperature has an essential arena for consider-
although a few may elicit a deviance (Hossain et al. 2012). ing the reproductive effectiveness of fish population in any
Knowledge on the growth pattern of fish is crucial to esti- environment because of its direct effect on gametogenesis
mate weight from length. Also, the growth pattern is helpful process (Pankhurst and Mundy 2011). Temperature is an
for the researcher to assess the condition and health of fishes abiotic factor regulating the activities of larval assembly of
(Hasan et al. 2020; Islam et al. 2020). both freshwater and marine fishes (Jakobsen et al. 2009).
To assess the physiology, health, and yield of fishes Similarly, rainfall is another important factor prompting
(Richter 2007), several condition factors are used. They the total chain of hydrologic events via river influx and
are numerical parameters that assess the health of fishes to overflow (Patrick 2016). Spawning rhythm and success of
describe the immediate and imminent generation potential fish are frequently reduced due to lack of sufficient rainfall
by its impact on growth, survival, and reproduction (Le Cren (Vadas et al. 2016). Rainfall helps in spawning by reducing
1951). The relative weight (WR) is an important and popular the water temperature and improving dissolved oxygen. In
index for assessing fish condition (Rypel and Richter 2008). addition, it stimulates natural spawning by offering avail-
Differences of body shape for different species or population able water for mature fish (Ahamed et al. 2018).
of fish can be determined by using the form factor (Froese Management guide is the sum of some management
2006). measures which are taken to conserve the fishery resources
The Lm in fish may depend on environmental condition of important water bodies and to maintain sustainable pro-
and can assist to define the minimum catchable size of fishes duction. The aim of fishery management is to confirm that
(Lucifora et al. 1999; Hasan et al. 2021). Determination of catches from a fish stock are ecologically supportable in
the full- and peak-spawning seasons of adult fish is impor- the long-term in meeting societal needs and fishermen’s
tant for conservation and management policies to avoid over economic needs (Coleman et al. 1999; Cochrane 2000).
harvesting and other impacts (Templeman 1987). Conservation is an exigency practice (Soule, 1985) that
Estimating fecundity of fish is very crucial for assessing needs instant action or recommendations (Coblentz 1990).
its life history, stock, culture, and management approach The conservation strategies improve the management prac-
(Doha and Hye 1970). Variances in fecundity among species tices that maintain the integrity of aquatic ecosystems,
frequently reveal different reproductive strategies (Murua inhibit endangerment, and increase population of the
and Saborido-Rey 2003). Fish mortality is a measure used threatened species (Dar et al. 1991).
to account for the loss of fish in a fish stock due to death. Catfishes are declining day by day. A study in south-
Two types of mortality can be distinguished (natural and western Bengal reported a decline of this species (Mishra
fishing). Natural mortality refers to the loss of fish from a et al. 2009). So, management is urgently needed to main-
stock owing to factors other than fishing, such as disease, tain their sustainability and production. This is the first
cannibalism, competition, predation, old age, and pollution, work which deeply studies on catfish’s (M. vittatus) life his-
or any other natural condition that causes fish death whereas tory traits (sex ratio, population structure, growth pattern,
fishing mortality means the loss of fish from a stock as a condition, form factors, size at sexual maturity, spawning
result of fishing (Sparre et al. 1989). season, fecundity, mortality, optimum catchable length,
The Lopt for a given stock is defined as the intermediate length at first capture, and environmental factors) and
length class, where the product of individuals times their suggests a long-term management plan. But, some works
average weight reached a maximum (El-Ganainy and Riad have been done on M. vittatus in other south Asian water

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International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 929

