Growth Factors and Condition Indices of Some Air-breathing and Catfishes From Hakaluki Haor, Bangladesh

The present study investigated the morphometric traits and growth factors of seven fish species from Hakaluki Haor, Bangladesh. The standard empirical length–weight relationship parameters and condition indices were evaluated. The parameters “a” and “b” varied across species, indicating different growth patterns, with the coefficient of determination (r²) values ranging from 0.74 to 0.91. Channa punctatus had a mean length of 15.52 cm and a weight of 63.50 g, while Channa striata showed a mean length of 34.96 cm and a weight of 354.88 g. A. testudineus had a mean length of 12.04 cm and a weight of 38.04 g, and Heteropneustes fossilis had a mean length of 12.11 cm and a weight of 15.97 g. Mystus cavasius had a mean length of 17.24 cm and a weight of 34.28 g, in contrast, Mystus tengara had a mean length of 10.07 cm and a weight of 10.57 g. While Mystus vittatus had a mean length of 11.64 cm and a weight of 17.42 g. Fulton’s condition factor, allometric growth, and relative condition factor were calculated for each species, with 95% confidence limits provided. C. punctatus had a Fulton’s condition factor of 1.86 ± 0.77, while C. striata had 0.82 ± 0.08. A. testudineus showed a higher condition factor of 2.12 ± 0.29. The allometric growth parameter ranged from −0.008 ± 0.001 in A. testudineus to 1.33 ± 0.02 in M. vittatus. Relative condition factors varied, with C. punctatus at 0.013 ± 0.006 and M. vittatus at −0.71 ± 0.01. Species-specific growth patterns and health conditions are key information for sustainable fishery practices. These findings highlight significant variations in growth patterns and health status among the species, providing valuable insights to support effective management, habitat protection, and conservation of fisheries resources.