Biology of Gudusia chapra (Hamilton-Buchanan) from a floodplain wetland in West Bengal

Abstract

Biology of Gudusia chapra (Hamilton-Buchanan) from a floodplain wetland in West Bengal has been studied during 1999-2001. The fish is an omnivore, feeding mainly on Myxophyceae followed by Bacillariophyceae, Turbellaria and Rotifera. November to March was the most active feeding period. The length weight relationship established for the fish suggested fairly isometric growth, closely following cube low. The regression equation obtained was Log W = 2.8576 Log L - 4.7564 (R 2 = 0.9176). Fecundity of the fish ranged from 936 to 13,860. The ova diameter ranged from 0.05 to 1.28 mm. The fish has a prolonged breeding season, extending from March to October, during which it releases eggs in batches. The relative condition factor showed well being of the fish.