bodies, including sex ratio (Bhatt 1971), LWRs (Hossain Form factor
et al. 2006, 2009, 2016; Srivastava et al. 2013), Lm (Rao
and Sharma 1984; Sudha and Shakuntala 1989), spawning Form factor was calculated by the equation a3.0 = ­10log a−s(b−3)
season (Prabhu 1956; Qasim and Qayyum 1961; Rajagopal (Froese 2006).
and Davidar 2008), and fecundity (Azadi et al. 1987; Islam
et al. 2011; Rahman et al. 2016). Therefore, our main goal Size at first sexual maturity (Lm)
is to establish the complete life history traits and make rec-
ommendations for conservation and management policies Lm was estimated by three models (i) TL vs. GSI model (GSI
of freshwater catfishes in south Asian countries. % = (GW/BW)*100) (Nikolsky 1963); (ii) logistic model
(King 2007); and (iii) maximum length–based model (log
Lm =  − 0.1189 + 0.9157* log Lmax) (Binohlan and Froese 2009).
Materials and methods
Spawning season
Sampling site and fish measurement
To estimate the spawning season of this species, monthly
Our study was conducted in the Ganges River (Rajshahi variation of GSI was assessed.
region: Godagari, Jahajghat, Charghat), Bangladesh (Sup-
plementary material Fig. 1). It is a major trans-boundary Fecundity
river in Bangladesh. In the present study, M. vittatus were
caught by the commercial fishers throughout the year. In According to Murua et al. (2003), total fecundity (FT) was
total, 1015 specimens were collected from July 2017 to estimated by the gravimetric method. The relationships
June 2018 by gill net (1.5–2.5 cm) with the help of fisher’s among fecundity, total length, and body weight were done
and then preserved in ice box on the spot. Specimens were by FT = m × (TL) n (non-linear) and FT = m + n × (BW) (lin-
brought to the laboratory and wiped on filter paper to flat ear regression).
them dry. Then lengths were measured (TL and SL, to the
closest 0.01 cm) by a digital slide caliper and total weight
was taken (BW, to nearest 0.01 g) on an electrical balance.
Mortality estimation
Sex identification was done by the microscopic view of
Total mortality (Z) was estimated by the length-converted catch
gonads and also by the meristic and morphometric traits
curve method (Pauly 1983): ln(Nt/Δt) = a + b*t. Natural mor-
of fish.
tality (M) was estimated using the empirical formula of Pauly
(1980) given as log10M =  − 0.0152 − 0.279 log10L∞ + 0.6543
Sex ratio and population structure
log10K + 0.4634 log10T, where, T is the average annual environ-
mental temperature (°C) in which the stocks live and fishing mor-
Sex ratio (SR) is important to evaluate the percentage of
tality (F) was estimated by F = Z − M (Gulland 1965).
male and female in a population. The departure of SR from
the predictable value of 1:1 was identified by chi-squared
test. Length frequency distribution for each sex was made Optimum catchable length (Lopt) and length at first
individually with 1.0cm intervals of TL. capture (Lc)

Growth pattern Lopt was estimated by Beverton (1992) model: Lopt = 3L∞
(3 + MK−1)−1 where, L∞ is the asymptotic length estimated
According to Le Cren (1951), LWRs were estimated by by log L∞ = 0.044 + 0.9841*log (Lmax) (Froese and Binohlan
W = a × Lb, so the parameters a and b were estimated by ln 2000). K is the growth coefficient K = 3/tmax (Pauly and
(W) = ln (a) + b ln (L). Munro 1984).
The length first capture (Lc) of each length class of M. vit-
Condition factors tatus was estimated using the ascending left arm of the total
length-converted catch curve (Pauly 1987). The Lc is taken
Allometric condition factor (KA) was estimated by W/Lb (Tesch as corresponding to the cumulative probability at 50%. This
1968). Fulton’s (1904) condition factor (KF) was estimated by represents the size at which 50% of the catches are retained
KF = 100 × (W/L3). Relative condition factor (KR) was esti- by the gear or 50% of the recruits are under full exploitation.
mated by KR = W/(a × Lb) (Le Cren 1951) and relative weight The probabilities were smoothed using a running average
WR was estimated by WR = (W/Ws) × 100 (Froese 2006). procedure and logistic transformations; all the analyses were
done by the help of FiSAT tool.

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Table 1  Descriptive statistics of length (cm) and weight (g) measure- non-parametric Spearman-rank test examined the relation-
ments of Mystus vittatus specimens in the Ganges River ships between (a) climatic information and GSI and (b) con-
Characteristics n Min Max Mean ± SD 95% CL dition factors with GSI at a 5% significance level.

Male 410
Total length (cm) 6.80 16.00 11.17 ± 2.68 10.91–11.43
Results
Standard length 2.10 12.20 8.62 ± 2.03 8.42–8.81
(cm)
Body weight (g) 3.84 34.40 17.57 ± 8.94 16.71–18.44
Sex ratio
Female 605
In the present study, a total of 1015 individuals of M. vitta-
Total length (cm) 6.53 18.80 9.56 ± 1.28 9.55–9.75
tus were collected from the Ganges River; 410 were males
Standard length 4.77 16.50 7.82 ± 1.35 7.71–7.92
(cm) and 605 were females so SR was 1:1.48 (df = 1, χ2 = 37.46,
Body weight (g) 2.21 55.50 10.15 ± 4.38 9.80–10.80 p < 0.05) (Supplementary material Table 1), which was
Combined 1015 significantly different from the predictable 1:1 ratio.
Total length (cm) 6.53 18.80 10.27 ± 2.11 10.14–10.40
Standard length 4.77 16.50 8.15 ± 1.70 8.03–8.24
(cm)
Body weight (g) 2.21 55.50 13.15 ± 7.54 12.69–13.61 Population structure
n, sample size; Min, minimum; Max, maximum; SD, standard devia-
tion; CL, confidence limit for mean values The TL ranged from 6.53 to 18.80 cm (mean ± SD,
10.27 ± 2.11 cm) and BW varied from 2.21 to 55.50 g
(13.15 ± 7.54) (Table 1). The length-frequency distribu-
tion (LFD)–indicated maximum abundance was in the
Environmental parameters
10.00–11.00cm size group for both males and females
(Supplementary material Fig. 2). But the results showed
Monthly water temperature was taken from the sampling
that there was a significant difference in the LFDs between
spot through HACH ­(HQ40d) digital multi-meter device
both sexes (two-tailed test, Mann–Whitney, p < 0.0001).
to evaluate the impact of environmental parameters (tem-
perature and rainfall) on GSI of M. vittatus. Also, rainfall
(mm) data (monthly) were collected from the meteorological
center of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Growth pattern

