Research Article
Bhattacharya P and Banik S
Abstract
Ompok pabo (Hamilton) commonly known as butter cat fish belongs to the family Siluridae. The present paper is on the fecundity of Ompok pabo (Hamilton) an endangered fish of Tripura. Hence the work on the fecundity of this fish from the Tripura was taken up. The specimens were collected from Gomati river of Tripura. The absolute fecundity of Ompok pabo as determined in the present study varied from 2500 to 19636.71 in the specimens measuring 133 mm to 192 mm. The average fecundity was determined to be 9857.315. Number of eggs per gram body weight was found to be 207.41 (L=145 mm and W=12.18 g) to 545.71 (L=193 mm and W=44.81 g). The ova diameter observed minimum 0.55 (mm) to maximum 1.25 (mm).The relationship between fecundity and total length, total weight, ovary weight and between ovary weight and total length has been determined. The different data were statistically analyzed. Fecundity is an important aspect of fish biology. The knowledge of fecundity is essential for management of the fish population cryopreservation of eggs, fish breeding, larval rearing etc., which are necessary for undertaking conservational measures. The Conservation of the species is urgently needed through cultural practices of the species, as the fish is a highly consumer preferred fish.