A Review on the Biology, Growth and Recruitment Pattern of Various Catfish Species

Ambily. V

Abstract: Present study describes a review on the biology and growth characteristics of major catfishes. Most of the works were based on Length frequency method, Length weight Relationship and biological aspects of important catfishes. Here, most of the researchers incorporated length frequency method for discovering the growth and recruitment pattern of catfish species due to its accuracy. Linear growth pattern is observed in most of the cases. Length weight relationship is used to find out the general well - being of the fish and the condition of the fish observed is nearly good. Deviation from cube law exhibited in most of the catfishes was due to some external factors. Gut content analysis and GSI ratio were used to evaluate feeding habits and find out whether seasonal and geographical variation occurred. Reproductive capacity of the fish species is analysed by fecundity, Gonadosomatic Ratio (GSR) and ova diameter studies. Ova diameter of catfishes varied in a single ovary represents its multiple spawning characteristic. Occurrence of eggs in the mouth of fishes denotes its mouth brooding parental behaviour.

Keywords: Catfishes, Length frequency, Length weight relationship, food and feeding, Ova diameter