Statistical analyses Descriptive statistics of M. vittatus was given in Table 2

and Fig. 1. The allometric coefficient (b) indicated that
Statistical analyses were done by FiSAT, Past 4.03, Graph the growth pattern was negative allometric for both sexes.
Pad Prism 6.5 and Excel software with 5% significance All length–weight relationships were highly correlated
level. To compare the relative weight with 100, a one-sam- (p < 0.001), with r2 ≥ 0.880.
ple t-test was used (Anderson and Neumann 1996). The

Table 2  Descriptive statistics Equation Sex n Regression 95% CL of a 95% CL of b r2 GT

and estimated parameters of parameters
the length–weight relationships
(BW = a × ­Lb) of Mystus vittatus a b
from the Ganges River
BW = a × TLb M 410 0.0471 2.42 0.0411–0.0541 2.36–2.47 0.944 −A
BW = a × SLb 0.0813 2.45 0.0728–0.0907 2.40–2.50 0.956
BW = a × TLb F 605 0.0179 2.77 0.0152–0.0212 2.70–2.85 0.900 −A
BW = a × SLb 0.1242 2.12 0.1094–0.1410 2.06–2.18 0.882
BW = a × TLb C 1015 0.0261 2.63 0.0233–0.0291 2.58–2.68 0.922 −A
BW = a × SLb 0.0718 2.44 0.0640–0.0806 2.38–2.49 0.880

M, male; F, female; C, combined sex; n, sample size; a, b are LWR parameters; CL, confidence limit for
mean values; r2, coefficient of determination; GT, growth type; − A, negative allometric

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International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 931

42.0

35.0
BW = 0.0471(TL)
2.41 Male
2
28.0 n =410, r = 0.944
Body weight (g)

21.0

14.0

7.0

0.0
4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0

Total length(cm)
72.0
Female
60.0 BW= 0.0179(TL)
2.77

2
n =605, r = 0.900
Body weight (g)

48.0

36.0

24.0

12.0

0.0
4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0
Total length (cm)

Fig. 1  Relationships BW = a × TLb) between total length vs. body weight of male and female Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) in the Ganges River

Condition factors was 0.64–1.54 (1.00 ± 0.15) for males and 0.67–1.59
(1.02 ± 0.12) for females (Table 3) to be significantly dif-
K A values ranged from 0.0302 to 0.0727 (mean ± SD, ferent between sexes (U = 109,942, p = 0.0021). In addi-
0.0471 ± 0.0071) for males and 0.0119–0.0284 tion, ­W R was 64.02–154.32 for males and 66.86–158.95
(0.0182 ± 0.0021) for females (Table 3) to be signifi- for females (Table 3). By the Wilcoxon signed rank test,
cantly different between sexes (U = 0.000, p < 0.0001). ­WR showed no significant differences from 100 for both
­K F was 0.74–1.99 (1.19 ± 0.25) for males and 0.70–1.69 males (p = 0.4648) and females (p = 0.1641). The rela-
(1.08 ± 0.13) for females (Table 3) to be significantly tionship between TL vs. ­W R is shown in Supplemen-
different between sexes (U = 90,086, p < 0.0001). ­K R tary material Fig. 3 and the relationships of different

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932 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

Table 3  Allometric (KA), Condition Sex n Min Max Mean ± SD 95% CL

Fulton’s (KF), and relative factors
condition factors (KR) and
relative weight (WR) of Mystus KA M 410 0.0302 0.0727 0.0471 ± 0.0071 0.0464–0.0478
vittatus from the Ganges River
KF 0.74 1.99 1.19 ± 0.25 1.17–1.22
KR 0.64 1.54 1.00 ± 0.15 0.99–1.02
WR 64.02 154.32 100.04 ± 15.07 98.56–101.50
KA F 605 0.0119 0.0284 0.0182 ± 0.0021 0.0180–0.0183
KF 0.70 1.69 1.08 ± 0.13 1.07–1.09
KR 0.67 1.59 1.02 ± 0.12 1.01–1.03
WR 66.86 158.95 101.69 ± 12.24 100.72–102.69
KA C 1015 0.0156 0.0452 0.0264 ± 0.0041 0.0261–0.0267
KF 0.70 1.99 1.13 ± 0.20 1.12–1.14
KR 0.60 1.73 1.02 ± 0.16 1.00–1.02
WR 59.81 173.19 101.31 ± 15.95 100.33–102.30

