Some biological aspects of Asian stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) (Teleostei: Siluriformes) in a wetland ecosystem

The Stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1974) is a commercially important fish species in Asia. This study describes some biological aspects of H. fossilis using a total of 250 individuals which were captured during July 2017 to June 2018 by various types of traditional fishing gears and measured biometric data for each individual The recorded results showed that the TL was varied from 10.30 to 20.50cm and BW was ranged from 4.42 to 50.91g. All LWRs were significant (P<0.001), with r2 values ≥0.952. The calculated allometric coefficient (b)showed positive allometric growth in ombined sexes (b>3). The LLR was significant (P<0.001) with r2 value > 0.988. The a3.0, Lm, and MW were 0.0063, 12.09cm TL and 1.09y-1 for H. fossilis in the Gajner Beel, respectively. These findings would be very effective for further stock assessment and management of this fishery in the Gajner Beel wetland and adjoining ecosystems.