M, male; F, female; C, combined sex; n, sample size; Min, minimum; Max, maximum; SD, standard devia-
tion; CL, confidence limit for mean values

condition factors (­ KA, ­KF, ­KR, and W

­ R) with TL and BW Lm for this species elsewhere are shown in Supplementary
are shown in Table 4. But, only ­KF has a highly signifi- material Table 2.
cant relationship with TL (p < 0.0001).
Spawning season
Form factor (a3.0)
Monthly variations of GSI for female M. vittatus are
The a3.0 was of 0.0082 for M. vittatus which indicates that represented in Fig. 4. The lowest values of GSI were in
body shape was elongated in the Ganges River, northwestern January–March and October–December. In contrast, the
Bangladesh. highest GSI was found during April to September, which
designates the spawning season of M. vittatus with the
peak in May to July. For the other, seven studies of M.
Size at first sexual maturity (Lm) vittatus in south Asia, spawning season ranged from April
to December (Supplementary material Table 3).
According to the TL vs. GSI model, Lm was considered
to be 9.60 cm (TL) for female M. vittatus (Fig. 2) in the Fecundity
Ganges River of NW Bangladesh. A Spearman’s rank cor-
relation test revealed no significant connections between A total of 221 female specimens (size at first sexual matu-
TL vs. GSI (rs = 0.06991; p = 0.0858). According to the rity ≥ 9.37 cm TL) were used to determine the fecundity.
logistic model, Lm was 9.70 cm (Fig. 2). On the basis of The mean total fecundity with standard deviation was
maximum length, Lm was 8.80 cm (continuous length) and 11,897.78 ± 5027.28 and ranged from 5942 to 49,852. Sig-
11.16 cm (discrete length) for female M. vittatus in the nificant correlations were recorded between total fecundity
Ganges River (Supplementary material Fig. 4). So, from and both (a) total length (r2 ≥ 0.825) and (b) body weight
the three models, mean Lm was 9.37 cm. And according (r2 ≥ 0.844). Also, significant linear relationships were found
to the logistic model, ~ 50% of fish spawn when Fulton’s for natural log (ln) relationships of FT–TL and FT–BW (Fig. 5).
condition factor was 1.09 (Fig. 3) and GSI was 15.0 (Sup- Based on previous studies of M. vittatus, fecundity ranged from
plementary material Fig. 5). In addition, other works on 2515 to 60,746 in south Asia (Supplementary material Table 4).

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Table 4  Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) for allometric 35

condition (KA); Fulton’s condition (KF), relative condition (KR), and
30 Min L m = 6.81 cm Mean L m = 9.60 cm
relative weight (WR) with total length (TL, cm); and body weight

Gonadosomatic index( %)
(BW, g) of Mystus vittatus from the Ganges River 25
GSI (%) = 12.0
Correlation rs values 95% CL of rs P- values Level of 20
signifi-
cant 15

10
Male
TL vs. KA − 0.052 − 0.152 to 0.047 P = 0.2875 ns 5

TL vs. KF − 0.736 − 0.778 to − 0.687 P < 0.0001 *** 0

TL vs. KR − 0.052 − 0.151 to 0.047 P = 0.2917 ns 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

TL vs. WR − 0.052 − 0.151 to 0.047 P = 0.2910 ns Total length(cm)

Female
TL vs. KA − 0.085 − 0.166 to − 0.003 P = 0.0358 *
TL vs. KF − 0.309 − 0.382 to − 0.233 P < 0.0001 ***
TL vs. KR − 0.085 − 0.166 to − 0.003 P = 0.0358 *
TL vs. WR − 0.085 − 0.166 to − 0.003 P = 0.0358 *
Combined
TL vs. KA 0.006 − 0.058 to 0.069 P = 0.8559 ns
TL vs. KF − 0.415 − 0.466 to − 0.361 P < 0.0001 ***
TL vs. KR 0.006 -0.058 to 0.069 P = 0.8563 ns
TL vs. WR 0.006 -0.058 to 0.069 P = 0.8563 ns
Male
BW vs. KA 0.110 0.011 to 0.208 P = 0.0257 *
BW vs. KF − 0.603 − 0.662 to − 0.535 P < 0.0001 ***
Fig. 2  Relationship between gonadosomatic index (GSI), with total
BW vs. KR 0.111 0.011 to 0.208 P = 0.0250 * length of female Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) in the Ganges River
BW vs. WR 0.111 0.011 to 0.209 P = 0.0252 *
Female
BW vs. KA 0.203 0.123 to 0.281 P < 0.0001 ***
BW vs. KF − 0.025 − 0.108 to 0.057 P = 0.5263 ns
BW vs. KR 0.203 0.123 to 0.281 P < 0.0001 ***
BW vs. WR 0.203 0.123 to 0.281 P < 0.0001 ***
Combined
BW vs. KA 0.261 0.200 to 0.318 P < 0.0001 ***
BW vs. KF − 0.171 − 0.231 to − 0.109 P < 0.0001 ***
BW vs. KR 0.261 0.201 to 0.319 P < 0.0001 ***
BW vs. WR 0.261 0.201 to 0.319 P < 0.0001 ***

rs, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; ns, not significant; *, sig-

nificant; ***, very highly significant; and P shows level of signifi-
cance

Fig. 3  Adjusted percentage of mature females of Mystus vittatus

(Bloch 1794) versus Fulton’s condition factor showing the logistic
curve fitted to the data

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934 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

Fig. 4  Monthly variations of 50

gonadosomatic index (GSI),
with maximum and minimum 45 Min Peak season
values of female Mystus vittatus Mean Spawning
40
(Bloch 1794) in the Ganges season

Gonadosomatic index(%)
Max
River 35
30
25 GSI (%) = 15.0
20
15
10
5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

Mortality estimation ratio is dependent on the relative birth and death rate for a
population (Grech et al. 2002). In this study, the SR of M.
In our study, our observed Z was 1.80 ­year−1, Mw was vittatus was 1:1.48. Another works on this aspect were found
0.97 ­year−1, and F was 0.83 ­year−1 for M. vittatus (Supple- for M. vittatus in two water bodies of India, which was 1:2.5
mentary material Fig. 6). (Rao and Sharma 1984) and 1:1.5 (Bhatt 1971).
The population structure (LFD) of this study revealed
Optimum catchable length (Lopt) and length at first that it was rare to sample M. vittatus smaller than 6.53 cm
capture (Lc) (TL) because of selectivity of fishing gear or their absence
from the fishing grounds (Nawer et al. 2017; Azad et al.
In our study, the calculated Lopt was 11.14 cm (TL) and Lc 2018). We observed that the maximum size of M. vittatus
was 8.48 cm (running average method) and 8.46 cm (logistic was 16.00 cm (TL) for males and 18.80 cm (TL) for females
transformation) shown in Fig. 6. in the Ganges River. The TL interval of 10.00–11.00 cm was
dominant for both genders. In contrast, Talwar and Jhin-
Environmental factors gran (1991) reported maximum length was 21.00 cm (SL)
in India, which exceeded our results. On the contrary, Sriv-
In our study, we observed the relation on gonadal maturation astava et al. (2013) and Hossain et al. (2016) recorded maxi-
of M. vittatus with temperature and rainfall. Both tempera- mum TLs were 10.90 and 12.30 cm from Ganges, Lucknow,
ture and rainfall were significantly related to GSI (Fig. 7) India and Rupsha Rivers, Bangladesh, respectively which
and suitable ranges of temperatures were 28–34 °C, rainfall were lower than our findings. These differences in TL per-
were 200–390 mm (Fig. 8) for the spawning of M. vittatus. haps depend on water temperatures and other environmental
In addition, observation of long data series (1972–2018) conditions which affect the fish growth (Mommsen 1998).
pointed that average air temperature was increasing by Growth patterns have huge significance in fishery
0.027 °C ­yr−1 (r2 = 0.332), whereas rainfall was decreasing research, revealed by population parameters (Ecoutin
by 2.94 mm ­yr−1 (r2 = 0.135) (Fig. 9). et al. 2005). There is much divergence in fish growth forms
among species. When “b” is ~ 3, the fishes grow isometri-
cally, but when b value is significantly different from 3.0,
Discussion it indicates allometric growth is either positive or nega-
tive (Tesch 1971). In this study, the growth pattern was
There is no available work on sustainable management of b = 2.42 for males, and b = 2.77 for female which indicates
freshwater catfishes from south Asia that is why our study negative allometric growth for both genders of M. vittatus
might be used as a key factor for future research. As a sym- in the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. Similar
bolic species of freshwater catfish, we explored the life his- results were reported by Srivastava et al. (2013) and Hos-
tory of M. vittatus for the management relevance. The sex sain et al. (2016) from Indian and Bangladeshi Rivers,

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International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 935

Fig. 5  The relationships 60.0

between (1) total length vs.
fecundity (2), body weight vs. 50.0 F T = 0.0425(TL)
2.41

Total fecundity (x10 3)

fecundity (3), ln total length vs. n = 221, r
2
= 0.826
ln fecundity (4), and ln body 40.0
weight vs. ln fecundity of Mys-
tus vittatus (Bloch 1794) in the 30.0
Ganges River
20.0

10.0 (1)

0.0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Total length (cm)

6.0

5.0 F T = 2.41(TL) - 3.1587

ln total fecundity (x10 3)

n = 221, r 2 = 0.826
4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0
(2)

0.0
1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00
ln total length (cm)

60

50
Total fecundity (x10 )
3

F T = 0.99(BW) + 0.4019
40 n = 221, r
2
= 0.844
30

20

10 (3)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Body weight (g)

5.0
ln total fecundity (x10 )

4.0 F T = 0.87 (BW)+ 0.3468

3

n = 221, r 2 = 0.755
3.0

2.0

1.0
(4)

0.0
1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

ln body weight (g)

13
936 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

Fig. 6  (a) Optimum catchable 300.0

length (Lopt) and (b) length
Lc Lm L opt
at first capture (Lc) of Mystus 250.0 (a)
vittatus (Bloch 1794) in the Mystus vittatus

No. of individuals
Ganges River 200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0
6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 18.0 19.0

Total length (cm)

Running average Logisc transformaon

(b)

respectively. But, Hossain et al. (2006, 2009) recorded neighboring ecosystems. WR values showed no significant
positive allometric growth of M. vittatus from the Matha- difference from 100 for both males (p = 0.4648) and females
banga and Padma Rivers, correspondingly, which is unlike (p = 0.1641), which means that M. vittatus was in a balanced
our findings. Such divergence in b value depends on the condition. Whereas, Hossain et al. (2006), Muhammad et al.
morphology of fishes and other factors, including food, (2017), and Saha et al. (2019) work on only KF for M. vit-
habitat area, sampling season, gonadal maturity, gender, tatus and observed KF was 0.97–3.18 in males and 1.56–3.18
health, preservation techniques, and body size range (Sub- in females, 1.34 (combined) and 1.85–1.89 (combined) from
odha et al. 2012). Mathabhanga River (Bangladesh), Indus River (Pakistan)
Condition factor (CF) is used to compare the health or and Payra River (Bangladesh), consecutively. The variation
fitness of fish; heftier fish of a certain length is in better observed in condition may be attributed to the seasonality of
condition (Bagenal and Tesch 1978). CF also denotes the the flooding cycle related to the monsoons that regulate the
wellness status of a specific population in the natural envi- reproductive cycle and growth of fish species in Bangladesh
ronment (Hossen et al. 2019). Furthermore, it discloses sev- (Hossain et al. 2006).
eral biological parameters like maturity status and level of To evaluate the differences in body shape for fish species,
fitness (Sabbir et al. 2020). Four condition factors were used a3.0 was used (Froese 2006). The a3.0 was 0.0082, indicating
in our study to evaluate the fitness and productivity of M. the elongated shape of M. vittatus in the Ganges River. Simi-
vittatus, although past studies focused on only one condition lar result (elongated) was reported by Talwar and Jhingran
factor. Among these four condition factors, the Spearman’s (1991) for the same species.
rank correlation test found that KF (0.74–1.99 for males and The maturity size (Lm) of fishes can be used (a) to estimate
0.70–1.69 for females) has more highly significant relation- minimum catchable size and (b) for stock evaluation (Luci-
ships with TL and BW compared to other CFs. Hence, this fora et al. 1999). It is also used for differentiating among
present study suggested that KF (p < 0.0001) is the best to different populations of a single species and to assess the
evaluate the health of M. vittatus in the Ganges River and impacts due to fishing stress, etc. (Templeman 1987). We

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International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 937

Fig. 7  Relationship between (1) 21 40

gonadosomatic index (GSI) vs. (1)
19 35
temperature and (2) gonadoso-
17

Gonadosomatic index (%)

matic index (GSI) vs. rainfall of 30

Temperature ( C)
female Mystus vittatus (Bloch

0
15
25
1794) in the Ganges River
13
20
11
GSI
15
9
Temperature (oC)
7 10

5 5
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
30 450
GSI (2) 400
25

Average Rainfall (mm)

Gonadosomatic index (%)

Rainfall 350
20 300
250
15
200
10 150
100
5
50
0 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month

used three models (TL vs. GSI, logistic, and Lmax) for the Fulton’s condition is the best CF among others for assess-
estimation of Lm. From the three models, the mean value ing spawning season of M. vittatus. We found that KF was
of Lm for M. vittatus was 9.37 cm (TL). Previously, Lm was significantly related to monthly GSI values and 50% female
estimated in four water bodies of south Asia for which the was matured when KF was ~ 1.09 and GSI was 15.0.
lowest value (5.00 cm) was recorded from Bangalore, India Spawning period is very important for the immigration of
(Sudha and Shakuntala 1989) and the highest value (9.00 cm) fishes for spawning purposes (Wilding et al. 2000). Based
was recorded from Guntur, Andra Pradesh, India (Rao and on variation in GSI, the spawning season of M. vittatus
Sharma 1984). The Lm of fishes might differ due to several was April to September with a peak May to July. A total
factors such as feeding rate, sex and gonadal development, of seven of studies have been done previously on spawning
behavior, season, flow of water, population’s density, water season of M. vittatus in south Asia, where the shortest period
temperature, and food (Mawa et al. 2021; Sabbir et al. 2021). was October–November in Chennai, India (Prabhu 1956);

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938 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

Fig. 8  Suitable range of temper- 20

ature and rainfall for spawning
of Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) 18
in Ganges River

Gonadosomatic index(%)
16
14
12 Suitable range of temperature
10 was 28-340C for spawning
8
6
4
2
19 20 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
0
Temperature ( C)
18

16
Gonadosomatic index(%)

14

12
Suitable range of
10 rainfall was 200-390mm
for spawning
8

2
0.0 2.6 3.9 6.3 31.0 38.3 99.3 195.8 225.7 350.4 380.1 385.0 390.0

Rainfall (mm)

September–October in Andhra Pradesh, India (Rao and et al. 1998), but also differences in methodologic technique
Sharma 1984); and August–September in Bangalore, India used for fecundity assessment (Alonso-Fernández et al.
(Sudha and Shakuntala 1989). The longest period reported 2009).
was from August–December in Kancheepuram, India (Raja- According to Dulcic et al. (1998), when the size distribu-
gopal and Davidar 2008). Such, disparities may be ascribed tion of a fish stock is known, the relationship between size
to food availability, environmental influences, and popula- and fecundity is used as a quick means to estimate fecun-
tion densities (Mitu 2017; Khatun et al. 2019). dity. In this research, significant correlations were observed
The estimation of fecundity and description of reproduc- between FT vs. TL (r2 ≥ 0.825) and FT vs. BW (r2 ≥ 0.844).
tive strategies are essential topics for fish population dynam- Also, significant linear relationships were found for natural
ics, physiology, and other biological topics (Hunter et al. log (ln) relationships of FT–TL, FT–BW. Azadi et al. (1987),
1992). In our study, fecundity of M. vittatus ranged from Siddique et al. (2008), and Islam et al. (2011) have similarly
5942 to 49,852 (mean ± SD, 11,897.78 ± 5027.28). In addi- reported positive correlations of fecundity with body weight
tion, fecundity of M. vittatus was previously estimated in six and total length for M. vittatus. This variation happens owing
water bodies in Bangladesh and nearby countries. Among to some issues like age, length, weight, and environmental
them, the lowest fecundity was 2515–9789 (Azadi et al. condition (Hossain et al. 2021).
1987) and the highest was 18,210–44,620 (Islam et al. 2011) Generally, there are two types of mortality, i.e., fishing
both in Bangladesh. Such difference probably occurred due and natural mortality (MW). The status of fish stock and its
to fish living under different nutrient conditions (Ruzzante management policies usually depends on the assessment of

13
International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 939

Fig. 9  Annual average 40.00

maximum temperature (oC) and 38.00 y = 0.0334x + 30.115
rainfall (mm) in the Rajshahi

Average temperature(OC)
36.00 r
2
= 0.332
region northwestern Bangladesh
during 1972 to 2018 34.00
32.00
30.00
28.00
26.00
24.00 Annual average maximum temperature in Rajshahi region
22.00
20.00

1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
Year
3000
Rainfall (mm), Rajshahi region y = -9.0123x + 1632.4
2500
2
r = 0.135
2000
Total rainfall (mm)

1500

1000

500

0
1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
Year

natural mortality (MW) and fishing mortality (F) (Brodziak should be increased to obtain the maximum possible yield
et al. 2011). To ensure sustainable production of any spe- and to maintain the sustainability of the species (El-Ganainy
cies, we should minimize its natural mortality and fishing and Riad 2008). In terms of management, the mesh sizes of
mortality. We observed total mortality (Z) of M. vittatus the nets used in resource exploitation should be increased
was 1.80 ­year−1, Mw was 0.97 ­year−1, and F was 0.83 ­year−1 to allow juvenile fish to escape and reduce fishing pressure.
in the Ganges River as it is the first study on this species, This would allow more females to participate in reproductive
but Memon et al. (2017) research on a catfish (E. vacha) activities, as well as allowing young recruits to grow and
and found Z was 1.09 ­year−1, Mw was 0.76 ­year−1, and F reproduce, ensuring resource availability and sustainability
was 0.33 ­year−1 from Indus River (Pakistan). Mustafa et al. (Udoh and Ukpatu 2017).
(2019) observed Z was 3.01 ­year−1, Mw was 1.59 ­year−1, and Reproduction of M. vittatus is significantly related to
F was 1.42 ­year−1 for M. gulio from Sundarbans ecosystem temperature and rainfall. Fishes are poikilothermic animal
of Bangladesh. This difference depends on some factors like so ambient temperatures control their food consumption,
disease, competition, pollution, environmental factors, and growth, reproductive season, and activities (Vadas et al.
any other natural/manmade factors (Sparre et al. 1989). 2016). Temperature has a dominant influence on fish spawn-
Lopt is one of the important features to the selection of ing behavior, which is frequently regulated by flow and/or
fishing gear for the viable fishery management. Fishing gear flood pulses in rivers. Warming temperatures may be causing
should be created and used in such a way as if individu- earlier river flow pulses (due to early melting of snow-beds
als below than Lopt indicated size should be escaped (Mawa or an altered rainfall pattern), which may be causing changes
et al. 2021). In addition, the Lc is a very vital parameter in breeding phenology (Sarkar et al. 2019). Evidences
when used along with length-at-first-maturity as an indica- already exist that climate-altered timing and intensity of pre-
tion of the health status of the resource (Udoidiong et al. cipitation events in rivers can bring changes in egg produc-
2017). In our study, (Lc =  ~ 8.47 cm) < (Lm =  ~ 9.37 cm) < ( tion, i.e., higher GSI in years of high rainfall (Munz and Hig-
Lopt = 11.14 cm). It indicated that the Lc is smaller than the gins 2013). We found that M. vittatus in the Ganges River
Lm and the Lopt; the length at first capture for this population based on different observation preferred their spawning

13
940 International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943

at 28–34 °C for their reproduction. Khatun et al. (2019) production in hatcheries for aquaculture. In addition, 80%
reported suitable temperatures for spawning of another of female may spawn at 28–34 °C temperatures so it is the
freshwater catfishes as being 29–38 °C in the Ganges River. best thermal range for artificial breeding. With the passage
Also, Sarkar et al. (2017) observed that 29.5–31 °C was a of the time, temperature is rising and rainfall is decreasing so
suitable temperature range for the spawning of freshwater in future spawning may be shifted from climate change. That
fishes in the river basin. Again, we found that the spawning is why this study is very important for the future sustainable
preferable reproductive range of rainfall was 200–390 mm management of M. vittatus and other freshwater catfishes.
for M. vittatus. Khatun et al. (2019) reported a suitable range M. vittatus is declining year by year because of many fac-
of rainfall for spawning of another freshwater catfish as tors, including such environmental factors and habitat, e.g.,
being 350–389 mm in the Ganges River. This deviation may wetland damage, aquatic pollution, fishing pressure, natural
be attributed because of geographical alterations (Khatun disasters, and extreme floodplain siltation (Rahman et al.
et al. 2019). We found that climate (temperature and rainfall) 2016). To conserve the wild stock of M. vittatus and other
has a significant impact on M. vittatus reproduction, and we freshwater catfishes, population surveys and stock assess-
estimated an optimum range of temperature and rainfall for ment are urgently needed. Identification of the causal fac-
their spawning; hence, any deviation from this range could tors responsible for species decline, establishment of suit-
hamper their reproduction. able sanctuaries, conservation of habitats, and protection of
We also observed that from 1972 to 2018, the average adults during spawning and especially for peak spawning
air temperature was increasing by 0.027 °C/year and rain- season are highly recommended. Furthermore, public aware-
fall was decreasing by 2.94 mm/year in the Rajshahi region ness is most important for the conservation of this species as
which could shift the spawning period for M. vittatus and well as other catfishes.
other freshwater catfishes in Bangladesh. Khatun et al.
(2019) reported that temperature is increasing (0.025 °C/
year) and rainfall is decreasing (3.07 mm/year) from 1964
to 2016 in the northwestern region of Bangladesh. Accord- Conclusion
ing to Sarkar et al. (2019), increasing temperature will push
the breeding schedule more towards winter for catfishes (E. Our research is the first complete life-history studies of M.
vacha) in Ganges River which strongly supports our result. vittatus, including population structure, growth pattern,
From our result, it was noticeable that temperature is gradu- condition, form factor, size at first sexual maturity, spawn-
ally increasing and rainfall is dropping so it is obvious that ing season, fecundity, mortality, optimum catchable length,
in the near future these changes will create a diverse impact length at first capture, environmental factors, and manage-
on their reproduction and also increase their mortality rate. ment policies of M. vittatus which can be used for the man-
agement of freshwater fishes in south Asia. Therefore, it
Management options should be a helpful tool for fishery scientists and conserva-
tionists to promote management approaches and regulations
Since M. vitattus is a least concern species, that means that for the sustainable maintenance of the existing wild stocks
the wildlife of this species is the subject of a threatening of M. vittatus as well as freshwater catfishes.
process in this situation, so some management policies
are urgently needed to stop the risks of their existence and Supplementary Information The online version contains supplemen-
tary material available at https://d​ oi.o​ rg/1​ 0.1​ 007/s​ 00484-0​ 22-0​ 2249-7.
help to continue their sustainability in the wild environ-
ment (Nature Conservation Act 1992). Some management Acknowledgements The authors are glad to RL. Vadas jr. for revising
strategies should be maintained like we noticed that 50% the draft manuscript.
of females spawn when their length (TL) is ~ 9.37 cm, so
fish smaller than this should be released and bigger sizes Author contribution Zannatul Mawa, Md.Yeamin Hossain, Md. Rabiul
are recommended for exploitation and as Lc < Lm < Lopt so Hasan, and Jun Ohtomi conceived the concept of the review. Zan-
natul Mawa, Sumaya Tanjin, and Md. Ashekur Rahman collected and
the Lc and mesh size of gill net should be increased from analyzed the data. Zannatul Mawa and Md. Rabiul Hasan wrote and
the mesh size that is commonly used in the study site. This edited the manuscript.
finding should benefit management of this species, as we
can (a) ensure the consistency of the stock year-after-year Funding The authors are glad to the University Grant Commission for
and (b) establish the mesh size of net to catch freshwater their funding support to carry out this research.
catfishes like M. vittatus. Probably 50% of female M. vittatus
Availability of data and materials Data are stored in laboratory
is spawning when Fulton’s condition factor (KF) is ~ 1.09 computer.
and GSI is ~ 15.0. Hence, this condition is suitable for
their spawning and should be maintained for maximum fry

13
International Journal of Biometeorology (2022) 66:927–943 941

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